1940 Packard Custom Super-8 One-Eighty Convertible Victoria

The Packard 180 was introduced for the 1940 model year by the Packard Motor Car Company to replace the discontinued Packard Twin Six as their top-of-the-line luxury model. The car was derived from the Packard Super Eight One-Sixty with which it shared the complete running gear. It is powered by the 356 cubic-inch inline 8-cylinder engine that develops 160 horsepower. It was advertised as the most powerful eight-cylinder engine offered by any automobile manufacturer in 1940, producing ten more horsepower than the comparable Cadillac of the era.

Packards of all series (110, 120, 160, 180) shared similar styling in 1940, using the same bodies, but with hoods and front fenders of different lengths. The 160 and 180 models were built with identical bodies. The 180s, however, featured nicer interior detailing with the finest fabrics with leather and carpeting available. Packard used a special woolen ceiling in these cars which were sewn longitudinally.

In 1940, Packard offered air conditioning available as an option. It was developed by the Henney Motor Company with whom Packard had a long-lasting business connection. It was the first time that air condoning was available on a stock automobile.

This Packard is one of an estimated 12 Darrin-bodied 180s built, and one of 9 currently known to exist. It is an exceedingly rare example of the inimitable style of Howard 'Dutch' Darrin and the enduring quality of its 'Senior' Packard Super Eight One-Eighty chassis.