For Sale: 1939 Packard Super Eight in Saint Louis, Missouri

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/