Signature 1:18 1941 Packard 180 Darrin Convertible

“Ask the man who owns one.” Is it possible that Packard was the ultimate American car? In the half-century since the marque passed into history, few are still held in such high esteem, discussed with such reverence. It stems from many factors, above all an uncompromising dedication to making the best cars possible. Among the great manufacturers, perhaps only the Rolls Royce name carries the same cachet. A dedicated clientele and a public cognizant of its reputation for excellence and reliability enabled Packard to survive, even thrive, during the Depression. The superb mechanics, unexcelled chassiswork and regal Packard grill gave famed designer Howard “Dutch” Darrin the ideal platform on which to work his magic. These cars, from the earliest, custom-built “Hollywood” Darrins, to early-‘40s models built by Packard itself, though few in number, served to further solidify the marque among celebrities and the buying elite, and are now among the most collectible of automobiles.

With so many of Signature’s recent images depicting large, stately subjects, this model is especially welcome. And with five excellent Packard models already to their credit, expectations for the new Darrin have run high. Collectors familiar with Signature will know what to expect when they’re firing on all cylinders: excellent fit and finish, accurate proportions and scale fidelity, noteworthy engine and chassis detail and, perhaps most notably, superbly wrought interiors. These qualities are very much in evidence here; everything fits well, and glistens and gleams where it should. The distinctive Darrin body with its trademark beltline dip is beautifully captured. The carpeted interior maintains Signature’s high standard, with nicely textured, soft-touch upholstery, fine chromed door panel hardware, good (if not exceptional) depth and detail in the wheel and dash and a well done convertible boot with painted snaps. The little curved sliver of glazing on each door is a classy touch.

The engine bay is the best yet from Signature. The potent 160 hp, 356 cubic inch straight-eight is rendered with plenty of fine specific detail, pieces molded in a variety of colors (albeit a bit too much chrome) and lots of soft red and black wiring. I love the triple bank of horns, but the firewall could do with a bit more definition. Chassis detail, too, ranks with Signature’s best, very decently depicted, with working rear suspension. Badging and scripts are crisp and clear, though the fabled “Darrin” signature one expects to see beneath the right headlight is missing. Most of the exterior chrome work is superb, light lenses all around are top-notch (except for the parking lights atop the front fenders, which should be white but are painted amber) and there’s even a telescoping antenna.

Alas, there’s a subjective downside to dampen my enthusiasm. First, the subject is one you’d rarely see as representative of the Darrin body style at its most distinctive. This One-Eighty Convertible Victoria has twin fender mounts and fog (or running) lights that necessitate a pronounced front bumper extension. On certain cars these features would add a degree of substance and dignity, but they look ponderous and ill suited to the Darrin. The running boards, which were eliminated from the early, more rakish Darrins, add to the sobriety. The Goddess of Speed appropriately surmounts the hood, but a different choice of subject would have given us the even more elegant Cormorant. Add the somewhat subdued blue-gray paint with matching seats (I’d envisioned a cream-colored body with an oxblood interior), and this isn’t quite the sensation it might have been. Still, it’s good to know that Signature’s model is based on an extant ’41 Darrin, and not a cobbled-together hodgepodge of fantasy and available parts. It can be seen at the Packard Club website (packardclub.org); it’s possible that Signature had access to this very car. It’s just regrettable that a snappier subject, perhaps a “Hollywood” Darrin, wasn’t chosen.

Finally, there’s the issue of price. At $53, this Packard ushers in a new line from Signature, called “Charlestown Collectibles.” What does $25 above the price of Signature’s standard line buy? Apart from the superbly detailed engine, there’s the segmented antenna, moveable visors, a nice bronze-hue coin depicting the Goddess of Speed, and a larger-than-usual plastic base. That’s about it. All the other fine detail (and there’s a lot of it) can usually be found in Signature’s cheaper models, too. And it should be mentioned that the center grill isn’t blackwashed (I did that right away), the doors resort to small (but very discreet) diecast hinges and the exterior chrome trim on the lower fenders, as well as the faux trunk hinges, are painted over in silver-grey. Yes, in my opinion, this model is a little overpriced.

So we finally have our 1:18 Packard Darrin. Given high expectations based on what we’ve seen before from this source, the result, while pleasing, is something of a mixed bag. Still, the overall execution is pretty darned impressive and the model really does look lovely on display. I wouldn’t want to be without it, and I think if you’re a Packard lover, neither will you.

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