1939 Packard One Twenty Series 1701 1
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1939 Packard One-Twenty Model 1701 Convertible

cropped luca1.pngByLuca

Designed by the legendary Howard “Dutch” Darrin, this 1939 Packard Series 1701 One-Twenty is considered by many to be a masterpiece of automotive craftsmanship and a representation of luxury from an era when cars were often a symbol of someone’s status and sophistication.

1939 Packard One Twenty Series 1701 2

He was a favorite of Hollywood celebrities who desired more than a stock, off-the-shelf vehicle and looked to Dutch to create something more fitting of their status.

1939 Packard One Twenty Series 1701 3

Its 282ci flathead inline 8-cylinder engine produced around 120bhp, which was more than respectable for its time. The combination of a single downdraft carburetor with a 3-speed manual transmission provided drivers a level of control and responsiveness that was unmatched by many of its competitors.

1939 Packard One Twenty Series 1701 4

The car’s independent front suspension and live rear axle, coupled with the 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, allowed for a driving experience that was both comfortable and secure, making it a favorite among the elite of Hollywood.

1939 Packard One Twenty Series 1701 5

The Packard One-Twenty’s design was quite stylish, with a long hood that swept back to a split v-windshield, a hallmark of Darrin’s influence and a nod to the most revered custom Packards of the early ’30s.

1939 Packard One Twenty Series 1701 11

As one of only eight examples built, this Convertible Victoria is exceedingly rare, adding to its desirability. Darrin’s clever design modifications, which included the cut-down doors and the elegant Victoria top, were so well-received that they were later adopted into Packard’s production models, cementing his influence on the brand’s legacy.

1939 Packard One Twenty Series 1701 8

This particular example has been marked by careful preservation and restoration efforts. In 1999, the vehicle underwent a complete restoration, followed by a cosmetic refresh in 2006, which included a bare metal respray to its original color, a new top, and a refinished interior.

1939 Packard One Twenty Series 1701 7
1939 Packard One Twenty Series 1701 6
1939 Packard One Twenty Series 1701 12
1939 Packard One Twenty Series 1701 10
1939 Packard One Twenty Series 1701 9

These restorations ensure that the car not only maintains its original charm and elegance but also functions as reliably today as it did over eight decades ago.

The 1939 Packard One-Twenty Series 1701 is a true icon among car collectors and enthusiasts, celebrated for its perfect combination of elegance, engineering, and historic importance.

Credit: Bonhams|Cars

cropped luca1.png

As the founder of Car Classico, Luca's passion for classic cars began on the outskirts of Naples, Italy as a young boy in the 1970s, when he vividly remembers seeing stylish Alfa Romeos and sleek Lancias driving through his neighborhood.

After his family immigrated to the United States in the 1980s, Luca fell in love with the array of classic vehicles he encountered, from shapely Cadillacs to muscular Corvettes. Though he’s not a car collector or restorer himself, Luca has cultivated a lifelong appreciation in the classic car world and is fortunate enough to own a ’57 Chevy Bel Air.

Now living in North Carolina, Luca would be one of the few that would prefer to watch a Barrett-Jackson auction on the History channel instead of a Duke vs North Carolina college basketball game. He’s a regular at local classic car meet-ups and has the Charlotte AutoFair circled on his calendar.

His dream car is to one day own a C2 Corvette with its amazing split window although that better come sooner than later with prices continuing to climb.

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