Vehicle Description
Straight from the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2023, this 1940
Packard Custom Super Eight One-Eighty Victoria Convertible by
Darrin is a remarkable piece of automotive history, often
celebrated for its elegance, craftsmanship, and luxury. Here are
some key details about this iconic vehicle: -- Overview -- -
Manufacturer: Packard Motor Car Company - Designer: Howard "Dutch"
Darrin - Production Year: 1940 - Model: Custom Super Eight
One-Eighty - Body Style: Victoria Convertible - Engine: 356 cubic
inch (5.8 L) L-head inline 8-cylinder engine - Power: Approximately
160 horsepower - Transmission: 3-speed manual transmission w/
overdrive -- Design and Styling -- - Coachbuilder: Darrin of Paris
(Dutch Darrin's design studio in Los Angeles, CA. known for
creating custom bodies for luxury cars for Hollywood Stars). -
Distinctive Features: The Packard Custom Super Eight One-Eighty
Victoria Convertible by Darrin is renowned for its sleek and
sophisticated design. It features flowing, aerodynamic lines, a low
windshield, and a raked grille. The "Darrin Dip," a signature swoop
in the beltline, is one of its most recognizable characteristics. -
Interior: The interior of this vehicle is luxurious, with
high-quality materials, including leather upholstery, art-deco, and
chrome accents. The attention to detail in the interior design
underscores the car's status as a premium luxury vehicle of its
time. -- Rarity and Collectibility -- - Limited Production: This
Custom Super Eight One-Eighty Victoria Convertible by Darrin was
produced in very limited numbers, making it highly sought after by
collectors today. It is estimated that fewer than 50 of these cars
were made, and even fewer exist today. - Collectibility: Due to its
rarity, historical significance, and the reputation of Howard
"Dutch" Darrin as a designer, this Packard model is considered a
valuable collector's item. It represents the pinnacle of pre-war
American luxury automobiles. -- Performance -- - Engine
Performance: The 356 cubic inch engine mated with a high-speed
rear-end was Packard's most powerful offering at the time,
providing smooth and robust performance. This car was known for its
quiet, refined ride and was capable of impressive speeds for its
era. - Ride and Handling: This car was equipped with Packard's
advanced suspension system, which provides a comfortable ride, even
on rough roads. It was considered one of the best-handling luxury
cars of its time. -- Historical Significance -- - Luxury and
Innovation: This 1940 Packard Custom Super Eight One-Eighty was
part of Packard's top-tier lineup and was marketed as a luxury
vehicle for the elite. It represented the height of American
automotive engineering and design before World War II. - Designer
Legacy: Howard "Dutch" Darrin was a renowned automotive designer
whose work influenced the design language of luxury cars in the
1930s and 1940s. His collaboration with Packard produced some of
the most stylish and memorable cars of the era. - Provenance: -2014
Engine rebuilt by Gene Crengs of Wisconsin -2015 Body-on
restoration completed by well-known Darrin expert Gene Tereshawty
of Ohio -2015 Awarded Best of Show Packard Nationals, Reading, PA
-2016 Classic Car Club of America Judged: Premier Badge 3213
February: Boca Raton, FL - 100.00 points June: Hickory Corners, MI
- 99.00 points July: Salem, OH - 99.25 points -2017 Shown at St.
Johns Concours, Plymouth, MI (Driven) -2017 & 2018 Awarded Best in
Class at The CCCA Experience, Hickory Corners, MI (Driven) -2023
Displayed at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance after completing the
Motoring Classic from Seattle, WA to Pebble Beach, CA (1,500 miles)
