1936 Packard One Twenty Business Coupe

The history of the Packard marque dates back to 1903 when it was founded in Warren, Ohio by James Ward Packard. It would soon become one of America's premier luxury cars, a title it would retain for decades. Their automobiles were constructed from the best materials by skilled workmen. They had high endurance and performance, reliability and longevity, pleasing styling, and simple operation.

To help weather the effects of the Great Depression, Packard introduced the 120 which was half as expensive as the 900 Series. The name '120' was derived from its 120-inch wheelbase. Mounted under the bonnet was an eight-cylinder engine that displaced 282 cubic inches and mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. In keeping with the pedigree of the marque, the 120 was given the Packard radiator outline, red hexagon hubcap centers, and Packard badges.

In 1936 it was honored by being the official pace car of the Indianapolis 500. The car was driven by the race car driver, Tommy Milton.

This 1936 Packard 120 Custom Convertible Victoria with coachwork by LeBaron is one of only two examples that were built on special order by a Chicago-area tobacco tycoon. He kept the convertible and gave the coupe to his wife.

The early years of this car's history are unknown. In the early 1990s, this convertible victoria was found in a barn in the Midwest and purchased by an auction house. It was later purchased by actor Edward Hermann, who commissioned a complete restoration. The History Channel did an hour-long special on the detailed restoration and history of this Packard 120.

Since the restoration, the car has been driven less than 1,000 miles. In 2007 it was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction where it was estimated to sell for $125,000 - $150,000. Bidding failed to reach those estimates, but the reserve was lifted and the lot sold for $110,000 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2011