1939 Packard One Twenty Convertible

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