1940 Packard Custom Super-8 One-Eighty Convertible Sedan

Packard introduced the Eight in 1924 and was the first Packard to employ four-wheel brakes. The side-valve straight eight engine developed 85 horsepower. The model line-up initially comprised ten models on two wheelbase lengths. A few years later, in 1927, Packard enlarged the engine. In 1929, a smaller Standard Eight was introduced while the larger engine continued to power the Custom and DeLuxe Eights. By 1933, they had been re-christened 'Super Eight', by which time all Packards had synchromesh transmission.

By the 1940s, the top-of-the-line Packards were known as the Super Eight 160 and the Custom Super Eight 180. Both were powered by a 160 horsepower engine which was powerful enough to carry the stately bodies. These two series were distinguished by a number of visual items such as hubcaps and hood louvers. The 160 was given a 'flying lady' mascot while the 180 carried the cormorant.

The 1940 Packard Custom Super-8 had three sub-series, the 1806, 1807, and 1808. The 1806 cars had a wheelbase size of 127 inches. The 1807 had a 138-inch platform and the 1808 cars rested on a large 148-inch wheelbase. All had the same tire sizes of 7.00 x 16. Included in the 1806 were the Club Sedan and the Darrin-bodied Convertible Victoria. The 1808 series included the touring limousine, sedan, and the Rollson All-Weather Town car. The remaining body styles were 1807.

The custom body era was drawing to a close by 1940 but Packard continued to offer a line of catalogued custom offerings. This convertible sedan by Darrin is one of the rarest with just 11 built, of which an amazing 9 survive. Designer Howard 'Dutch' Darris is probably best remembered for the flamboyant open cars he created for Hollywood celebrities.

This Packard Super Eight One-Eighty Darrin Convertible Sedan by Howard 'Dutch' Darrin is finished in pewter exterior finished complemented by a silver-grey top and interior. This Style 710 Packard carries serial number 2015, and it is the last in the series of Darrin four-door convertible sedans commissioned by Packard. It is believed to be one of nine documented examples remaining today.

When new, it was delivered to the Packard Saint Louis region for sale to the original owner. In 1980, it was acquired by Gene Tareshawty, the Darrin collector and authority from Youngstown, Ohio, who had acquired it from the widow of a Mr. Gordon Morris. In 1999, Mr. Tareshawty sold the car to Mr. Dale Fowler, under whom the car was restored and completed in 2005. The current owner acquired the car in 2006.

During the past two years, this Darrin received four perfect scores from judges, never scoring less than 99.5 points. In addition, several Best of Show designations have been garnered, and in 2006, it was invited to compete at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. More recently, in September 2011, it was shown at the Palos Verdes Concours, where 'Dutch' Darrin's designs were honored, and the special Packard Darrin class was a featured attraction. The car's most recent showing was at the CCCA Grand Classic at Rancho Santa Fe in late April, where it received a nearly-perfect score of 99.75 points.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at RM Auction's sale in Monterey, California. The car was estimated to sell for $250,000-$350,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $341,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.