I just received another of what I regard as some of the most visually stunning car ads of all time.


The "Golden" Packard ads appeared in 1940 & '41 Fortune, the SatEvePost, Collier's, The New Yorker and other (?) magazines. This most recent addition, for 1940's Custom Super-8 One-Eight Convertible Victoria by Darrin (that's a mouthful, say it three times fast; I dare ya!) brings my total to seven of these 180-Series beauties.

So far I have the 1940 Darrin shown, 1940 Club Sedan (maroon, with Weather-Conditioner), '40 Formal Sedan (black), '40 5-passenger long-wheelbase Touring Sedan (dark blue), '40 7-passenger 148" Limousine (dark green), '40 Darrin Custom Sport Sedan (maroon), and the 1941 Darrin Convertible Victoria (in black).

They're all the Fortune variety, and I wonder if anyone can tell me how many versions there were, and in which magazines.
'Cause naturally, I must Collect Them All!

Thanks,
TG

Tom
I believe there was a black 1942 version as well.
I want to add that the maroon 1940 Darrin Custom Sport Sedan was a one-off creation designed by Art Fitzpatrick (he's the artist that did those Pontiac ads of the very early 1960s). The car's restoration was just finished and is featured in the latest issue of the Classic Car Club's quarterly magazine. The car is owned by Mike Ames of Texas and was photographed by Don Spier. I don't think I can post Don's photo, but here's the illustration.

Thanks for the info West,

And here's the art from the Fortune ad...



I'd still like to know actual figures; and if you ask real nice I'll post the glorious '41 Darrin Vicky ad,
unless someone else wants to!

They are my favorites.

TG

From Bob Zimmerman, Packard advertising expert:

1940
Black One Eighty Formal sedan - 2pgs
"INTRODUCING THE 1940 PACKARD CUSTOM"
FO,[CL(1pg)] Oct/39

Blue One Eighty 5pass sedan
"Don't follow the leader-drive it!"
FO,CL Nov/39

Red One Eighty Darrin Custom Sport Sedan
"Adventure For Sale"
FO Dec/39; CL,T&C Jan/40; [Variation “For a Fortunate Few” FO Dec/39]

Green One Eighty Limousine
"To people who refuse to be second"
FO Jan/40

Red One Eighty Club sedan
"Here is your hope!"
FO,CL Feb/40

Blue One Eighty 5pass sedan
"Invitation to be spoiled"
FO,CL Mar/40

Blue One Eighty Darrin Convertible Victoria
"Glamour car of the year!"
SEP 30/Mar/40; Coll 20/Apr/40; FO,CL Jun/40

1941
Black Darrin 180 Convertible Victoria
"What could it be"
SEP,NY 22/Mar/41; Coll 15/Mar/41; FO,WHC Apr/41; Ti 24/Mar/41; Nswk 3/Mar/41

Thanks West and Bob,

For the Golden Ads info; I lack just one to have them all, and now I know what to look for. Here's the '41 Darrin ad, perhaps the most visually stunning of all.



Regards,
TG

Thanks to Bob, you not only know what to look for, but where as well. That's great information.
I love the 1941 ad. I have a couple of those. With a nice set of black sidewall tires, that car would really be stunning!

C'mon West,

The only dog I have in the fight for WWW vs. BW is the '49 Roadmaster.


As found, in 1989.


After a little scrubbing...

Though it was found with BW's, when done it'll sport WWW's.

TG

A set of dog-dish hubcaps on red wheels with black sidewall tires. That's how that car would look its best.