1940 Packard Custom Super Eight Sport Sedan by Darrin
- Engine
- 356 cu in (approx. 5.8L) inline-eight, 160 bhp, paired with three-speed synchromesh manual and electric overdrive
- Colour
- Wilshire Green
One of just three ever built and among only two known survivors, this 1940 Packard Custom Super Eight Sport Sedan is a rare example of the collaboration between coachbuilder Howard 'Dutch' Darrin and Packard. Riding a 138-inch wheelbase and powered by a 356-cubic-inch inline-eight, the car was commissioned as a chauffeur-driven limousine with dual-compartment trim. After decades in single ownership it has earned multiple CCCA, AACA, and Packard club honours including recognition at Meadowbrook and the Glenmoor Gathering.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$280,000
- 1940 →Factory deliveryMr. Ames of Boston, owner of Tru-Temper Hardware Companypartial documentation
Ordered the car new as a chauffeur-driven limousine rather than an owner-driven vehicle, specifying a distinctive two-compartment configuration with divider window and dual radios.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownNoted Darrin collector and consignorpartial documentation
Acquired in the early 1980s; undertook a comprehensive recommissioning including new paint, reproduction upholstery, mechanical restoration, and installation of a factory-crated replacement engine.
Competition
- —Classic Car Club of AmericaCCCA Senior Premier judgingSenior Premier badge no. 2714
Car achieved Full Classic status and earned the CCCA Senior Premier award following restoration and recommissioning.
- —Antique Automobile Club of AmericaAACA National meetFirst Place
- —Packard Automobile ClassicsPackard Automobile Classics national meetFirst Place
- —Meadowbrook Concours d'EleganceConcours award
- —Glenmoor Gathering of Significant AutomobilesConcours award
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
Comprehensive recommissioning following acquisition in the early 1980s: bodywork prepared and finished in Wilshire Green paint; driver's compartment re-trimmed in green leather faithfully replicating the original; rear broadcloth upholstery reproduced to match the original two-tone 'Riviera option' scheme; mechanical systems returned to factory specification including installation of a correct factory-crated 356 cu in inline-eight replacement engine and professional rebuild of the three-speed overdrive transmission. New-old stock components were used throughout where available.
Original running boards were retained in their existing condition. Work was carried out after the consignor acquired the car, likely in the early-to-mid 1980s.
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