Keeping up with the times for the 1940 model year and their Eighteenth Series, Packard took a new approach with their senior product line, discontinuing the outdated Twelve. The 160 and 180 models now topped Packard’s range of offerings, and featured smooth and powerful inline eights, with the 160 proving the most popular by a wide margin with over 5,600 built. The vast majority of Packard’s output for the year were the 90,000 junior-series, six-cylinder cars.

At the top of the line, style and exclusivity still reigned supreme, and custombodied cars topped this already rarified range. The popular Darrin had become a catalogue custom, and outside coachbuilders including Bohman & Schwartz and Rollson could be retained for bespoke creations on the senior chassis.

The beautifully designed Convertible Victoria offered here is one such rare commission built by Rollson. At first glance, the body resembles a Dutch Darrin design, but on further inspection, numerous refinements become clear. A smoother and more elegant transition between the long, straight hood line and the doors suggests increased length over the Darrin. Additionally, the sophisticated sweep of the door-tops continues in an accent line well into the rear fenders, for an overall, pulled-together look. Possibly the only such body built by Rollson, its data tag notes an April 1940 delivery in New York. Following an exhaustive search, it was found by a dedicated enthusiast, Paul de Berardinis, an attorney in the Syracuse area, in the early 1950s.

In subsequent years, the rare Super 8 was in the care of several collectors and CCCA members who exhibited it at various Grand Classics and Meets in the 1960s, and it appeared in a calendar, “Kings of the Highway,” photographed by Henry Austin Clark in 1979. By 1995, it was owned by respected Packard authority Don Sears of California. In 1998, the Packard was fortunate to become part of Harold “Joe” Hayes’ diverse collection of rare classics and significant sports cars in Chicago. According to receipts on file, in 2001, Mr. Hayes commissioned Chicago Restorations Ltd. to perform a body-off mechanical and cosmetic restoration to concours-competitive standards. The body is finished in a rich version of Inverness Green, and is complemented by a cognac leather interior with green piping. Green carpets complete the combination in elegant fashion, with the ivory-toned steering wheel, dash trim, and canvas top providing a refined accent.

The Convertible Victoria’s striking presentation earned it a class award at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. Joining the consignor’s collection in 2012, it has been lovingly cared for, along with other significant one-offs by his professional collection staff, and has received regular exercise. Impossible to duplicate, Rollson’s sophisticated Packard Victoria is worthy of a place of honor in any stable of classics.