1940 Packard Custom Super-8 One-Eighty Sport Sedan

Building on the success of his customized Packard Convertible Victorias, Howard 'Dutch' Darrin began designing a Sport Sedan based on the 1940 Packard 180 four-door chassis. The transformation of the custom Darrin features to the completed four-door car was extraordinary, with elegant proportions and signature Darrin features including the raked, vee'd windshield and a more subtly adapted version of the 'Darrin Dip' along the tops of the doors.

The Sport Sedan rode on a 138-inch wheelbase and standard model 180 sales for 1940 were 1,900 out of a total production of 98,000 units. The Darrin version cost $6,100 which was over $2,000 more than other Packard models. There were reportedly two (possibly three) of the Darrin Sport Sedans built; the other example has not been found. Packard withdrew from the project, making this the rarest of all the Packard Darrins.

The original owner of this Sport Sedan (one of two such cars built) was a Mr. Ames of Boston, Massachusetts, the owner of TruTemper Hardware. It was given to their chauffeur and subsequently to a collector. The current owner is the fourth titleholder of the vehicle. The vehicle features a rear seat radio and voice control to the driver.

This Packard was restored in 1981 by Packard Youngstown.

The 1940 180 custom Darrin sport sedan is powered by Packard's 160 horsepower, 356 cubic-inch straight eight engine. Interestingly, the 1940 Packards were the industry's first production cars to offer air conditioning.

Boston-based Mr. Ames of the Tru-Temper Hardware Company is believed to have been this vehicle's original owner. Unlike other production Darrin Sport Sedans which were intended to be owner-driven, this example was commissioned for use as a limousine. The rear compartment is separated from the front via a roll-up divider window and upholstered in broadcloth in a combination of dark and sage green. The floor is covered in plush carpeting. The driver's compartment is trimmed in green leather, including an unusual leather headliner. There are two radios one for each compartment. Additional options include dual-covered side-mount spares, a rear luggage rack, a backup light, running boards, and Packard-branded Guide Super Ray driving lights.

The current caretaker acquired this Darrin-bodied Packard in the early 1980s and at the time was in solid condition, requiring only cleaning and the preparation of its sheet metal for a new coat of Wilshire Green paint. The two-tone broadcloth rear upholstery and leather driver's compartment were reproduced to original specifications. The mechanical systems were restored to their original specifications, including the installation of a factory-crated 365 cubic-inch inline-eight replacement engine and the professional rebuild of the three-speed transmission with overdrive.

This Sport Sedan was shown extensively, earning accolades at the Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance and the Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles. It is a Classic Car Club of America Full Classic and has earned a CCCA Senior Premier badge (number 2714), as well as an AACA National First, First Place at a Packard Automobile Classics national meet.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2022