In the 1970s and 1980s, there was no shortage of “special editions” emerging from America’s automobile factories. From pace cars to anniversary editions, customers were deluged with these marketing exercises. Before this period, automakers were somewhat more reserved. This 1949 Packard sedan for sale on Craigslist in Seymour, Texas, is a good example of a special edition that actually celebrated a great occasion. Packard was celebrating its 50th year in business, and the grand old company commemorated the occasion by building 2,000 higher-end cars bathed in gold paint. This survivor still wears some of that gold paint on its cowl, but has been repainted in a more subtle white. What hasn’t changed is the amazingly smooth straight-eight engine under the hood of this stately Packard and its impeccable road manners. Would you be interested in adding one of the finest cars of its era to your stable with a reasonable asking price of $12,500? Thanks to reader Jack M. for the tip on this amazing automobile.
Ask the average person on the street about the Packard automobile, and you will get some very bewildered looks. The last automobiles produced under that name emerged from a South Bend, Indiana, Studebaker factory in 1958 and were hardly Packards at all. The once proud company merged with Studebaker in 1953. It wasn’t long before Packard fans were aghast to find that their favored marque was quickly fading away into obscurity, being replaced with what many felt was a substandard, badge-engineered Studebaker.
The problem was that Packard, despite being in great financial health thanks to numerous war production contracts, was stuck with prewar bodies longer than nearly all of its contemporaries. The updated body panels led some to believe that the renovated cars became less graceful and more “elephantine” in appearance. As time wore on, the company’s fortunes sank even further as competitors introduced new models, V-8 engines, and automatic transmissions. Packard quickly found out that the postwar automobile market was quite hostile to independent automakers. Competition from “The Big Three” was just too strong.
Yet in 1949, there was cause for celebration. The 50th anniversary of the company was celebrated with the production of 2,000 higher-end models adorned with gold paint and a few other special touches. Unfortunately, these cars didn’t sell well. Some remained on dealers’ lots well into 1950. Another problem was that the special gold paint quickly deteriorated. Many were repainted in more sedate and durable tones.
That appears to be what happened to our feature car. It still bears the special gold paint on the hard-to-respray firewall, but the rest of the vehicle is covered in a slightly ivory shade of white. The seller tells us that whoever repainted the car could have used a bit more care. The good news is that it is still presentable, the car is very dependable, and the possibly partially original interior is in fine shape.
The only issue holding up the sale may be the price. Packards of this era don’t tend to bring big money despite their reputation for being excellent road cars. They lack the prestigious look of their prewar brethren, and collectors don’t flock to them as readily. That is a shame. There are few cars better suited for long-distance travel than Packards such as these. When you factor in the incredible level of quality and reliability that these cars exhibit, they are a bargain at twice this price. Hopefully, this one finds a good home soon. The owner states that they are “very flexible.”
Have you ever owned or driven a Packard from this era? What was your impression of the car? What do you think is a fair price for this anniversary special? Please share your memories and thoughts in the comments.
A couple red flags here for me. One, the seller’s claim that there is “no known rust” – does that imply there could be “unknown rust”? Two, the admission that it should have had better body prep before the last paint job. On the other hand, seller says the price is “very negotiable,” so it could be an opportunity to snag a “bathtub” Packard at a reasonable price.
An ambulance version of this car (though 1948 model) was featured in the 1958 movie “The Fly”. Just saw it on Svengoolie last night.
https://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_52218-Packard-Custom-Eight-2213-1948.html
sigh, you know, just when that wound begins to skin over, Jeff/BFs has to tear it open,,,again. A gold Packard? I wonder if my grandfather knew about that? No matter, my grandfather was a quiet man, unlike his middle grandson,,,,
This car was nothing special, 1949 Packard-wise, that is. This was the “Eight Touring Sedan”, has the 288 motor, and “gold” Packards had the paint, of course, but also the basic “Goddess of Speed” hood ornament( not the Cormorant), and featured the all new Ultramatic, that this buyer chose not. At $2249, it was the least expensive Packard in 1949, and I thought our 1950 Standard 8 was the cheapest. The visor was an option, as was the radio and heater, aside from trim, they didn’t get much else. A wonderful car, and you can “ask me”, we owned one.
I advertised my 23rd series sedan as “a Porsche on steroids”. Looked just like this car.
A few thoughts. This seems to be a particularly well-cared for vehicle…very clean with a few minor exceptions (the trunk seal looks to need some remediation and a few paint spots). The owner/seller appears to have other collectible vehicles in decent shape boding well for this one. Never a fan of the windshield sun visors but this one conforms nicely to the body line. Sad that this marque like so many others has passed into history. Packard was the standard in the 20s and 30s. This one lacks the glitz of the Cadillacs of the period, which I like, but perhaps the public, after the war, wanted more pizzazz. Nice car. Wonder how it would do on the freeway today.
My thoughts as well regarding freeway travel. Might be better suited for major two lane highways. Beautiful looking car from this distance.
Meant to also compliment whomever put the seat belts in place. Very smart addition that does not detract at all.
Hi Nelson, not just 2 lanes, but 2 lane GRAVEL roads were the norm. The visor was not only for the sun, but it also protected the windshields, that on gravel roads, were broken regularly. My dad said he rode with my grandfather from Milwaukee to Kalamazoo in his ’49 Packard in the 50s, and he said, after Chicago,it was practically all gravel 2 lanes, and he said that Packard made a smooth ride out of it. Not sure about a freeway setting, as these just weren’t geared to go 75 mph all day.
Did anyone catch the “10 Miles per Gallon” sticker right above the ignition?
I have never ridden in, nor driven a Packard. But have a new found appreciation for the mark. I’m not sure that I would ever want one. But the chance to ride in or drive one would be something I would love to do. I have many a mile experience in every Hudson (except a big boy) model. Please tell me if it is like driving a heavier Hudson? Or is it a,whole new driving experience like an XKE/XK6 is different than anything else. I just picked that example because of the different feel/experience.
All of the bathtub Packards were just ugly. They look so misproportioned and bloated. It’s amazing to think that this design evolved out of the beautiful 1941 Packard Clipper. The only thing amazing about this particular model is that it was one of the gold anniversary additions, painted gold. If that was the case with this car, why is it white?
Well,,,Dave,,I’ve found one has to be particularly careful when calling something “ugly”, unless you don’t care if you offend someone. I take offense to that, and have defended many times, how is this any more of a bathtub than any other cars of the period? Okay, the gold may have been a bit cheesy later on, but unless you’ve driven these cars, that “ugly” would go away pretty quick.
One of the members of our local DeSoto car club has a collection of Packards spanning pre war to mid fifties. I love looking at them. They are substantial automobiles with a lot of presence. Many years ago at a local car show; I remember seeing a guy place a nickel on edge on top of the engine of his late forties Packard while it was idling. This was his way of demonstrating how incredibly smooth running these straight eight flatheads were. Overall this Packard is a very nice car but the herd is definitely thinning amongst people who appreciate the vehicles of this era. I hope someone can become its new caretaker. The seller seems to be realistic about moving it along so hopefully a deal can be reached. GLWTS.
PACKARD advertising in those *Golden Days * said it all. *Ask the man who owns one * I recall the 49 and 50 PACKARD being referred to as the *Pregnant Elephant * while our family 1950 Nash Ambassador became *The Upside Down Bathtub * I noticed a reference to DeSoto. We had a 55 Black Firedome. Memories light the Corners of what’s LEFT of my mind, as the US auto market sadly sinks under the weight and prices of those blankety blank SUVS. Howdy! To all, like Cousin Minnie Pearl, I’m Proud to be here!
We had a very used 55 Dodge 2 door with the hemi engine and glass packs that my Pop used as a station car….pink and black with 3 on the tree…and power steering too.