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1939 Packard One Twenty Navigation
Howard A. 'Dutch' Darrin was an entrepreneur, inventor, and talented athlete. He worked as a coachbuilder in Paris and later settled in Hollywood, California where he continued his trade. His first commission was a Ford roadster, followed by a two-passenger roadster built on a 1937 Packard One Twenty chassis for Dick Powell. The public took notice, and soon the design had evolved into a four-passenger design featuring the same short rear deck, long hood, vee'd windshield, and unique 'dipped' doors. Several noteworthy Hollywood stars purchased examples, including Clark Gable, Preston Foster, and Gene Krupa. This led to Packard eventually acquiring the rights to the design and build the 'Convertible Victoria by Darrin,' in small numbers, as part of its own catalogued offerings, between 1940 and 1942.
The pre-1940 models are often referred to as the 'Hollywood Darrins.' Each example was handmade on Sunset Boulevard. Is it believed that around 30 examples were built, with about eight or nine constructed in 1939 on both One Twenty and the Super Eight chassis.
This particular example is number 1701-2098. It is the only known 1939 'Hollywood' car with 1940-style rear fenders, which it has worn since new. Its history traces back to 1955 when it was acquired by James Tagliabue. It remained in Mr. Tagliabue's care until 1965 when it was sold to Ken Duke. Later owners include Wendell Hawkins and J.J. Thompson. In 1981, Mr. Thompson sold the car to the Imperial Palace Auto Collections of Las Vegas. The next owner was Mel Weiner of California.
In the early 2000s, it was given a complete restoration. It is finished in classic Packard Cream, with a red leather interior.
In 2007, it was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was judged 2nd in Class. After the show, it joined a prominent Western Collection, where it remained for several years, before being purchased by Orin Smith.
This Packard currently has 43,294 miles on its odometer.By Daniel Vaughan | May 2017
The pre-1940 models are often referred to as the 'Hollywood Darrins.' Each example was handmade on Sunset Boulevard. Is it believed that around 30 examples were built, with about eight or nine constructed in 1939 on both One Twenty and the Super Eight chassis.
This particular example is number 1701-2098. It is the only known 1939 'Hollywood' car with 1940-style rear fenders, which it has worn since new. Its history traces back to 1955 when it was acquired by James Tagliabue. It remained in Mr. Tagliabue's care until 1965 when it was sold to Ken Duke. Later owners include Wendell Hawkins and J.J. Thompson. In 1981, Mr. Thompson sold the car to the Imperial Palace Auto Collections of Las Vegas. The next owner was Mel Weiner of California.
In the early 2000s, it was given a complete restoration. It is finished in classic Packard Cream, with a red leather interior.
In 2007, it was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was judged 2nd in Class. After the show, it joined a prominent Western Collection, where it remained for several years, before being purchased by Orin Smith.
This Packard currently has 43,294 miles on its odometer.By Daniel Vaughan | May 2017
2024 Worldwide Auctioneers : Enthusiast Auction
Lot was not sold
2017 RM Auctions : Amelia Island
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $225,000-USD $300,000
Sale Price :
USD $214,500
1939 Packard One Twenty Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Packard One Twenty
(Data based on Model Year 1939 sales)
1939 PACKARD 120 CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#: 492568 Sold for USD$148,500 2025 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale | |
1939 PACKARD 120 4-DOOR CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: 12972215 Sold for USD$77,000 2023 Barrett-Jackson : New Orleans | |
1939 Packard 120 Custom Chassis#: 492568 Sold for USD$132,000 2023 Mecum : Indy | |
1939 Packard One Twenty Convertible Sedan Sold for USD$62,700 2017 Auctions America : Auburn Spring | |
1939 Packard One Twenty Convertible Victoria by Darrin Chassis#: 1701-2098 Sold for USD$214,500 2017 RM Auctions : Amelia Island | ![]() ![]() |
1939 Packard One-Twenty Restomod Club Coupe Sold for USD$9,900 2016 Auctions America : Auburn Fall | |
1939 PACKARD 120 Sold for USD$38,000 2016 GPK Auctions - Atlantic City | |
1939 Packard 120 Sold for USD$20,000 2015 Silver Auction - Theodore Merickel Estate Auction | |
1939 Packard One-Twenty Convertible Coupe Sold for USD$49,500 2014 WorldWide Auctions - The Houston Classic Motorcar Auction | |
1939 Packard 120 Club Coupe Sold for USD$27,500 2014 Mecum - Kissimmee | |
1939 PACKARD 120 4 DOOR SEDAN Chassis#: I292II864 Sold for USD$38,500 2014 Barrett-Jackson's 43RD Annual Scottsdale Auction | |
1939 Packard 120 Sold for USD$71,000 2013 Mecum - Dan Mecum's 26th Spring Classic | |
1939 Packard 120 Sold for USD$71,000 2013 Mecum : Indianapolis | |
1939 Packard 120 Business Coupe Sold for USD$18,700 2012 Auctions America - Auburn Fall | |
1939 Packard 120 Convertible Sold for USD$44,000 2010 Auctions America : Auburn Collector Car Auction | |
1939 Packard 120 Convertible Victoria Chassis#: B319346A Sold for USD$148,500 2010 RM Auctions - Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook | ![]() ![]() |
1939 Packard 120 Convertible Sold for USD$47,500 2010 Leake Auctions - Tulsa, Oklahoma | |
1939 PACKARD SERIES 1701 4 DOOR SEDAN Sold for USD$11,000 2009 Barrett- Jackson - Las Vegas | |
1939 Packard Twelve Model 1701 Sedan Chassis#: 12362034 Sold for USD$32,760 2009 Bonhams - Bicentennial Pavilion at Hotel Murano | |
1939 Packard Series 1701 Eight Panel Brougham Town Car Chassis#: 1701-2041 Sold for USD$52,650 2009 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia |
Packard One Twentys That Failed To Sell At Auction
1939 Packard One Twenty's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1939 Packard Darrin 120 Victoria Convertible | 17012098 | 2024 Worldwide Auctioneers : Enthusiast Auction | |||
1939 Packard Series 1701 One-Twenty Convertible Victoria | B319346A | 2023 Bonhams : Quail | $150,000 | $200,000 | |
1939 Packard Series 1701 One-Twenty Convertible Victoria | B319346A | 2023 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction | $200,000 | $250,000 | |
1939 Packard Darrin Hollywood Victoria Convertible | 121235 | 2022 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale Arizona | |||
1939 Packard 8 120 Club Coupe Coupe | 2015 Collector Car Productions Toronto Spring Classic Car | $41,000 | |||
1939 Packard 120 Convertible | 2010 Mecum Auctions Monterey | $42,000 | |||
1939 Packard 120 Convertible | 2009 Leake Auctions Houston Annual Leake Auto Auction Reliant Center | $48,000 | |||
1939 Packard 120 Convertible Sedan | 2006 The Florida Collector Car Auction | $46,000 |
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1939 Packard One Twenty
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