1948 Packard Eight Station Sedan

Packard introduced the 22nd Series of Packard Automobiles in 1948. In comparison to the Clipper automobiles, these were wider and available as wagons. The Station Sedan cost $3425 when new and was the most expensive of the short-wheelbase Packards. The substructure was comprised of steel and augmented by wood frames, and panels on the door and upper portions of the body.

In 1948, Packard produced 3,266 examples of the 22nd Series Station Sedan, and 126 in 1947. Production continued until 1949, though a few were sold as 1950 models. Station wagons would not return to the Packard line-up until 1957 and 1958 with the Studebaker-derived wagon.

This 1948 Packard 22nd Series Station Wagon was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach, Ca. It is powered by an L-head straight-eight engine that develops 130 horsepower. It has a three-speed manual gearbox and sits atop a 120-inch wheelbase. There is seating for six and 21 cubic feet of cargo space with both seats in use. A spare tire can be found under the floor.

At the auction, the car was offered without reserve and estimated to sell for $65,000-$75,000. The estimate appeared to be very accurate as the car was sold for $68,200.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2007