Packard’s first true station wagon was launched in 1937, but the post-war period called for something different. Rather than developing a new wagon body, Packard reached for its already-existing Eight sedan, renovated the cabin and body panels to add birch wood to a steel substructure. The Station Sedan arrived as a cross between a sedan and a wagon, a compromise that saved nothing in the end. The sedan body limited both passenger and cargo space; meanwhile, the labor costs involved in construction were very high, boosting the sticker price. While today we appreciate these vehicles on measures of rarity and uniqueness, back then, sales were disappointing enough to pull the plug after only three years. Here on craigslist is this 1949 Station Sedan with an asking price of $45,000. The car is located in Olympia, and we owe thanks to Curvette for finding it for us!
This engine is Packard’s 288 cu. in. straight eight dressed with a single downdraft Carter carburetor, generating 130 hp. A column-shift, three-speed manual with overdrive brings power to the rear wheels. That beefy-looking canister is an oil bath air cleaner – de rigeur in the late 1940s, and actually quite effective. This car would have weighed about 4075 lbs, about 200 lbs more than its sibling, the Eight Sedan. That metric alone adds up to a performance detriment.
The cabin is in fine condition, beautifully appointed with two-tone leather upholstery, art deco-style gauges, a locking glove box, and that swanky steering wheel. By the late 1940s, dual sun visors and wipers were standard equipment on most vehicles, though the windshield is still comprised of two flat panes. The cargo area is lined in wood, and the rear doors open clamshell-style. The narrow rear opening limited loading versus offerings from Packard’s competitors.
This view emphasizes the uncoordinated look of the wood decor grafted onto the Packard’s body panels. Compare this design contemporary wagons from Ford or Buick, where the door paneling in particular was incorporated into the entire design from tip to tail. On the other hand, I like the tourist stickers here – nice touch! It’s time to discuss values, and it pains me to report that these beautiful cars are largely drifting down in price. Oh, a few standout woodys remain popular and can command very high prices, but on the Packard front, this perfectly adequate 1949 Station Sedan sold in January of this year for $23,500, then again in June for $14k! Only about a year ago, this 1948 went for $54k, but ten years ago, prices were closer to $75k. I love these iconic cars as part of our history, but buyers should be aware of the price trends before committing to today’s example.
Where have I seen that hood ornament,,,an $18 dollar option, don’t you know. And a special thanks for the author calling it “3 speed on the column”, and not “on the tree”. I know, similar kvetch with “miles on the clock”,,,anyway,,the author only scratched the surface, and if I may,,,the wagon shown here, is probably a 1948, and I read only 3885 wood bodied wagons, not including pre-war models, were made, mostly in ’48. Only 1800 were sold in ’48. I believe ’49-’50 were leftover unsold ’48s. They weren’t cheap. This car sold for a whopping $3450 new, or almost a grand more than my grandfathers Touring Sedan. This was one of the most expensive Packards then. Ironically, it was made from the cheapest Packard, and probably the flashiest Standard 8.
Wonderful cars, roll like thunder, the stick,,,well, I’ll tell ya’, if you can’t drive a stick, I wouldn’t bother looking at these cars, for that number, but they really are an easy car to drive. They handle, steer remarkably well for a tank, just don’t be in a hurry. What’s the rush?
Ask the PERSON that owns(ed) one, if still alive, that is.