120 hp, 282 cu. in. inline eight-cylinder engine, three-speed synchromesh manual transmission, independent front suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 127"

• Legendary Packard eight-cylinder performance

• Only 36,000 miles from new

• New paint, leather interior, convertible top, and chrome

Packard introduced its 1940 or Eighteenth Series models on August 8, 1939, well ahead of other manufacturers’ introductory dates. The company continued to divide the cars between Junior and Senior models, but the emphasis was now on the Junior models, as sales were increasingly coming from the lower end of the price spectrum. The public was the beneficiary, as the One-Ten and One-Twenty models offered legendary Packard quality for the price of a Buick, Olds, Mercury, Hudson, or DeSoto.

Despite being Packard’s lowest-price eight-cylinder line, the One-Twenty was by no means a base model. Equipped with Packard’s 120 horsepower, 282-cubic inch straight eight and three-speed transmission, performance was excellent. Junior eights received new cylinder heads for improved aspiration, although horsepower remained the same. The convertible coupe was very attractive and quite a value given that the $1,275 price included leather interior. A total of 28,138 One-Twenties were produced in 1940 over nine different body styles.

This Packard One-Twenty Convertible Coupe has led an especially charmed life, according to a storyboard prepared by a previous owner. Having covered just over 36,000 miles from new, it has been cosmetically restored while not taking away from its quality, preservation, and originality. The panel gaps are even and flush, and the car presents nicely, as it is finished in black with a maroon leather interior, and a tan top and boot. It is equipped with a power top, wheel covers and trim rings on body-color wheels, wide whitewall tires, grille guard, heater, and clock. The paint, chrome, leather, and convertible top are new, and the engine and chassis have been prepared to presentable standards. This lovely Packard convertible is no less satisfying today as it was when new and is ready for its next owner to enjoy it top up or down during a long country drive.