Vehicle Description
RARE CLASSIC ERA DESIGN MASTERPIECEBODY BY FAMED DESIGNER HOWARD
"DUTCH" DARRINFINISHED IN BLACK W/ OXBLOOD LEATHER INTERIORCAR 9 OF
35 CONVERTIBLE VICTORIAS BUILT FOR 1941356 CI L-HEAD INLINE
8-CYLINDER ENGINE3-SPEED SYNCHROMESH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONONE OF THE
MOST GLAMOROUS PREWAR COACHBUILT CARSCCCA FULL CLASSIC
RECOGNITIONFRESHLY & FULLY INSPECTED, SERVICED & DETAILED Soon
after returning to America from France in 1937 and logically
settling in Hollywood, renowned designer Howard "Dutch" Darrin
created a sensation with his automobile designs for the rich and
famous of the era. Starting with a European-themed 1937 Ford
Phaeton for Warner Brothers' actor Dick Powell and a similar design
on a Packard 120 chassis for RKO actor Chester Morris, Darrin
continued with several more cars as he established himself in
Hollywood. Approximately 22 custom Darrins followed in 1938 and
1939 for stars including Errol Flynn, Gene Krupa, Al Jolson, and
Carole Lombard for Clark Gable. For 1940, 30 cars were produced in
all by Darrin, mostly two-door convertibles featuring
Victoria-style convertible tops and the rakish "Darrin Dip" to the
doors and bodysides. By mid-1940, Darrin's custom work on Packard
chassis caught the attention of Packard president Alvan Macauley
via dealer Earle C. Anthony. A deal was struck for Packard to
market the cars as part of its model line, and a factory was
established in Connersville, Indiana to build them in 1941 and 1942
just before the halt of civilian automobile production when America
entered WW II. Finished in Black paint with an Oxblood leather
interior, this 1941 Packard Custom Super Eight 180 Convertible
Victoria is a rare and wonderfully presented example of the
celebrated Darrin and Packard collaboration. Car No. 9 of 35
Convertible Victorias built for the 1941 model year, this
Packard-Darrin is one of only 3 known equipped with running boards.
Additionally, it features a "K" multi-spoke steering wheel. Sold
new on May 27, 1941, by Ed Lee Packard in Pensacola, Florida, this
example is believed to have been restored by Gray Hills Auto
Restoration in New Jersey and recently refreshed by Robert
Escalante's Custom Auto Service in Santa Ana, California, where it
received a new top, plus new carpeting, a new wiring harness and
restored brightwork. A shop manual and service records are
included. Well-known in classic Packard circles, this example is a
proven concours contender that has received two invitations to the
world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, plus awards at
numerous shows in the West.Recognized as a CCCA Full Classic
automobile with exceptional eligibility for a wide array of shows,
concours, and classic touring events, this exceedingly rare and
handsome 1941 Packard Super 8 180 Convertible Victoria by Darrin is
an outstanding and timeless prewar classic automobile throughout.
Call us today for more details, book a viewing, and make it yours
in time for the upcoming show and touring season!
