Vehicle Description
This 1939 Packard Series 1701 One-Twenty Convertible Victoria by
Darrin is an extremely rare Darrin that benefitted from an
Award-Winning restoration by an esteemed Packard specialist. In
hindsight, 1939 would serve as the end of an era for the luxury
American automaker, Packard, at it was the final year of Packard's
production of the Twelve and, some would argue, its true Senior
cars. While 1938 was a disappointment for automobile sales, the
industry was optimistic heading into 1939. For Packard, who was
celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 1939, its Seventeenth Series
was a much welcomed rebound with sales up approximately 50% from
the previous year. Introduced on September 20, 1938, Packard's four
model lines in 1939 were again divided into its Senior models
consisting of the Super Eight and Twelve, and its Junior models
consisting of the Six and One-Twenty. Of course, Packard
aficionados know that Packard's foray into the upper-middle market
of the automotive industry, with the introduction of the One Twenty
and later the Six, likely saved the company during the tough years
of the Great Depression. Perhaps the biggest change in 1939 was the
relocation of the shifter lever from the floor to the steering
column, which made the front seat roomier and thus more enjoyable
to drive. 1939 also marked somewhat of a demise of the semi-custom
bodied Packards, as they were no longer available in the Junior Six
and 120 lines. Filling that gap was a small custom shop in
Hollywood, California, owned by famed designer Howard "Dutch"
Darrin. Darrin's Los Angeles-based shop was purchasing a small
number of Packards and modified them for Hollywood's rich and
famous. In 1939, it was said that Dutch Darrin produced between 15
and 20 1939 Packards by Darrin, many of which were owned by
Hollywood celebrities. Of course, the most identifiable and iconic
attribute of the Darrin-bodied cars was the so-called "Darrin Dip"
where the doors taper down creating a slight dip from the back of
the door to the rear quarter panel. Due to the Darrin cars'
unrivaled beauty, Packard would end up contracting directly with
Dutch Darrin to build the custom Packard bodies and would go on to
sell them directly from Packard the following year in 1940. Because
of the extraordinary small production numbers of the Darrin-bodied
1939 Packards, they are today considered one of the rarest and most
desirable Packards and have thus been deemed Full Classics by the
Classic Car Club of America. This particular example was restored a
number of years ago and after its restoration by an esteemed marque
specialist, it won Second in Class at the Amelia Island Concours
D'Elegance. After the restoration, the car resided in the caring
hands of several prominent collectors who took great care of this
extremely rare automobile. Powering this '39 Darrin Victoria is a
recently rebuilt 282 Cubic Inch L-Head Inline 8 cylinder engine fed
by a single 2 barrel carburetor that together were said to have
produced 120 horsepower when new. The 282 Straight 8 is mated to 3
speed manual transmission with "Econo-Drive" overdrive that is
shifted via a "Handishift" column mounted shifter. Exhaust exits
the 282 Packard powerplant via a single exhaust outlet. Riding on a
set of wide whitewall bias-ply tires, accented with Packard hubcaps
and beauty rings, this 1939 Packard 120 Darrin has a fantastic look
whether parked at the car show or cruising down the road. The front
and rear bumpers are in wonderful condition and both are outfitted
with a pair of bumper guards. With a pair of outside chrome
mirrors, maneuvering this 1939 Packard One-Twenty Convertible in
and out of tight spaces is made much easier. An antenna is also
correctly mounted on the front driver's side quarter panel to
improve radio reception on long cruises. The remaining chrome and
brightwork, including the special Darrin nameplates, is in
fantastic shape and further adds to the luxurious look of this rare
custom-bodied Packard. The beige cloth convertible top is manually
operated and appears to be top notch. The custom Darrin body of
this 1939 Packard Victoria Convertible by Darrin has been
refinished in beautiful Packard Ivory paint that completes the
exterior look of the car. The interior on this 1939 Packard Series
1701 One-Twenty Convertible Victoria by Darrin is absolutely
gorgeous! The suicide doors open in front and operate great. The
front bucket seats and rear bench seat have been reupholstered in
tufted burgundy leather. The matching carpeting, upholstered door
panels, padded dash with woodgrain and chrome accents, and deluxe
steering wheel are all in great shape and all appear to remain in
their stock configuration. The instrument cluster is equipped with
a 100 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge,
battery gauge, and gasoline gauge. The dash is finished with a
locking glovebox, electric clock, automatic cigar lighter and
ashtray, and a Packard Custom AM radio. Whether you're the man who
people take up the advice to "Ask the Man Who Owns One" or you're
buying your first custom-bodied CCCA Full Classic, this 1939
Packard Series 1701 One-Twenty Convertible Victoria by Darrin would
make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at
763-428-7337!
*282 Cu. In. L-Head Inline 8
*Single 2 Barrel Carburetor
*120 Horsepower
*3 Speed Manual Transmission w/ Overdrive
*Wide Whitewall Tires w/ Hubcaps & Beauty Rings
*Believed 1 of 15 to 20 '39 Darrin Bodied Cars
*Award Winning Restoration by Packard Specialist
*Packard Cream Exterior
*Burgundy Leather Bucket Seats
*Beige Cloth Convertible Top
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 44,405 Miles
