Packard 1940, 180 Custom 8 by Darrin- D4C LECC-II Ltd Ed of 1500 (Discontinued) ZQ 67
"Ask the man who owns one." Two years after establishment in 1899 in Warren, Ohio, James Packard coined that phrase showing the confidence he had in his cars. American luxury at its finest, Packard was and continues to be an icon of automotive brilliance. Never more was that true than of the 1940 Victoria Darrin. That year, coach builder Howard (Dutch) Darrin, took Packard's rolling chassis, all 127 inch wheelbase of it and performed a miracle of appearance on four Packard models. They were actually shown in the 1940 Packard catalog. There were only 50 Darrin Victoria's made and the list price was $4,570. The Cormorant radiator emblem was standard but for $50 additionally the owner could substitute the 'Goddess of Speed'. This is the second annual image produced exclusively for D4C club members by the Franklin Mint. Based on the burgundy with tan interior model previously issued in August of 1998, the model has all of the same features. They include photoetched grille inserts, wipers, hood trim and banjo steering wheel center. There is a folding luggage rack, operational suspension and turning drive shaft. The side windows raise and lower and the up-top is endowed with a rich texture feel. The engine is a delight, fully wired and splendidly detailed. The radiator ornament has been replicated in solid sterling silver. It depicts the fabled 'Goddess of Speed'. Franklin Mint has honored us by specially fabricating this mascot expressly for this club car. In Miami Sand with Oxblood interior, the diecast received a mixed reaction. But to this reviewer it captures the 1940 elegance that was typified by this automobile. It will stand out in any diecast collection as the real car did among its wheeled brethran sixty years ago.
