Before we start in on today’s featured Packard, let’s note that this company managed to generate the most confusing nomenclature in the history of the automobile. The Clipper and the Eight were made in many different years, variously appended with “Custom” and “Super”. Sometimes, a model was both a Clipper and an Eight. In 1948, the Custom Super Clipper was renamed the Custom Super Eight. Both models also shifted periodically from longer wheelbase, luxury seniors to more modest junior status. Packard’s post-war Eight series belonged to its portfolio of junior cars, but its first-gen Eights, made in the early 1920s, were seniors. Where the pre-war Clipper broke new ground with its streamlined envelope styling, the Eight was a continuation of the same smooth styling, even if the name eventually changed. Here on eBay is a running, driving 1949 Packard Super Eight, advertised for $14,500, located in Polk City, Florida. The seller has perfect feedback, and the title is clear.
The engine was a bit shy for its photo shoot, but underhood we should see a 327 cu. in. straight eight, good for about 145 hp and mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. As noted by the seller, the engine and many other components were rebuilt or replaced to the tune of $7000. While they were at it, the prior owner cared enough to dress the engine bay to near-show-condition. This example’s underside is clean and straight.
These were the days of snazzy interiors. The pinwale cloth, beautiful steering wheel, and white/gold gauges confer a touch of class. This car’s headliner is nearly perfect, and the rear seats look great. In the trunk – also spiffy – are manuals, parts catalogs, an electrical diagram, and receipts. In this series, the Eight was the standard version, the Super Eight sat in the middle, and the Custom Super Eight was top-shelf. Interior appointments grew more luxe at each progression.
Body styles ranged from this four-door sedan to a very sleek coupe and a convertible. A few years earlier or later, other bodies were available, including longer wheelbase cars. Aside from sheet metal configuration, prices also depend on engine size. Bonham’s sold this stunning Eight with a 288 cu. in. engine, formerly from Harrah’s, in a no-reserve auction for just $9520, including premium. This eight-passenger 1947 Custom Super Clipper brought just $27k. Any of these, including our subject car, offers a lot of style for not much money. What do you think of these late 1940s Packards?
Oh sure, since I’m stuck on memory lane( Suzuki TS), may as well give him another jab. No, no, It’s okay, it’s, in part, why I’m here. A Packard, by gar, it’s been a while. Stalwarts of the site will remember our 1950( see photo) and a quick summary for newbies. My grandfather bought a new 1948 Packard, I vaguely remember riding in. It was a Deluxe 8 Touring Sedan, much like this. This being the Super 8, had the 327 and was $300 more( $2653) than the Standard 8. Ours was a 1950 Standard 8, 288 motor, and the 1st year with automatic. The “Ultramatic” added $199 to the car, and was a popular option.
This car being the Super 8, was about middle of the lineup, only about 7900 were sold. It’s unclear if this car has the O/D( I thought standard on the 327?) and no Electro-matic clutch, ( red clutch pedal pad) both that my grandfather had. The hood ornament, ( see updated avatar) that was my grandfathers, cost $13.25, the O/D and clutch were about $119, and the radio, was a whopping $128! They were wonderful cars. My grandfather bought a Packard because of their war efforts, and wrecked the car in late 1960, when he tangled with a city bus, or so the story went. It had just over 40K miles, and he was heartbroken. He bought a ’61 Chevy Impala, the next most patriotic American car, but if he could have bought a new Packard, we know he would have. He removed the hood ornament before it was towed away, and sat in his basement for 30 years. One day( 1980), my dad found the 1950 in a back yard on wood blocks near Milwaukee. The widow of the owner said, her husband parked the car( also with about 40K) in 1959 when he refused to pay over .25/gal. of gas.We restored the car, and in memory, proudly displayed grandpas hood ornament up front. When we sold the car, we kept the ornament, and my brother mounted it and adorns his fireplace now.
Thanks, Michelle, hope you all didn’t run out of tissues, good memories.
This is my grandfather and his new Packard, circa about 1950. Notice big stogie and same hood ornament!
Here’s the original invoice for his car( hope it works)
When Michelle wrote this up. First one I thought about was Howard. Great history Howard, and thats something else you have the original paperwork from your Grandpa too. This Packard is absolutely beautiful. Hope it goes to a good new home. It seems like a very fair price too. Man, all I need to do is miraculously become independently wealthy and I could buy this!!!