160 hp, 356 cu. in. L-head inline eight, three-speed column-shift manual transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with longitudinal semi-elliptic leaf springs and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 127"

- Interesting and well-documented provenance

- Prominent early ownership history

- One of just 35 built

- The only known example exported to Mexico

“Well, Darrin, I don’t know if we want to take a chance on this – we have to put our name on it and stand behind it, you know.” Howard “Dutch” Darrin recounted these words from Packard President Alvin McCauley in an article for Automobile Quarterly. Among the concerns were the perception that Darrin’s modifications to the radiator support created front-end instability and that the cowl was not sturdy enough. Darrin responded by climbing onto the cast aluminum cowl and jumping up and down, which seemed to prove his point. If the shred of doubt in McCauley’s mind was any larger, the Darrin would have never been endorsed as a factory semi-custom. For 1941 Packard offered a Darrin Convertible Victoria and a Darrin Sedan. It is believed that no sedans were built, accounting for all 35 units built as Convertible Victorias. Chassis 14292011 is the eleventh example produced and has a history unlike any of its siblings.

Romulo O’Farrill Sr. was an influential Mexican businessman who controlled a major share of his country’s media interests including print, radio and eventually television. He wed Hilda Avila Camacho, daughter of General Maximino Avila Camacho and niece of President Manuel Avila Camacho. General Camacho was also head of the Secretariat of Communications and Transport who held, among other responsibilities, regulatory power over automotive dealerships and distributorships. Through this relationship Automotriz O’Farrill, a firm that still exists, became the sole Packard distributor in Mexico. In appreciation for his father-in-law’s nepotism, O’Farrill presented General Camacho with a new 1941 Packard Darrin Convertible Victoria.

Sometime between 1943 and 1945 Eduardo Collignon, a member of Guadalajara’s elite society, saw 14292011 on a visit to Mexico City and immediately arranged its purchase. After his acquisition Collignon and some friends took a trip to the bay of Acapulco, a destination popular with members of his class but largely unknown outside of Mexico. Collignon and his friends drove the stylish Packard almost 600 miles from Guadalajara to Acapulco. During his vacation he was startled by the beauty of a young woman crossing the street in front of him. The pedestrian was Amparo Goribar, known for her role in the 1942 film The Virgin of Guadalupe.

Although Collignon was engaged to another socialite, the attraction was too strong and the couple started dating and were married shortly thereafter. The ceremony took place in secret, but word got out and intense public interest followed. After a second religious ceremony and reception at the Goribar home, the couple moved off to Guadalajara where high society embraced the couple and their distinctive Packard. During their ownership the car would attract the attention of Jose Hernandez, and the image of the stylish Packard would be forever imprinted in his mind.

Evidently Collignon sold 14292011 to Automotriz Camaro for the equivalent of $582 US dollars. In the late 1980s Hernandez discovered the car he had seen so many years earlier in the possession of Salvador Romo and set out to acquire it. For five years Hernandez asked and Romo refused to sell, until one day he relented. The ownership documents confirm the transaction took place in 1994. According to Hernandez the car required total restoration, but he worked nonstop for a year to collect needed parts and took six trips to the United States.

The restoration ensued in 1995 and was finished in the early 2000s. Reflecting on his accomplishment, Hernandez stated, “It’s a little sad because you know that never in your life are you going to get a piece as beautiful as this; you feel that your life as a collector and restorer has peaked.” After the restoration was completed, a party for 150 people was held in an airplane hangar, and seated at one of the tables was Amparo Goribar and two subsequent generations of her family. A door opened and the 1941 Packard Darrin drove in and came to rest in front of Goribar’s table. Memories flooded back and the widow recounted the fairytale of the courtship and life with her husband, even speaking to the Packard as if it were an old friend. Chassis 14292011 also made an appearance at the show commemorating the Guadalajara Automobile Club’s 20th Anniversary and was used as the poster car for the event.

A noted dealer from the United States repatriated the Darrin and placed it with the current owner. Finished in the original colors of Sand Beige with Red leather interior and Black cloth top, the culmination of Hernandez’ efforts is magnificent. The owner found the upholstery, glass, trunk and top to be pristine. The paint is excellent and the body is solid with even gaps. This 1941 Packard Darrin is also optioned with fender skirts, radio, clock, heater, front and rear tri-bar bumpers, fog lights and a Packard exhaust tip. It has benefited by a seven-year restoration and has been well looked after and freshened since.

Chassis 14292011 has distinctive provenance as the only example of 35 built to be exported to Mexico and is augmented by documented ownership of a high ranking government official and a noted celebrity. It remains a welcome contender at national events and is highly desirable due to its rarity, condition and history.