Hibbard__Darrin

Hibbard et Darrin was a French body builder (1923-1931) who operated directly on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Owned by two Americans, Hibbard and Darrin, bodies were built for the most luxurious chassis. In early 1920, they were already agents for Minerva, the Belgian premium brand.

Prior to Hibbard et Darrin, Thomas L. Hibbard had already founded LeBaron Carrossiers, an American design office for automobiles and an operator. Hibbard returned to the United States in 1931 to work in the General Motors design department.

Howard "Dutch" Darrin stayed in France and started a new company with a wealthy French banker named Fernandez, whom they named Fernandez and Darrin. Darrin returned to the United States in 1937 to set up his own design studio, Darrin of Paris, in Hollywood. Darrin designed cars for Kaiser and Studebaker, among others.