Soon after returning to America from France in 1937 and logically settling in Hollywood, renowned designer Howard "Dutch" Darrin created a sensation with his automobile designs for the rich and famous of the era. Starting with a European-themed 1937 Ford Phaeton for Warner Brothers' actor Dick Powell and a similar design on a Packard 120 chassis for RKO actor Chester Morris, Darrin continued with several more cars as he established himself in Hollywood. Approximately 22 custom Darrins followed in 1938 and 1939 for stars including Errol Flynn, Gene Krupa, Al Jolson, and Carole Lombard for Clark Gable.
 
For 1940, 30 cars were produced in all by Darrin, mostly two-door convertibles featuring Victoria-style convertible tops and the rakish "Darrin Dip" to the doors and bodysides. By mid-1940, Darrin's custom work on Packard chassis caught the attention of Packard president Alvan Macauley via dealer Earle C. Anthony. A deal was struck for Packard to market the cars as part of its model line, and a factory was established in Connersville, Indiana to build them in 1941 and 1942 just before the halt of civilian automobile production when America entered WW II.
 
Finished in Black paint with an Oxblood leather interior, this 1941 Packard Custom Super Eight 180 Convertible Victoria is a rare and wonderfully presented example of the celebrated Darrin and Packard collaboration. Car No. 9 of 35 Convertible Victorias built for the 1941 model year, this Packard-Darrin is one of only 3 known equipped with running boards. Additionally, it features a "K" multi-spoke steering wheel. Sold new on May 27, 1941, by Ed Lee Packard in Pensacola, Florida, this example is believed to have been restored by Gray Hills Auto Restoration in New Jersey and recently refreshed by Robert Escalante's Custom Auto Service in Santa Ana, California, where it received a new top, plus new carpeting, a new wiring harness and restored brightwork. A shop manual and service records are included. Well-known in classic Packard circles, this example is a proven concours contender that has received two invitations to the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, plus awards at numerous shows in the West.

Recognized as a CCCA Full Classic automobile with exceptional eligibility for a wide array of shows, concours, and classic touring events, this exceedingly rare and handsome 1941 Packard Super 8 180 Convertible Victoria by Darrin is an outstanding and timeless prewar classic automobile throughout. Call us today for more details, book a viewing, and make it yours in time for the upcoming show and touring season!