Vehicle Description
Custom-bodied coachwork has been celebrated among many automotive
manufacturers since the inception of the automobile. The need for
many consumers to have something above the norm, or something that
really made a statement. Whether audacious intentions, or an effort
to further refine the shape or to simply to have a one-of-a-kind
vehicle to cruise the boulevard, designers were up to the task. One
such designer was Howard "Dutch" Darrin, who began his creative
design career with long established Brewster & Co. based in New
Haven, Connecticut. He would later establish Hibbard & Darrin with
fellow designer Thomas Hibbart in France, where the two had met
during World War I. Hibbard is also the co-founder of LeBaron Inc.,
another defined coach house in New York City.
This allowed Darrin to create some beautiful automobiles throughout
the world, before finally bringing his inspiration back to the
United States, establishing himself in Hollywood, CA in 1937. He
would customize Packards for elite buyers in California, including
famed actors Clark Gable and Chester Morris. Packard Motor Company
recognized his talents and brought him onboard into their
California production facility to build limited production Packards
with his design influence. Today, they're easily recognized by his
signature low body line presentation, notched upper doors, and
V-swept windshields.
We are very excited to offer one of last production vehicles built
prior to the United States entering World War II. This stunning
1942 Packard Clipper One-Eighty Convertible Victoria for sale with
Body by Darrin is finished in maroon over dark red leather interior
and red Stayfast cloth top. One of only 15 such examples would be
produced. Features include 1942 date-code correct 356ci L-Head
Inine 8-cylinder, 3-speed transmission with factory Aero-Drive
overdrive, Packard AM radio with cowl antenna, dual outside
mirrors, clock, cowl ventilation, tinted windshields, Denman wide
whitewall tires, hubcaps and trim rinds, and exhaust turn-down
tip.
According to Darrin historian Don Figone, the earliest documented
ownership history of this car begins with car collector Glen
Shepard of Piedmont, California. Upon his purchase in the early
1950's, he would commence what was likely the first restoration of
this special Packard. Giving Mr. Shepard invaluable assistance in
the project was Ray Dubrois of the San Francisco branch of Earl C.
Anthony Company, who supplied him with hard to obtain Packard
parts. Every component from the crankshaft to the rear axle would
be meticulously balanced and rebuilt from the inside out. It also
included adding a Packard 327ci head to slightly increase the
compression ratio and provide more power and efficiency to the
engine. His efforts to complete the full restoration were stated to
come at a cost of $6,000 in 1953, a heavy sum in those days. His
reward was the opportunity to have this vehicle showcased in Road &
Track Magazine in September 1953 as a featured article about the
Packard Darrin. It would later trade hands to a collection in
Houston, TX before coming back to Los Angeles in the 1970's. It
would then go on to be used in Hollywood in the TV detective series
called Banacek, starring George Peppard.
Most recently, it was part of the esteemed Adderley Collection,
where it has been exhibited and cared for over the past 16 years.
It continues to show exceptionally well, both inside and out. It
was just serviced in 2024 to include new engine oil & filter, fresh
air filter oil, new spark plugs, new idler arm bushings, front and
rear u-joints, had the brake shoes cleaned, repacked the outer
wheel bearings, and a new radiator cap installed. A marvelous
edition to any pre-war collection, or anyone looking to make a
statement in a CCCA Full Classic at the next Caravan, this is
certainly a vehicle that requires consideration!! Please call with
any questions or to schedule a chance to review it in person.
Thanks, as always, for looking at our inventory!
