1941 Packard One-Twenty Convertible Coupe

This Car

This lovely Grove Green Metallic Convertible Coupe’s recent history begins in 2002, when it was acquired by noted Packard collector Tim Dudley from the Tom Mix Collection in Boston. Dudley immediately embarked on an ambitious restoration, entrusting it to Charles Frantz of High Expectations Auto Restoration in Front Royal, Virginia. A new interior of gray and green leather, complemented by a tan cloth top, was installed by Bruce Phillips of Coach Trimmers in Strasburg, Virginia. The entire project consumed a year and a half, and a reported $100,000.

While the current paint scheme is not original to this car, it is a correct color for the year and model. The car is fitted with optional Deluxe bumper guards, a factory-optional “K” deluxe steering wheel, dealer-installed “Senior” Deluxe hood ornament, a radio with its rare cowl-mounted antenna, heater, and defroster. The running boards were deleted, which was also a factory option.

The consignor, who acquired the car from Mr. Dudley states that the car has always been stored in a climate-controlled garage, and he has enjoyed it without incident during his ownership. Neither he nor the previous owner has ever shown this fine Packard, making it an excellent candidate for Concours d’Elegance as well as relaxed top-down weekend tours. The One-Twenty is accompanied by an owner’s manual, correct jack, and lug wrench.

For the collector of fine prewar American automobiles, this beautifully restored One- Twenty Convertible Coupe presents a rare opportunity. The Packard One-Twenty

Packard, a member of the once-famous “Three Ps,” which also included Peerless and Pierce-Arrow, stood out as a lone survivor among luxury brands still in production after the Great Depression and through the 1930s. As the 1940s dawned, the company found itself producing models for a wider market. The “One-Twenty” series, introduced in 1937, was Packard’s attempt to break into the mid-priced eight-cylinder demographic.

The One-Twenty was built on a 127" wheelbase and, for 1941, was available in eight body styles. The One-Twenty offered buyers the company’s patented “Safe-T-Flex” double-A-arm independent front suspension; the proven 282 cid, L-head inline eight that produced 120 hp; a three-speed-plus Aeroshift overdrive transmission with column control; and for the Model 1499 Convertible Coupe, a mildly updated body with headlamps now largely enclosed in the front fenders and a single glass panel to replace the two-piece rear window. The car carried a list price of $1,407 FOB Detroit, and 1,700 examples were sold.