The 1938 Packard 1601 Eight Convertible Victoria represents a glamorous intersection of golden-age Hollywood and elite American coachbuilding. This specific chassis holds the distinction of being the second Packard Darrin ever constructed by Howard Darrin’s Hollywood shop. More importantly, it was the very first four-passenger variant of the design. Its original owner was none other than Clark Gable, the undisputed King of Hollywood. Gable was a sophisticated automotive enthusiast who demanded the highest levels of style and engineering. This Packard remains one of the most significant survivors of its era. It currently stands as a Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic of the highest order.
The Evolution of Darrin Coachwork
Howard Darrin famously created the first Packard Darrin roadster for actor Dick Powell. That project utilized a modified business coupe chassis to create a rakish, hand-built look. Darrin learned vital lessons during that initial build which he applied to the Gable car. This 1938 Packard 1601 Eight Convertible Victoria was the last to use a traditional ash-framed cowl. Later production models shifted to a cast aluminum cowl that was not yet ready for Gable. This early construction method makes the Gable car a unique transitional piece in the Darrin legacy. The hood line notably extends to within a half-inch of the door opening for a dramatic profile.
Clark Gable and the Price of Fame
Clark Gable was known to spend weeks in the shop watching his new machine take shape. However, the car proved too successful at drawing attention for the private actor. Contemporary reports stated that lady motorists would form parades behind the car at every stoplight. Pedestrians would even attempt to climb into the open cabin when Gable stopped in traffic. Overwhelmed by the constant public pursuit, Gable reportedly sold the car after only a month of ownership. He traded the super-exclusive Packard for a modest black coupe to regain his anonymity. This brief but intense brush with stardom has become a central part of the car’s rich provenance.
Renowned Restoration by Fran Roxas
The current owner entrusted this historic vehicle to the legendary craftsman Fran Roxas of Illinois. Roxas spent years performing a meticulous concours-level restoration on the 1938 Packard 1601 Eight Convertible Victoria. The goal was to return the car to the exact splendor it possessed when Gable drove it. Every mechanical and aesthetic detail was scrutinized to meet the highest judging standards. Following the completion of the work, the car debuted at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It received immediate acclaim for its preservation of Darrin’s original design language. The restoration remains in exceptional, well-preserved condition today for its next caretaker.
Verified History and Rare Documentation
The provenance of this Packard is bolstered by a string of dedicated long-term owners. After Gable, the car moved through the hands of a Hollywood bit player and a military officer. It eventually landed in Iowa, where a meticulous owner discovered a previous owner’s fishing license under the seat. This discovery helped historians track and verify the star-studded past of the vehicle. Howard Darrin himself eventually confirmed this car was the Gable Packard in club publications. He identified specific coachbuilding traits that were only present on the first two Hollywood-built cars. Such clear verification is incredibly rare for vehicles produced during the pre-war custom era.
Packard Eight Drivetrain and Performance
The 1938 Packard 1601 Eight Convertible Victoria is powered by a refined 282 cubic-inch straight-eight engine. This powerplant was legendary for its smooth operation and quiet power delivery during the late thirties. While the car currently utilizes a 1940 replacement engine, it maintains the correct mechanical spirit of the original build. The chassis provides a stately ride that was once the benchmark for American luxury transport. It delivers adequate torque to move the heavy aluminum-paneled bodywork with genuine grace. This mechanical package allowed Gable to cruise the California canyons with the effortless composure typical of a flagship Packard.
Summary of a Masterpiece with Provenance
This 1938 Packard 1601 Eight Convertible Victoria is far more than just a beautiful pre-war classic. It represents a tangible link to the lifestyle of one of the world’s greatest movie stars. The combination of Darrin styling and a Fran Roxas restoration makes it a centerpiece for any major collection. It carries the prestige of being a CCCA Full Classic with an unimpeachable history. Very few vehicles can claim to be the first of their body style while also boasting celebrity ownership. This Packard is ready to continue its award-winning career on the international concours circuit. It remains a definitive icon of both Hollywood glamour and automotive excellence.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
