Packard’s Eighteenth Series was introduced to the public in August 1939 with ads telling buyers, “The more you look…the more you’ll want one.” Cars received a new face; the traditional Packard grille was flanked by two vertical side grilles, while sealed-beam headlights were fitted directly on the fenders with parking lights mounted on the fender crowns. Other changes were kept to a minimum: cylinder heads were redesigned for better intake flow, the hood length was increased—allowing easier mounting of spares for those who ordered them—and the options list grew longer than ever.

Despite being Packard’s lowest-price eight-cylinder line, the One-Twenty was by no means a base model. Equipped with the 120-horsepower, 282-cubic-inch straight-eight and three-speed transmission, performance was excellent. Junior eights received new cylinder heads, although horsepower remained the same. The convertible coupe was very attractive and quite a value given that the $1,275 price included a leather interior.

This Packard One-Twenty Convertible Coupe is a lovely example benefiting from an older cosmetic restoration. Finished in black with a maroon leather interior and a tan top, the work has held up well over the years with glossy paint, bright chrome, and only minor signs of wear showing in the interior and undercarriage. It is equipped with a power top, grille guard, heater, and clock. Body-color wheels are dressed up with covers and trim rings and mounted with wide whitewall tires. Under the hood, a replacement 288-cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine from a later Packard has been fitted and feeds power through a manual transmission with a column-mounted shifter. Since joining the collection of Ron and Sarah Jury in 2012, the car has had the entire fuel system overhauled.

Eminently attractive and benefiting from a well-preserved older restoration, this One-Twenty Convertible Coupe would be an excellent choice for the enthusiast seeking to experience Packard’s renowned beauty, quality, and engineering on the open road or at events.