1942 Packard Super-8 One-Eighty Convertible Coupe

By 1940, these Darrin-customized Packards now appeared in Packard advertising and were favorites of individuals who wanted something just a bit more distinctive than Packard's regular offerings.

One such individual was a western film actor and singer Gene Autry, who purchased this car new in Dallas, Texas in 1942. This car was part of the collection of several prominent car collectors, including Otis Chandler, Bob Turnquist, and Richard Kughn. The current owner acquired it from Mr. Kughn in 2014.

Automobile designer Howard 'Dutch' Darrin began customizing Packards at his Hollywood, California shop in the late 1930s but eventually shifted production to Connersville, Indiana, where this car was built.

The 180 series used Packard's big, 356 cubic-inch inline eight which developed 160 horsepower.

The Darrin-bodied Packards Model 180 rode on a 127-inch wheelbase and was powered by a 356 cubic-inch straight-8 engine offering 165 horsepower. They had a three-speed transmission with overdrive. The bodies were modified by coachbuilder Hess & Eisenhart in Cincinnati, Ohio.

This example was originally owned by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry, and he drove the car until 1951. It is the last of only 15 Packard Darrins built to special order at a price of $4,595.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2014