Lot 357: 1938 Packard One Twenty Eight Sedan

Always built to the highest standards, the Packard was unquestionably one of the finest American cars of the pre-war era and deservedly popular on this side of the Atlantic. The Packard ranked alongside the world’s top luxury makes and was a frequent sight at the most exclusive society functions of its era, being favoured by film stars, celebrities and plutocrats.

This car has the 282ci (4,623cc) 120bhp engine introduced on the Junior Packard (One Twenty) line-up for 1936, independent front suspension, synchromesh transmission and hydraulic brakes having been part of the specification for some years. Curiously, the ‘One Twenty’ designation was dropped for 1938 but returned for 1939, the car offered here belonging to that year’s 17th Series, which commenced production in September 1938. Overdrive transmission (‘Econo-Drive’ in Packard parlance) was an option for the first time on ’39 models and is fitted to this car, affording effortless cruising at 60-65mph and 18-20mpg on a long run.

Chassis number ‘48257’ was first registered in this country on 22nd December 1938 and, like many American automobiles, was later requisitioned for the war effort. In his book ‘The Secret Wireless War’, Geoffrey Pidgeon documents the fact that Packards were favoured for use as mobile communications units, and this particular example is believed to have been stationed at the famous National Codes and Cipher Centre at Bletchley Park.

In its last owner’s possession for 32 years, the car underwent comprehensive restoration between 1981 and 1982, including an engine rebuild and new clutch. At the same time the coachwork was treated to a bare-metal repaint in Rolls-Royce Brewster Green while the interior has been re-trimmed in correct beige Bedford cord, the burr walnut-style dashboard and door cappings being refurbished also. A veteran of many lengthy journeys over the years, including Continental rallies, ‘ABW 157’ represents an opportunity to acquire a superbly engineered American luxury sedan worthy of comparison with the very best in its class. The car is offered with old-style green continuation logbook (1959), assorted expired MoT certificates, Swansea V5C registration document and current road fund licence/MoT.