1942 Packard Super-8 One-Eighty Convertible Coupe

The Packard 180 made its debut in 1941 in New York and was to be a replacement for the legendary Packard Twelve. The Packard 180, along with the companion 160 Series, had a modern design with headlights integrated into the fenders for the first time. The interior was equally as modern, with a dash fascia molded almost entirely in plastic.

World War II would halt production and after the war, the company sold its tooling to the Russians. This left the mid-priced Clipper as the company's sole offering after the war. The art of coachbuilding was also coming to a close, as new construction methods all but did away with this craft. Howard 'Dutch' Darrin was one of the few coachbuilders that survived past the late thirties. Darrin had relocated to California and opened a shop in Hollywood where his work catered to the stars.

Near the close of the 1930s, Darrin created a series of special-bodied Convertible Victorias atop the Packard chassis. They were distinguished by their 'vee' windshields, long hoods, and the famous 'Darrin dip' in the beltline near the rear of the doors. The popularity of these cars quickly rose and in response, Darrin set up production in Connersville, Indiana. They carried a relatively high price tag of $4,595, but they had the style to match. All of the circa 50 examples produced were sold. Fifteen were assembled for 1942 before WWII put a halt to production.

This example was one of the 15 produced in 1942 and was used in the filming of the 1970s television detective series Banacek, starring George Peppard. During the 1990s, the car was treated to a restoration by Packard collector Ralph Marano.

This Packard One-Eighty is the only Convertible Victoria to feature a three-position convertible top - meaning the top can be either closed, completely open, or partially open.

Mounted under the bonnet is an L-head eight-cylinder engine that displaces 356 cubic inches and produced 165 horsepower. There is a three-speed transmission and four-wheel hydraulic brakes.

In 2008 this Darrin-bodied car was brought to RM Auctions 'Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook' where it was estimated to sell for $225,000 - $275,000. Bidding exceeded those expectations as the lot was sold for $330,000, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2008