give the time , it was inevitable that Packard would drop its expensive , slow - moving V-12 ( only 446 built for 1939 ) . Thus , for 1940 , Packard consolidated its assemblage lines and began build the senior Packards , such as the 1940 Packard Darrin One - Eighty Victoria Convertible , alongside the junior cars .
Classic Cars Image Gallery
Replacing the V-12 was the Custom Super-8 One - Eighty . unfeigned , it cost $ 2,000 less than the V-12 , but lest anyone mean it did n’t mensurate up , Packard , staged a race at its Proving Grounds , which the 160 - horsepower straight eight acquire easily . It was , after all , America ’s most powerful production engine , salvage for the Cadillac V-16 .
Style - wise , Packard maintained a conservative image , but Howard " Dutch " Darrin , mention designer of custom - built railcar , had been adding pizazz to Packards since 1937 .
By 1939 , Packard management had taken note , and so for 1940 two Packard Darrins were listed : a $ 6,332 exchangeable Sedan and a Convertible Victoria for $ 4,593 . The latter was publicise in theSaturday Evening Postas " Glamour Car of the Year ! ( Of naturally , it ’s a Packard ) . "
The Darrin Victoria gained its sporty looks from its cut down doors , rake windshield , saw - off running boards , and lowered tough and grille .
To its credit , the rakish Victoria pass on to win " classic " status from the Classic Car Club of America .
The ragtop Victoria quickly became a condition symbolization , catch the center of more than one famous star . Drummer Gene Krupa , for object lesson , bought one .
So did Carol Lombard – as a Valentine ’s Day present for her actor husband , Clark Gable .
He had been engaged during 1939 filmingIdiot ’s Delightand playing the part of Rhett Butler inGone With the farting , and perhaps it was for that immortal office that she impart upon him such a lavish gift .
The Darrin Victoria pictured above was the one given to Clark Gable .
build in the former Connorsville , Indiana , Auburn plant , it is one of an judge run of about 50 .
This Darrin was reportedly the only one to lark wind wing , and is also fitted with Tripp repulse lights and a wireless .
The Gun Metal Grey outside was complemented with red trimming , and set off against a deep maroon interior .
It ’s comfortable to show Carol Lombard and Clark Gable climbing aboard and , in an eye eye blink , beingGone With the Wind !
