1948 Packard Super Eight

Packard's designers and stylists continued to create new designs during World War II for Packard automobiles, even though they had to wait for the bombs to stop falling before they would see the light of day. Packard's traditional radiator shells with the high, upright, and narrow stance were favored among the stylist, however, management preferred a smoother design similar to those being built by post-war automaker Kaiser-Frazer. As a result, much of the styling for what became the 1948 models were created at Packard's body supplier, Briggs, under chief designer Albert Prance, featuring a rounded and streamlined profile with a shortened, bolder Packard grille.

On July 25th of 1947, Packard introduced its all-new post-war car, the 22nd Series. The first model to enter production was the convertible victoria, Packard's first open car since 1942. The styling was well received and was deemed the Fashion Car of the Year by the Fashion Academy of New York. It was awarded prizes at shows in Caracas, Luzerne, Sofia, and Monte Carlo.

Packard's 1948 model lineup included the Standard Eight, Deluxe Eight, Super Eight, and Custom Eight. The Super Eight was the middle offering and came with an L-head 327 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine offering 145 horsepower. Wheelbase sizes measured 120- and 141 inches. Body styles included a sedan, club sedan, Deluxe Sedan, Limousine, and Deluxe Limousine.

The Super Eight models used the 'Goddess of Speed' hood ornament, similar exterior trim to that of the Standard Eights, except the Super Deluxe sedan which was similar to the Deluxe Eight models. Fender skirts and a single rocker panel strip were standard on the Convertible Victoria.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019