Fernandez et Darrin

Key facts

Founder

Howard "Dutch" Darrin and J. Fernandez^2,1 Independently researched

Headquarters

Paris, France¹ Independently researched

History

After Hibbard & Darrin closed in 1931 under the pressure of the Depression, Howard "Dutch" Darrin teamed with the banker J. Fernandez, who offered him a modern factory and a showroom on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The firm bodied Hispano-Suiza J12 and K6 chassis and, in 1934, a Rolls-Royce 20/25. Darrin returned to the United States in 1936 and set up his own coachworks in Hollywood. Neither source consulted gives the exact founding or closing year of the partnership.

Milestones

1. 1934
   Fernandez & Darrin bodied a Rolls-Royce 20/25 for its first owner.¹
2. 1936
   Howard Darrin returned to the United States and set up his own coachworks in Hollywood.²

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   All the Luck: Howard A. "Dutch" Darrin, Part 1 Level C Richard Langworth

   • Rolls-Royce 20/25 bodied in 1934
   • Darrin teamed with the banker J. Fernandez
   • Fernandez offered Darrin a modern factory and a showroom on the Champs Élysées
   • 1931 Hibbard & Darrin end; Fernandez factory and showroom; 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25

   Accessed 2026-11-13
2. 2
   Two Young Americans Making Fame in Paris Level D Crankhandle

   • Darrin returned to the US in 1936
   • Darrin partnered with J. Fernandez, a "wealthy French banker"
   • Hispano-Suiza J12 and K6; Darrin returned to US in 1936

   Accessed 2026-11-13