As Packard debuted the 1939 models in September 1938, it was clear that lessons had been learned from the popularity of the lower-priced One Twenty and six-cylinder series. Although the mighty Twelve still graced the top of the catalogue, its understudy, the venerable Super Eight, was leaner, lighter, and less expensive. Included were a couple of features from the junior Packards, such as a column-shift transmission and optional overdrive. Sales nearly doubled.

For 1940, the transformation continued. The Twelve was gone, its place taken by a Custom Super Eight One Eighty, while the Super Eight One Sixty continued to hold the center of the catalogue. Nine body styles were offered, up from six the year before, on wheelbases of 127, 138, or 148 inches. The catalogue custom cars, an all-weather cabriolet and town car by Rollston, and a convertible victoria and sport sedan from Darrin were reserved for the One Eighty series, with the One Sixty receiving all Packard-built bodies. The flagship of the One Sixty line was the five-passenger convertible sedan, body style 1377. A handsome yet compact car, it weighed in at nearly 4,000 pounds and was priced at $2,050.

If the size of the cars was leaner, the engine was not. One Sixtys and One Eightys shared a newly revised eight of 356 cubic inches; a powerplant destined to last for a decade. With 36 more cubic inches than its predecessor, 6.45:1 compression, and aluminum pistons, it developed 160 brake horsepower, and the hydraulic valve lifters made for silent operation.

Formerly in the collection of the late Tom Mix, the Massachusetts Packard aficionado and founder of Foreign Motors West in Boston, this Packard Super Eight Convertible Sedan is a Boston original that was delivered by the Turner Packard agency there. It was acquired by Mr. O’Quinn in 2005. The recipient of a frame-off restoration in the mid-1990s, the car has a cream leather interior, a radio and heater, and the desirable overdrive option, as well as chrome wire wheels with Packard hexagon hubcaps and wide whitewall tires. The tan canvas top has a matching boot cover.

The Packard Convertible Sedan was nearing its sunset in 1940. For 1941, just a few would be built in the One Twenty and One Sixty series, after which the model was gone forever. This car presents a chance to acquire a rare and desirable Packard.