For many classic car folks, the woody is the penultimate classic car. While many manufacturers continued to make “woodies” with faux wood panels up until the 1980s, the best examples are those found with real wood adorning the bodies. Up for sale is what many consider to be one of the most beautiful examples of the woody: the 1948 Packard Station Sedan. Offered up here on Facebook Marketplace for $55,000, this beauty comes with a matching woody teardrop camper. Much thanks to Sam61 for sending this tip in!
The Packard name has always been synonymous with luxury. Prior to World War II, only the well-heeled could afford a Packard, and the cars lived up to their price point. But after the war, the designs began to get stodgy in the general public’s eye, and Packard lost their share of the market. It also didn’t help that the tastes of America’s youth were changing, and they were not buying the big Packards. As an effort to reclaim some market capital, Packard purchased the failing Studebaker company and became the Studebaker-Packard corporation in 1954. But by the end of 1958, Packards were no longer being made, and the name was officially retired from the corporation in 1962, bringing an unceremonious end to one of the great American marques.
This duo strikes quite a charming figure. From the pontoon styling of the Packard to the matching woody panels on the tear drop, this pair would make a great addition to anyone’s collection, or the cornerstone to a new one. The combination of navy blue paint with birch and mahogany paneling, set against wide white walls, creates a smart look. We don’t get any details on the mechanical condition of this car, but if it’s anywhere near the exterior condition, everything should be ok, as those Packard straight eights run like sewing machines. While the details are scant on the Packard, they are even more so with the teardrop. But this little camper appears to be in great condition as well.
There was a time not too long ago when this combo would have realized a much higher price. While $55k is nothing to sneeze at, woodies have always carried a premium in the classic car market, and especially this luxury model from Packard. But this is one of the segments of the market that is interesting to watch, just like pre-war cars. Will their values continue to drop? Or will any of the new generations show these grand old cars the respect they deserve? Only time will tell…
Dusty you’ve uncovered Howard’s get away set up. 👍🙌 🏕
Sorry Stan, my comments went to Hades again, I guess I crossed the line by adding a photo. Maybe they’ll surface later.
I don’t know about that, Stan, but thanks for thinking of me, not sure about any kind of travel, but this would probably rate at the bottom. It sure is neat.
I thought with a “matching trailer”, it would be the back half of another Packard wagon, already scarce. I read, this car wasn’t as fancy as you might think, it was based off the Standard 8. Most wagons came with the 288 motor, and I believe the red clutch pedal indicates it has the “Electromatic clutch” and possibly O/D. This car listed for $3425, about $300 more than my grandfathers ’48 Custom 8 touring sedan, but options put it well over $4grand. Only the convertible was more. Hence, a scant 3885 Packard wagons were sold over the 3 years, ’48 they best year. So Packard fans, what’s missing on this glorious vehicle?
No, that hood ornament was my grandfathers, a $28 option, transferred to our Packard, removed before sale and mounted where it adorns my brothers fireplace mantel. Not for sale.
That is really something that you still have your Grandpas hood ornament in the family Howard. Totally understand it not being sale. Some things you just cant part with.
-Dave
Beautiful hood ornament Howard. They meant something then disappeared on cars around the late 80s it seems. I remember wanting to keep them pointed, centered in the lane, splitting it perfectly..like a gun barrel site lol.
Well that answers that question. If you had no family to leave it to I was going to ask to buy it also.
I had one back in the 70s, but it was pitted and painted silver. I didn’t do it. I got it that way. Lost it at my first boyfriends place. It was in the carport when we broke up. Forgot to take it. Never saw it again.
What you have is not only beautiful but a treasure!
Sorry but this car deserved a better backdrop than adjacent to a salvage yard / scrap pile.
Like a carriage house or parkland setting…
Dusty Travis. The perfect country western singer name. Throw a guitar in the back of this Packard and head off on tour. First stop should be Bakersfield.
As long as we’re opening for Dwight Yoakam, let’s go!
AMEN to that Dusty 👍
Love the Packard. I think this is only the second one I’ve ever seen. Trailer is cute but the one similar to this one I climbed into years ago and shut the door convinced me that the only thing that small I want to be in is my casket, which I could care less about.
I felt the same way about small truck sleepers. In fact, they were called “the coffin”. Teardrop trailers aren’t for me either, and essentially a hard shell to sleep in out of the rain and critters. I guess I’m used to certain comforts as an old man.
Sleeping in a 53 Ford F-100 panel delivery truck wasn’t so bad several times. I used to go to the big flea market at Englishtown NJ, get there before midnight and be first in line for the car show which was in the middle of the racetrack. That prevented me waiting in long lines early the next morning. The trouble was there were bright lights, and the noise started around 4 AM for people setting up flea tables. I had that truck from 1989 until 2019.
Dam facebook….
I wouldn’t call that trailer matching. It looks like it was plain and someone tried to make it go with the Packard cheaply.
JMO
Anyone else think of “Hey, Arnold!” whenever they see a Packard?
*crickets*
Arnold’s grandpa drove a dark green Clipper. Always thought that was cool.