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1941 Packard Super-8 One-Eighty

The last year of production for the Packard Twelve was in 1939 before being replaced by the One-Eighty as the company's top-of-the-line automobile. The Model One-Eighty was built to nearly identical specifications as the One-Sixty, with trim and interior appointments distinguishing the two. The Super-8, One-Eighty models had a revised front end, and headlights integrated into the fenders for the first time. The interior had a dash fascia that was modeled almost entirely in plastic.

The United States entered the 1940s wary of hostilities occurring throughout many other parts of the world. Packard was occupied with re-tooling their facilities for the new Clipper series while construction had begun on a new high-volume factory to build Rolls-Royce Merlin aircraft engines. A myriad of other preparations was being made for other war production projects, all the while civilian car orders continued streaming in. Remarkably, Packard made substantial styling and catalog changes for the 1941 model year. Among the most prominent new design features were the headlights faired into the front fenders, flanking a dramatic new grille treatment with dummy grilles set below the front fender catwalks. The 15-inch wheels lowered the car's stance and eliminated the need for running boards (albeit, running boards remained part of the options list).

Packard advertised the One-Eighty as a custom car built to order. Eleven body styles were offered with six of those being provided by independent coachbuilders. The 180 was comprised of the Series 1906, 1907, and 1908, distinguished by the size of the wheelbase and available in various body styles. The Series 1906 was a convertible victoria with coachwork by Darrin. Five body styles were available on the Series 1907 and five on the Series 1908. The Series 1906 had a 127-inch wheelbase, the Series 1907 rested on a 138-inch platform, and the Series 1908 was the largest at 148 inches.

The Darrin-bodied cars had proven popular, and Packard recognized an opportunity to market the cars outside of California. So they acquired the rights to the design and put it into limited production themselves. In the former Auburn-Cord body facilities at Connersville, Indiana, an assembly line was established to hand the production. Production was later transferred to the Sayers & Scovill's facility near Cincinnati, Ohio. In comparison to the construction of the cars by Darrin of Hollywood, the Packard-built cars of Darrin's design were much improved upon. Sold as the Convertible Victoria by Darrin, they were built in small and exclusive numbers through the end of pre-war Packard production in 1942.

New York's Rollston built a small run of 'semi-custom' bodies for Packard and offered two 'catalogue custom' bodies on the Packard Custom Super Eight One Eighty chassis in 1941. Both styles were intended to be driven by a chauffeur and were outfitted with open driver's compartments and padded formal rooflines. The most expensive and deluxe was the All-Weather Town Car, which was based on the 148-inch wheelbase 1908 platform. They were built by extensively modifying a factory touring limousine body and were priced at $4,820 each. Production was limited, with only three of these cars produced in 1941.

By 1941, LeBaron had become a division of Briggs, yet still continued the tradition of building largely hand-built bodies in limited numbers. The majority of LeBaron's final Packard offerings were formal limousines, which were intended to be driven by a chauffeur. In 1941, however, an 'owner-driver' version was offered called the Sport Brougham. Resting on the shorter 1907 Series chassis, it had narrow chromed window frames and a 'formal' rear window. In total, 99 examples of the Sport Brougham were built.

A total of 930 examples of the Senior Packards were produced in 1941.

The L-head, straight-8 engine displaced 356 cubic inches and used nine main bearings, silent hydraulic valve lifters, a standard 6.85:1 compression ratio, and delivered 160 horsepower at 3,500 RPM. It was backed by a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission with a single plate clutch and column shift controls. Hydraulic brakes on all four wheels provided the stopping power. Disc wheels were standard and dual side mounts, fender skirts, a radio, spotlight, electromagnetic clutch, and AeroDrive were optional.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Victoria
Chassis number: CD501695

In 1937 Howard 'Dutch' Darrin of Hollywood, CA began designing this radical coachwork known for its chrome frame windshield and cut-down doors. The Darrin attracted celebrity owners such as Clark Gable, Tyrone Power, Errol Flynn, Rosalind Russell, Constance Bennett, Gene Krupa, Ann Sheridan, Ruby Keller (Mrs. Al Jolson), and Preston Foster. In early 1939 coachwork production was moved to the Central Body Co. in Connersville, IN and in May 1941 production was moved to Sayers & Scoville Co. (Hess & Eisenhardt), Cincinnati, Oh. The production in 1941 was 35 Darrins, each with an approximate cost of $5,000. The engine is a 356 cubic-inch 160 horsepower straight-eight. This Darrin is currently on display at Citizens Motorcar Company - America's Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio.

There were Packards, and then there were Darrin Packards. Howard 'Dutch' Darrin has been doing custom coachwork on Packards since the early 1920s, but his real 'star' came when he set up shop in Hollywood, customizing Packard coupes into dazzling Convertible Victorias with cut-down doors, a low hood line, and a padded dash. A total of 14 were built in Hollywood through 1939, two on the Super Eight chassis, and the rest on the One-Twenty chassis.

Darrin represented his masterpieces to Packard dealers, who then lobbied the company to offer these stunning cars as 'catalogue customs' which it did through 1942. Darrin built the cars in Cornersville, Indiana in 1940 and Packard moved production to Hess & Eisenhardt, in Cincinnati, in 1941 and 1942. About 150 Darrins were built, in all, mostly as Convertible Victorias. A few Sedans and Convertible Sedans were built, as well as one Sedanca.

This Convertible Victoria, finished in Packard Cream, is in the 'normal' configuration without either running boards or side mounts. It is estimated there were only 50 Darrin Convertible Victoria's built in 1940 and only 35 in 1941. It has a 160 horsepower, 356 cubic-inch engine, and dual-down draft carburetors. There is an AM radio, a 20-gallon fuel tank, a 5-gallon radiator capacity, and 7.00 x 16 white wall tires. Prices started at $4,550 when introduced in September of 1940 and increased to $4,595 in June of 1941.

Touring Limousine by LeBaron
Chassis number: 14202002

Packard produced approximately 930 examples of the Senior Packards in 1941, and approximately 50 such examples were the LeBaron Touring Limousine. The semi-custom was built on Packard's longest wheelbase of 1941 and, at $5,595, was the most expensive model available that year.

It is believed that this limousine was the one that was assigned to the White House between 1941 and 1947, serving as transportation for Presidents Roosevelt and Truman. After its (alleged) presidential duties were performed, it was acquired by Governor Thomas Dewey of New York State, who used the limousine in his campaign for president against incumbent Harry Truman.

In April of 1985, the car was acquired by Dr. Charles Blackman of Madison, Indiana. In 1991, it was sold to Bill Mitchell. In 2006, it was sold to an individual who had a significant collection in Houston, Texas.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA. It was estimated to sell for $150,000-$225,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $165,000 including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Brougham by LeBaron

In 1941 Packard offered a small line of custom bodies carrying the LeBaron nameplate, of which this Sport Sedan is one. By this point, LeBaron was a part of the Briggs Body Co. and these were created in the custom section of Briggs. As a cost-cutting effort, Packard often forced outside body builders to use stock body components. A careful eye will find the rear window and trunk configuration of a stock 1941 Packard coupe cleverly used in this body.

Sport Brougham by LeBaron

In 1941, the LeBaron Company was commissioned to build about 100 custom bodies for Packard. Standard on the Packard 180 series were power windows, overdrive, and deluxe interior appointments. The 180 series vehicles were powered by a 356 cubic-inch straight eight engine with 160 horsepower. It rode on a 138-inch wheelbase and weighs 4,450 pounds.

This Packard was delivered to Morristown, New Jersey, on February 20th of 1941. Options included a radio, heater, backup lights, bumper guard over riders and rare factory air-conditioning.

This car was listed at nearly $4,800 when compared to a new Cadillac that was listed at $2,900.

Sport Brougham by LeBaron
Chassis number: 14522002
Engine number: C501634A

LeBaron made just 99 examples of the Sport Brougham that made its debut in 1941 on the 138-inch wheelbase. These were essentially a replacement for the outgoing Club Sedan. This particular example is only the second example produced of this custom-built body style. It was ordered new by Norwegian figure skating champion and actress Sonja Henie. It was sold on November 1st of 1940 by the Earle C. Anthony dealership in Los Angeles.

After Ms. Heine's ownership, this car passed to at least one other caretaker before Richard L. Roach, acquired it in the early 2000s. The Packard was purchased soon thereafter by fellow AACA member Francis Childs of Jupiter, Florida, who immediately began an extensive frame-off restoration. The work took nearly three years to complete at a cost exceeding $250,000.

After the restoration work was completed in late 2008, this Super-8 One-Eighty was exhibited at the Lake Mirror Classic in Lakeland, Florida in October 2009. It was awarded with a Best of Show honorable mention. Following a Second in Class award at the Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance in February 2010, the Packard was shown at the AACA's national meet in Homestead, Florida, where it won a First Junior Award. It was later shown at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

A year later it earned a 100-point score and a Primary Division win at the CCCA meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, in January of 2011. Two months later, it earned a Senior 1st place badge at the AACA 2011 national winter meet. In early 2012, this Sport Brougham was acquired by its current owner.

The car is finished in Balboa Blue paint with a broadcloth upholstery interior. It has a 3-speed manual gearbox, 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and a 356 CID L-Head 8-cylinder engine.

In 2013, the vehicle was offered for sale at Gooding & Company's Scottsdale, Arizona auction. It was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $150,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, it had been sold for the sum of $176,000 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Touring Sedan

This is the 226th of 930 four-door Touring Sedans built by Packards in 1941. It had a base price of $2,912, exclusive of options, while a Ford Deluxe sedan had a base price of $800. There were 110 options available, and the most expensive was air conditioning, at $1,085. The compressor had no clutch, so the drive belt had to be removed to turn it off. This example was purchased very early by the Harrah Auto Collection in Reno because it was one of the first vehicles to have air conditioning in this country. At the Harrah auction in 1981, this car was sold to a collector who wanted to dismantle it for parts for his 1941 Packard LeBaron Sedan. He eventually decided that it was too good to dismantle, and sold it to the current owner in 1999. The restoration was completed in 2007. It still has the Harrah Museum nomenclature plate on the bumper bracket.

Convertible Limousine by Rollson

Often it is the provenance of a full classic automobile that really makes it stand apart. This full classic 1941 Packard 1907 Convertible Limousine with body by Rollson is a true one-off custom. It is believed to be the very last custom convertible body produced by Rollson, and the largest.

This fine automobile was purchased new by Colonel Parmalee Prentice and his wife, the youngest daughter of oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller. After several years of ownership, they would sell the car to another member of the Rockefeller family, who eventually sold it to Bill Harrah.

A long list of unique features makes this Packard truly unique. Among them is the rear-mounted speedometer, allowing the Colonel to enforce the Prentice Estate speed limit of 25 miles per hour. You see, Colonel Prentice owned several large estates, and excessive speed was not tolerated. It also has a rear divider window assuring the family's privacy. Also of note is that Colonel Prentice ordered all of the Packard scripts to be omitted. This would include the deletion of the logos on all areas of the car, including the 'hex' logos on the wheel covers. Colonel Prentice did not want to advertise that the car was a Packard.

With a mere 27,000 original miles, it remains nearly all original, as delivered to the Colonel in 1941, right down to the initials on the rear doors. This is one of as many as ten American-made custom coach-built automobiles that were owned by Colonel Prentice.

Touring Limousine by LeBaron

This car was purchased new by Mrs. Elizabeth G. Packard on May 3, 1941, at Hause Garage located in Jamestown, New York. Mrs. Packard requested body and interior custom alterations that would have added to this base price. It was primarily used in Lakewood, New York, and Warren, Ohio until Mrs. Packard's death in 1960.

by National Packard Museum

All-Weather Cabriolet by Rollson

This 1941 Packard All Weather (AW) Cabriolet is the only example of this motor car known to exist. The exact number produced is unknown.

This 4,075-pound car, riding on a 138-inch wheelbase, is powered by a 356 cubic-inch inline-eight producing 160 horsepower. When new, this car sold for $4,695, while a Packard standard 4-door sedan sold for $1,076. This car was a definite part of the smart, urban scene as top hats and sequins, and was the favorite formal transportation of a discriminating society.

The car has recently completed a three-year restoration.

Convertible Victoria by Bohman & Schwartz

This Bohman & Schwartz Convertible Victoria is a stunning design that is somewhat reminiscent of the Packard Darrin Victoria, yet it is distinctive in many ways. The V-windshield has a strikingly severe rake to it, while the trailing edge of the front fender extends gracefully into the door instead of ending before the door. A 10-inch longer wheelbase than the Darrin Victoria, a lack of running boards, and the bold chrome spear on the body side combine to make a beautiful, long, low, truly elegant automobile of distinction.

This car was purchased new in California by the auto of racing personality Phil Hill. Phil later acquired the car and used it in the 1950s to tow his Ferrari to races up and down the West Coast. It is generally accepted that this is one of two surviving Bohman & Schwartz Convertible Victorias, of at least three originally built.

Convertible Victoria

This 1941 Packard Darrin was custom-built by Howard 'Dutch' Darrin by modifying Packard Convertibles. Darrin lowered door lines and windshields and extended the hood. It has rear opening doors, rather than suicide doors common on the 1939-1940 models, and authentic Packard Ribbed Flooring.

Only 35 of the 1941 cars were produced and as of 1996, only 11 are left. This car was restored in 1994. The original selling price was $4,685.

Convertible Victoria by Darrin
Chassis number: 14292012

This Packard Darrin Convertible Victoria was delivered on January 27th of 1951 through the Meador Motor Company in Houston, Texas. It was purchased by Harry Rinker in the late 1960s from collector Tom Lester. A professional restoration was completed in the late 1970s. This is the twelfth of a believed 35 Darrin Convertible Victorias built in 1941. It is one of fewer than 20 estimated survivors. Power is from a 365 cubic-inch, L-head inline engine offering 160 horsepower. There are four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes and a three-speed manual transmission.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale in Monterey, Ca. presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $225,000-$300,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $203,500, including the buyer's premium.

Convertible Victoria
Chassis number: 1429 2009
Engine number: CD 502847

This Darrin-designed convertible is one of just 35 built in 1941 at a retail price of $4,595. This last iteration of Darrin's famed cut-down door style is felt by many to be the most successful because the body stability issues of earlier types were no longer present. Packard's overdrive-equipped 356 cubic-inch straight eight provided the lucky owner with a car that was as pleasing to drive as it was to the eye.

Sport Brougham by LeBaron
Engine number: CD503992

In the early 1940s, the custom coach-building industry began to fade out of existence. American luxury automakers slowly discontinued the factory-catalogued 'semi-customs' that had been a part of their lines for over a decade. Packard was among the last to offer bodies by coachbuilders LeBaron and Rollson, with the former being a division of Briggs by 1941, but still produce hand-built bodies in limited numbers. Many of LeBaron's final Packard offerings were formal limousines that were intended to be driven by a chauffeur. In 1941 only, an 'owner-driver' variant, the Sport Brougham, could also be had. It was similar to Cadillac's Series 60 Special, and featured a design with narrow chromed window frames and a 'formal' rear window on the shorter 1907 chassis, with a five-passenger interior. In total, just 99 Sport Broughams were built.

This example was sold by the Earle C. Anthony Packard dealership in Los Angeles. The original owner was August Herzeler, who was chauffeured in the car and had it maintained by Anthony's shop before trading it back to the dealer in 1948. One of the salesmen at the dealership became the car's next owner, which for six years was garaged in the dealership's sub-basement.

In 1954, Robert E. Carter, an early CCCA member, purchased the car from Earle C. Anthony and owned it for two decades. Ray Hunter owned it for a brief period of time before selling it to another Southern California enthusiast, Wayne Bemis. Mr. Bemis owned the car until 1980, when it was purchased by Matt Browning, of Utah. Mr. Browning sold the Packard seven years later back to Mr. Bemis. It was later owned by Robert Escalante, and then by Art Astor before being acquired by the present owner.

The car was painted in the 1970s. It has its original factory-fitted Laidlaw wool broadcloth upholstery, Mosstred carpets, wood-grained dashboard, and grey plastic trim. It is equipped with hydraulic window lifts, factory overdrive, a deluxe heater/defroster, an electric winding clock, and a Philco P-1835 eight-tube pushbutton radio with a roof antenna.

The car has recently been driven over the 80,000-mile mark. It has completed both the Glidden and Chrome Glidden Tours, as well as a CCCA CARavan. It has been awarded the Veteran Motor Car Club of America's highest honor, the Golden Award of Excellence, as well as the George L. Weiss Memorial Trophy for the Best Pre-World War II Packard.

by Dan Vaughan

All Weather Town Car by Rollson
Chassis number: 1450-2125
Engine number: OD5835582

In 1941, Rollson offered two 'catalogue custom' bodies on the Packard Custom Super Eight One Eighty chassis. Both were designed to be driven by a chauffeur, and were outfitted with open driver's compartment and padded formal roof lines. The All-Weather Town car rested on a 148-inch wheelbase platform and cost $4,820 each. Just three examples were built in 1941, with this example (with engine number OD5835582) being the sole surviving example.

This car was delivered new to Providence, Rhode Island. It eventually made its way into the ownership of John H. Behn, from Trumbull, Connecticut. Mr. Behn eventually sold the car to Robert Skop, from whom it was purchased by its present owner.

This All-Weather Town Car remains in original condition and includes most of its Rollson-applied Packard Blue paint and interior. It has never been fully restored. Equipment includes hydraulically operated windows, a feature which was available for Senior Packards for the first time this year, as well as functional overdrive, dual side-mounted spares, the traditional cormorant radiator mascot, and front and rear license plate brackets. It has the original rear compartment broadcloth upholstery and the odometer shows 67,327 miles, which may well be actual mileage from new.

by Dan Vaughan

Touring Limousine
Chassis number: 14512021

This Packard Model 1908 One-Eighty rests on a large 148-inch wheelbase and can accommodate up to seven occupants. It is equipped with a pair of folding jump seats and an open passenger compartment, meaning there is no division window to separate the driver and passengers, unlike other limousine bodies available for Packard's Model 1908 chassis. Power is from a 356 cubic-inch L-head eight-cylinder engine delivering 160 rated horsepower. There are power-operated windows and wool broadcloth upholstery on all seating surfaces. This has an unusual feature; the rear rooftop was opened and equipped with a snap-on cover for weather protection. A pair of Ash bows were also fitted to the car to help support dignitaries while standing up through the open roof during parades and formal processions.

This car was purchased from a collector in Tennessee and brought to Phoenix, Arizona in 1993. A body-off frame restoration began in 2002, with the work being completed in January 2011.

by Dan Vaughan

Formal Sedan by Rollson

This car was owned by Lucy Aldrich, sister of John D. Rockefeller, Jr.'s wife Abby. This formal sedan was chauffeur driven to and from the theater, formal events, and shopping. There is lots of legroom in the rear, but little in the front. It has a divider window, makeup mirrors and perfume bottles for the rear seat passengers. There is also a small jump seat on one side and a hidden compartment on the other side for packages and valuables.

Sport Brougham by LeBaron

This car has 45,000 original miles and was originally owned by Greta Garbo. It is one of 99 custom-bodied Sport Broughams built with the body by LeBaron. The car was part of the Bill Harrah Collection in Reno, Nevada from 1971 to 1986. It has an eight-cylinder L-head, 356 cubic-inch engine producing 160 horsepower at 3500 RPM, and a three-speed transmission on a 138-inch wheelbase. It weighs 4,450 pounds and sold for $3,545. The 180 models were all custom cars available on special order. It is currently in its original color of Grove Green.

Sport Brougham by LeBaron
Engine number: CD502599

Just 99 examples of the Sport Broughams were built and 20 are known to survive. The earliest-known owner of this particular example was George Oxford of Iowa. In the late 1960s, Mr. Oxford sold it to Don Hanson, who owned it until 2001, when it was sold to Tom Mix. After Mr. Mix's passing, his collection was privately sold, and the current owner acquired the car from the estate in 2006 as a partially completed project. Mr. Mix's shop then completed the restoration for the new owner over the next year. Since that time, the car has been driven about 2,500 miles.

by Dan Vaughan

Touring Sedan
Chassis number: 13322132

1939 was the final year of the twelve-cylinder Packard. For 1940, the straight eight was Packard's top power plant and it rivaled the twelve in terms of horsepower, yet it was lighter and a much simpler engine to maintain and build. The top Packard model was now called the 180 and was introduced with modern styling in 1940. Although its design was similar to the 160 model, the long wheelbase 180 was reserved for Packard custom coachwork offerings.

This particular Packard 180 is a four-door, five-passenger Touring Sedan with a padded roof and a built-in trunk. There is a folding trunk rack which allows extra carrying capacity.

This Packard has been given a high-quality bare metal re-spray in the original black. There has been re-chroming, an engine rebuild, and the front seats have been reupholstered.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Victoria
Chassis number: 1429-2014
Engine number: D508239B

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 Dan Vaughan

Sport Brougham by LeBaron
Chassis number: 1452-2041

The LeBaron Sport Brougham body style #1452 was new to the Packard lineup for 1941. Part of the Custom Eight Series, it was in a sense, a replacement for the former club sedan, which was discontinued in 1941. Built only on the Custom Eight 138-inch wheelbase; the limited-production model was priced at $3,545 before options, quite reasonable considering it was a semi-custom vehicle. LeBaron was now part of Briggs Body Company, the inclusion in a larger concern, perhaps the reason for the palatable price. Despite being styled by LeBaron, the car was actually included in Packard's regular catalog offerings. It was part of Packard's Nineteenth Series which debuted on September 16, 1940.

Power is provided by a 356 cubic-inch, 160 horsepower straight-eight, which Packard offered with a choice of its new-for-1941 semi-automatic Electromatic transmission or three-speed manual gearbox. Just 99 of these special Packard were produced and were only available for one year.

Formal Sedan by Rollson
Chassis number: 1432-2001

This 1941 Packard One-Eighty Custom Formal Sedan wears coachwork by Rollson Inc. of New York and was ordered new for Alta Prentice. Its custom coachwork in the 1432 body style was the only one ordered for 1941 and it wears the 2001 series number, the starting number for the series. It has a 138-inch wheelbase and a 356 cubic-inch, 160-horsepower version of the standard Packard straight-eight motor.

Alta retained the car on her estate until her passing in 1962. In 1964, Winthrop Rockefeller, grandson of John D., formed the Museum of Automobiles in Arkansas and included several of the cars on the Rockefeller estates. After Winthrop passed away in 1937, the museum was given to the State of Arkansas, and a number of cars were sold to the Harrah Collection, including this Packard. The car later was later sold to Holiday Inn in the mid-1980s. Ownership history from that point until 2010 is not known but it was given an extensive frame-on restoration during the 200s and ended up in New Zealand in an airplane-and-auto museum.

The current owners acquired the car in 2010. It is currently finished in emerald-green paint with a vinyl top. The interior is done in green leather in the front and tan cloth upholstery in the rear.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Victoria
Chassis number: 1429-2013
Engine number: CD502436C

After settling in Hollywood, Howard 'Dutch' Darrin quickly established himself as the purveyor of custom coachwork to the stars. His well-cultivated French accent, polo-playing skills, and coachbuilding talents fit in perfectly with the movie crowd. In 1937, he fashioned a two-passenger Ford Roadster for his first client, Dick Powell. Shortly thereafter, he built a two-seat convertible victoria roadster on a 1937 Packard One Twenty chassis for actor Chester Morris. This inspired the idea of building a five-passenger version and selling Packard on the idea of including it as part of its lineup. Although he was initially turned down, his persistence paid off, with his coachwork eventually becoming part of the Packard catalog. Darrin arranged to have the car parked outside the Packard Proving Grounds at the time of the annual dealer's meeting. After pressure from its dealers, Packard added the Darrin to its 1940 catalog as a Sport Sedan, Convertible Sedan, and Convertible Victoria. The signature styling feature of the Darrin-built Packard was the sweeping cut-down curves of the doors known as the 'Darrin Dip.'

Packard built nearly one hundred examples of the 'Darrin' through 1942 when World War II halted production.

This particular example was given a complete cosmetic restoration finished in 2020. The engine was removed and rebuilt with additional major mechanical work performed sometime after 1997.

From 1979, the car has been owned by just three owners.

This Packard has its correct Packard AM radio, which has been modified for AM/FM reception.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Brougham by LeBaron
Engine number: CD502599

The Packard Super 8 added the designation 160 to its name in 1940. Offered in two series, the Super 8 was the larger version powered by the 356 cubic inch straight-eight engine that produces 160 horsepower, thus the name. This was the last year of auto production until after World War II ended. The War Department needed V12 engines for P-51 Mustangs and Packard accepted while General Motors and Ford declined.

This vehicle was originally sold in Denver, Colorado on April 12th of 1941. For several years it was part of the Tom Mix collection in Massachusetts. Mr. Mix (not of movie fame) collected Packards but owned several Mercedes-Benz dealerships. This example includes an optional front grill guard, rear trunk guard, and dual side-mounted spare tires.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Victoria

While Howard 'Dutch' Darrin is well known for his custom design work, it is the 1939 through 1942 Convertible Victoria's that epitomize his signature style. With their cut-down doors, long and low hoods, and sleek windscreens, they appear to be in motion even when parked.

This 1941 Darrin is the only known example to feature dual side-mount spares and running boards, and the Puritan Gray monotone finish. This car was purchased at the NYC Salon Showing by John 'Shipwreck' Kelly, a Professional football player who was married to debutante Brenda Frazier, who inspired the comic strip, Brenda Starr. It was a common sight at various upscale New York hot spots. What may be the most remarkable feature is that this car is original and unrestored, as evidenced by the frayed top and slightly worn interior.

Touring Sedan
Chassis number: 1442-2133
Engine number: CD501828A

This 1941 Packard Custom Super Eight One-Eighty Sedan was completed on March 16th of 1941 and originally sold new by Packard Louisville Motor Co., Kentucky. The car traded hands on several occasions to Kentucky residents over the following fifty years, until 1998, when it was acquired by a collector from Boone, North Carolina.

At some point in this car's history, it received a high-quality restoration and finished in a two-tone color scheme. It retains its factory-installed air conditioning system, power windows, dash clock, and push-button Philco radio. There are chrome-trimmed bumper guards, a set of dual side mirrors, wide whitewall tires with factory chrome hubcaps, and a Cormorant hood ornament.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Victoria
Chassis number: 1429-2016
Engine number: CD5011982

This 1941 Packard Custom Super Eight One Eighty Convertible Victoria by Darrin was sold on May 29th of 1941 to Howard Viet of Pebble Beach, California by Stahl Motors of Monterey. The car remained in Mr. Viet's care until his passing in the early 1950s, after which it was sold by his widow to Mark Raggatt of Carmel, Ca. Mr. Raggatt exhibited the Packard at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1956.

Subsequent owners include Patrick Young and Tom Mix followed by several Midwestern collectors, including the late Harold Mistele. In 1990 it was purchased by Bill Weltyk of Oak Brook, Illinois, who sourced a correct 1941 engine block (replacing the 1948 block then in the car), which was completely rebuilt and had the engine compartment detailed and fitted with new wiring. The body was stripped to bare metal, blocked and sanded, and refinished in the year-correct color of Saratoga Beige, with a new leather interior and wood-grain-and-plastic dashboard. Much of the chrome brightwork was replaced or refinished.

In 2007, the car was acquired by the late Neil DeAtley of Scottsdale, Arizona from Tom Mix, and remained in his collection for over a decade. It was used occasionally and shown in local CCCA Arizona Region activities.

by Dan Vaughan

Touring Limousine by LeBaron

This elegant limousine was delivered to Mrs. Elizabeth G. 'Bess' Packard at the Hause Garage in Jamestown, New York, on May 3, 1941.

Chauffeur George Tibbs worked for Ward and Bess Packard for more than thirty years. The Packards paid George and their other domestic employees a living wage. Rather than residing in servant's quarters, George and his wife Esther owned their own home in Lakewood, New York. George died in 1952 at age 74.

The LeBaron Touring Limousine was the heaviest and most expensive car in Packard's catalogue for 1941. The arched roofline differentiates the LeBaron models from regular factory 1908 versions. The term 'touring' probably refers to the integral trunk with substantial luggage space.

Special Features

Engine refinements: new motor mounts in large rubber cushions, new steel-backed connecting rod bearings, new low-pressure closed cooling system

Transmission refinements: Aero-Drive overdrive with Electromatic vacuum-operated clutch.

Body type: LeBaron Touring custom body

Total production: 458

Base price: $5,595 (Mrs. Packard requested several body and interior custom modifications that would have added to this base price).

The Packard One Eighty was first introduced in 1940 and was Packard's new top-of-the-line vehicle. It served as a replacement for the company's V12 powered vehicle. The Packard 180 was given an eight-cylinder 356 cubic-inch engine that produced an astonishing 160 horsepower. Packard proudly claimed that it was the most powerful eight-cylinder engine on the market.

Though most of the other series, the 110, 120, 160, and 180, were similar in body styling in 1940, the 180 was segregated by its exquisite interior detailing, and lush carpets and fabrics. Options included a heater/defroster, air conditioning, radio, fender skirts, backup lights, and more.

Styling changed only slightly during its production lifespan, lasting until 1942 when World War II brought an end to civilian automobile production. Famous coachbuilders, such as Darrin and LeBaron were given the opportunity to build their interpretation of the automobile on this accommodating chassis. These were constructed in limited numbers and built to suit the individual customer's needs, desires, and specifications.

Standard on the 180 Series were power windows, overdrive, and deluxe interior appointments. The 180 Series was powered by a 356-cubic inch straight-eight, with 160 hp, and rode on a 138-inch wheelbase.

by Dan Vaughan