Vehicle Description
Since its inception, Packard's clientele included a range of
high-profile individuals such as movie stars, socialites, and
playboys. However, despite this celebrity clientele, Packard's
standard designs were often quite traditional, contrasting sharply
with the glamorous personas of their owners. Howard "Dutch" Darrin
sought to break from this norm with his characteristic flair. After
creating a series of bespoke Packards for Hollywood figures, which
featured his distinctive styling cues like the "Darrin dip" and
streamlined lines, the term "Hollywood Darrin" soon became
associated with the custom-built cars he designed. Darrin proposed
incorporating these designs into Packard's official lineup, but his
suggestions were initially dismissed by the company's executives.
Determined to make his designs known, Darrin strategically parked
one of his custom Packards outside the Packard Proving Grounds
during an annual dealer meeting, ensuring that attendees could not
overlook it. The pressure from dealers led Packard to include the
Darrin designs in their 1940 catalog, offering them as Sport
Sedans, Convertible Sedans, and Convertible Victorias. However, in
an effort to simplify production after the 1940 model year, Packard
phased out some of Darrin's features, such as the "suicide" doors
and decorative running boards. The "Hollywood Darrin" offered here
was built on the powerful Super Eight chassis and is one of only 16
custom-bodied Packards produced from 1938 to 1939 at Darrin's
California premises before production was moved to Connersville,
Indiana. Its earliest known owner, as recounted by Darrin historian
Don Figone, was Mrs. Joe Gertner, who may have been connected to
the John Deere family. The car was next acquired in the late 1970s
by a resident of Fort Lauderdale, FL, reportedly from the brother
of the President of Mexico. It was subsequently acquired in 2004 by
a well-known collector, where it remained in the collection for
over 19 years. This Darrin is an older restoration and is in
charming overall condition. The car is finished in maroon with
straw pinstriping, and the tan leather interior, while showing some
patina, remains very attractive. The vehicle exhibits many original
features, such as the somewhat roughly cut rocker panels and
visible gas welds under the hood-distinctive traits of these early
"Darrins" that are often sadly lost during insensitive
restorations. Additionally, the car was fitted with Senior Trippe
driving lights, correct bumper guards, and a Packard script license
plate light. The panel fitment is fine throughout, and the
brightwork is in wonderful condition. The Packard Cormorant hood
ornament sits proudly on the hood, above the bright split chrome
front grille. The interior has mellowed over the years but is still
extremely well presented. The caramel-colored leather throughout is
preserved and shows minimal signs of wear. The dashboard, with its
wooden trim and molded plastic instrument bezels and beautifully
cast steering wheel, is in excellent condition. The speedometer and
clock, housed in their original Bakelite casings, add a touch of
vintage charm to this well-maintained and preserved car. The
current engine is a 1942 unit, installed later in the car's life,
but the engine bay has been nicely detailed and clean. Included
with the car are an original Super Eight Owner's Manual, and
convertible top cover. This early Hollywood Darrin would be an
ideal addition to any Packard collection or a superb CARavan
automobile, offering outstanding performance that represents some
of the best of its era. This handsome Packard Darrin would
undoubtedly earn its next custodian pride of place at any Packard
Club event. Offers welcome and trades considered. For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7776-1939-packard-super-eight-darrin/
