1926 Packard 221

Created almost 100 years ago, the 1926 Packard five-passenger sedan embodies American automotive excellence from The Great Gatsby era. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Katja Zigerlig, Berkley One’s Vice President of Art, Wine + Collectibles Advisory, tells us why she love the 1926 Packard 221.

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The Car

The 1926 Packard five-passenger sedan embodies American automotive excellence from the Roaring Twenties. The four-door design has a 3-Speed Manual Selective Gear Transmission with 4-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes and a single Packard Updraft carburetor. The tires have painted disc wheels that highlight Packard’s traditional red center octagon and whitewall tires. Side-mounted spare wheels are topped by rear-view mirrors that are held in place with chrome-plated chains. A folding rack holds a large lockable trunk to accommodate extra luggage. The 221 refers to the body style of this “Single Six” model. Its timeless design makes it a highly sought-after classic among collectors.

The Collector

Rarity is the name of the game when it comes to the 1926 Packard 221 Five-Passenger Sedan. Many cars from that era have either been lost to time or scrapped. Packard vehicles from the 1920’s were produced in limited quantities compared to mass-market brands. Packard was an American luxury automobile company that helped put Detroit on the map, producing vehicles starting in 1899. In 1921, the first version of the “Single Six” line was introduced as a modestly priced alternative to the V-12 line. This 1926 “Single Six” model represents the third iteration of this timeless classic.

The Love

It reminds me of the Gilded Age in America, and I imagine people driving their Packard out to cultural events for a night on the town.

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Contributed by Katja Zigerlig

Photo: Bonhams

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here:

Spotlight #1, Spotlight #2, Spotlight #3, Spotlight #4, Spotlight #5, Spotlight #6, Spotlight #7, Spotlight #8, Spotlight #9, Spotlight #10, Spotlight #11, Spotlight #12, Spotlight #13, Spotlight #14, Spotlight #15, Spotlight #16, Spotlight #17, Spotlight #18, Spotlight #19, Spotlight #20, Spotlight #21, Spotlight #22, Spotlight #23, Spotlight #24, Spotlight #25.

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.