Vehicle No. 1701 2097

Engine No. B319355A

In the matter of a few short years, young American designers Tom Hibbard and Howard "Dutch" Darrin built a stellar reputation from their Paris-based coachbuilding firm Hibbard & Darrin. When Hibbard departed for a job at GM in 1931, Darrin stayed behind, partnering with financier J. Fernandez and carrying on as Fernandez et Darrin. But by the mid-1930s, a declining customer base and rapidly deteriorating political climate in France saw Darrin close shop and return to the USA.

Settling in Hollywood, California, Darrin wasted little time reestablishing his business. His close friend Darryl F. Zanuck was a vice-president at Twentieth Century Fox Studios, affording Darrin direct access to a new pool of wealthy, style-conscious clients. With a convincing French accent he could switch on at will, he was often introduced as "Howard Darrin of Paris" (he was, in fact, from New Jersey), adding a touch of continental charm to his repertoire.

The first commission came from actor Dick Powell for a 1937 Ford Phaeton which Darrin deftly converted into a handsome little four-place roadster. Next came the dashing leading man, Chester Morris, who requested a car similar to Powell's, but built upon a prestigous Packard One-Twenty chassis. Darrin designed a long hood, raked V windscreen, and a distinctive kick to the door line that became emblematic of future Packard-Darrins. The next order came from none other than Clark Gable, his being the first four-seat version and effectively the prototype for the Packard Convertible Victoria by Darrin.

The cars drew enough attention that for 1940, Packard officially acquired the design and manufacturing rights to the Darrin Convertible Victoria, and shifted production to Central Manufacturing in Connersville, Indiana, which continued through 1942. Up to that point, as few as 30 so-called "Hollywood Darrin" Packards of all designs were completed.

This marvelous 1939 Packard Convertible Victoria is one of just eight Hollywood Darrins built atop the 1701 One-Twenty chassis. Compared to the later One-Eighty and Super Eight, the One-Twenty's smaller, nimbler platform was ideally suited to Darrin's sporting coachwork style. Handsomely presented in red over tan upholstery, this car wears an attractive older restoration which has mellowed gently through years of enjoyment. Its minimal exterior trim, lack of running boards, and skirted rear fenders enhance the sporting, European-inspired design. Details include a Cormorant mascot, dual fog lamps, and a beige canvas convertible top with a matching canvas boot. The cabin features unique Darrin touches including front bucket seats, and an upholstered crash pad above the dash. Packard's superbly engineered 1701 chassis with independent front suspension and a refined 120-horsepower 282 cubic-inch inline-eight translate into effortless progress on the open road which is where these cars shine brightest.

Representing the end of an era for true coachbuilt Packards, this One-Twenty Hollywood Darrin is recognized as a CCCA Full Classic and is wonderfully suited for the club's eminently popular CARavan tours or simply for cruising the boulevard in celebration of the head-turning style that defined Howard Darrin's long and illustrious career.