1941 Packard Super-8 One-Eighty Convertible Victoria

This car was one of two Darrins used for the filming of Banacek. This was the main filming car and appeared with George Peppard in most of the series.

This 1941 Packard, one of 35 made that year, was originally delivered in March of 1941 in Florida. It has a known history that dates back to 1951, when it was owned by Earl Perry Fletcher of Gary, Indiana. It was later owned by George Taylor of Gary, Indiana, then Robert Friggens of New Mexico, who sold it in 1971 to Jim Carlson of Massachusetts. James O'Dea of Westport, Connecticut, purchased the Packard in 1972. While in his care, the car was used for the filming of the television series.

Bob Adams acquired the car in 1980. In 1981 the car was acquired from Tom Crook by Tom St. Martin, who eventually treated the car to a ground-up restoration. In 1990, it was sold to Don Sears, who oversaw the completion of the restoration, including the installation of a correct 1941 engine, replacing the cracked original block.

After the work was completed, the car earned numerous awards, including at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, in Antique Automobile Club of America judging in 1992, and a 100-point score with the Classic Car Club of America, with which the car holds Senior Premier badge number 1679.

The car was sold in 1992 and entered the Thomas F. Derro collection a year later.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2017