Some of the most rare and desirable "Darrin" Packards are the 1941 and 1942 models, featuring the new, up-to-date Clipper-inspired styling with the model's signature extended hoodline, low vee'd windshield, and cut-down doors. As before, these cars were essentially hand-built to individual customer order; just 35 were produced in 1941, followed by a mere 15 of the 1942 models. The latter were the final "Packard Darrins" produced, and are among the rarest and most desirable today.

THE VALET'S DARRIN

Vehicle number 1529-2004, the fourth of the 15 1942 models built, was originally delivered by the Hollywood, California, dealer. Its original owner, a San Francisco industrialist, frequently drove it up Nob Hill, to enjoy dinner at the posh Fairmont Hotel, most famous today as the starting point of the annual California Mille. Peter Jacovina, a parking valet at the Fairmont, always admired the beautiful Packard.

In 1959, Jacovina, by that time a successful restauranteur, was able to buy the car of his dreams from the owner's estate in Colmar, and after a restoration, kept, maintained, and enjoyed it until 1995. It was then sold to Don Sears, the well-known Packard authority, who well recalls it as being a good car, with no rust or body damage, courtesy of its long life in sunny California. Mr. Sears eventually passed the car to Joe Hayes of Chicago, after which it was acquired by its current owner. It has now remained in his collection for 14 years.

The Parisienne Blue car carries a CCCA Senior Premier badge and, the owner notes, was awarded 246½ of a potential 250 points several years ago at a Packards International meet, winning a First Prize. It was also judged Best in Class among a special Packard Darrin class at the Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance in 2015. While the owner prefers to show and drive the convertible without its rear fender skirts, he has retained them and they will accompany the car.

One of the best-known and most well-respected 1942 Darrins, this car ranks among the most desirable Packards offered in some years. It would be a standout for any collection - or ideal for driving to dinner on Nob Hill again, to spark the fascination of a passerby, just as it did so many decades ago in the City by the Bay.