1942 Packard Super Eight One-Eighty Darrin Victoria

We are very excited to bring this stunning, 1942 Packard Super Eight 180 Darrin Victoria Convertible to market representing one of only 15 like examples produced in the final year before the United States entered World War II. This historic classic Packard is finished in maroon over a dark red leather interior that's wonderfully complemented by a red Stayfast cloth top. Additional features include a 1942 date-code correct 356ci L-Head Inline 8-cylinder, 3-speed transmission with factory Aero-Drive overdrive, Packard AM radio with cowl antenna, dual outside mirrors, clock, cowl ventilation, tinted windshields, Denman wide whitewall tires, hubcaps and trim rinds, and exhaust turn-down tip.

According to Darrin historian Don Figone, the earliest documented ownership history of this car begins with car collector Glen Shepard of Piedmont, California. Upon his purchase in the early 1950s, he would commence what was likely the first restoration of this special Packard. Giving Mr. Shepard invaluable assistance in the project was Ray Dubrois of the San Francisco branch of Earl C. Anthony Company, who supplied him with hard-to-obtain Packard parts. Every component from the crankshaft to the rear axle would be meticulously balanced and rebuilt from the inside out. It also included adding a Packard 327ci head to slightly increase the compression ratio and provide more power and efficiency to the engine. His efforts to complete the full restoration were stated to come at a cost of $6,000 in 1953, a heavy sum in those days. His reward was the opportunity to have this vehicle showcased in Road & Track Magazine in September 1953 as a featured article about the Packard Darrin. It would later trade hands to a collection in Houston, TX before coming back to Los Angeles in the 1970's. It would then go on to be used in Hollywood in the TV detective series called Banacek, starring George Peppard.

Most recently, it was part of the esteemed Adderley Collection, where it has been exhibited and cared for over the past 16 years. This classic Packard continues to show exceptionally well, both inside and out. It was just serviced in 2024 to include new engine oil & filter, fresh air filter oil, new spark plugs, new idler arm bushings, front and rear u-joints, had the brake shoes cleaned, repacked the outer wheel bearings, and a new radiator cap installed. A fantastic classic Packard that would make for a marvelous addition to any pre-war collection. As a Full CCCA (Classic Car Club of America) classic you are sure to turn heads at any automotive event! Contact Jon Faust at 855-586-3413 to schedule a test drive.

History of Packard's Super Eight 180 Model:

Since the inception of the automobile industry, numerous manufacturers have praised custom-bodied coachwork, which has caused many customers to want something truly unique and striking. With their audacious intentions, and continuous effort to further refine a one-of-a-kind vehicle, designers were up to the task. One such designer was Howard "Dutch" Darrin, who began his creative career with the long-established Brewster & Co. based in New Haven, Connecticut. He would later establish Hibbard & Darrin with fellow designer Thomas Hibbart in France, where the two had met during World War I. Hibbard is also the co-founder of LeBaron Inc., another defined coach house in New York City.

This allowed Darrin to create notable automobiles across the world before finally bringing his inspiration back to the United States, establishing himself in Hollywood, CA in 1937. He would customize Packards for elite buyers in California, including famed actors Clark Gable and Chester Morris. Packard Motor Company recognized his talents and brought him onboard into their California production facility to build limited production Packards with his design influence. Today, Darrin's designs are easily recognized by his signature low body line presentation, notched upper doors, and V-swept windshields. Contact Jon Faust to schedule a test drive or to ask about financing and trading options - 855-586-3413 | email