1948 Packard Super Eight Standard Closed Wheelbase Sedan

The 22nd Series of Packard's was introduced in August of 1947. Since Packard did not limit itself to model year changeovers unlike its larger competitors, the new models were marketed until May 1949. These new Packard models had clean and streamlined 'Free-flow' styling. There were radically rounded with an elongated hood and an 'ox-yoke' upper grille with a horizontal, wraparound lower grille. They were elegant, modern, and attractive. The New York Fashion Academy chose the new 22nd Series Packard line as its 'Fashion Car of the Year' for 1948.

This 1948 Packard Super Eight was powered by a 327 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine with Carter two-barrel carburetor and offering 145 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission with an overdrive and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. The 120-inch wheelbase is suspended in place by an independent front suspension with coil springs, and a solid rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.

The Packard Super Eight name would continue until 1951 when the entire range of Packard's motorcars was renamed. The Super Eights were renamed 300.

In the late 1990s, the car was stripped to bare metal and then refinished in blue. It retains its original grey interior and correct Packard 327 engine.

In 2009, this car was brought to RM Auctions 'Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook' where it was estimated to sell for $20,000-$30,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot was sold for the sum of $9,350 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2009