Custom-bodied coachwork has been celebrated among many automotive manufacturers since the inception of the automobile. The need for many consumers to have something above the norm, or something that really made a statement. Whether audacious intentions, or an effort to further refine the shape or to simply to have a one-of-a-kind vehicle to cruise the boulevard, designers were up to the task. One such designer was Howard "Dutch" Darrin, who began his creative design career with 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 some beautiful automobiles throughout 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, they're easily recognized by his signature low body line presentation, notched upper doors, and V-swept windshields.
We are very excited to offer one of last production vehicles built prior to the United States entering World War II. This stunning 1942 Packard Clipper One-Eighty Convertible Victoria for sale with Body by Darrin is finished in maroon over dark red leather interior and red Stayfast cloth top. One of only 15 such examples would be produced. Features include 1942 date-code correct 356ci L-Head Inine 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 1950's, 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. It 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 marvelous edition to any pre-war collection, or anyone looking to make a statement in a CCCA Full Classic at the next Caravan, this is certainly a vehicle that requires consideration!! Please call with any questions or to schedule a chance to review it in person. Thanks, as always, for looking at our inventory!
