1949 Packard Eight Series

The first post-war Packard models appeared in October of 1945, appearing very similar to the pre-war products of 1942 but still built to the high standards they were known for since 1899. Just 30,793 Twenty-First Series Packards (1946 models) were sold partly due to labor unrest and difficulty in securing raw materials. the 1947 Packards had a similar appearance to its 1946 siblings, with a new look following for 1948. The public agreed with the new designs resulting in 146,441 deliveries of the Twenty-Second Series during the calendar years of 1948 and 1949.

By late 1949, most large manufacturers had introduced completely new and modern designs, technology, and body styles. Although Packard's designs had mass appeal, they began to look old-fashioned and dated. They produced the largest straight-eight engine on the market but lacked a modern overhead-valve V-8 that would power them into the 1950s.

The Packard Eight Series in 1949 was powered by an eight-cylinder L-head engine that had a cast-iron block and solid valve lifters. The total horsepower output was 130 hp which was delivered to the rear wheels. The four-door sedan with seating for six costs $2250, the two-door club sedan cost $2225, and the Station Sedan was a staggering $3450. Most of Packard's pre-war station sedan sales were in 1948, with leftovers being renumbered to sell in 1949 and, finally, in 1950.

The Series Eight and the Deluxe Eight for 1949 were known as Series 23 (2301) (the Golden Anniversary). In many respects, they were very similar, visually, to the prior year's model. There were several noticeable differences such as the front bumper having chromed centers rather than the painted versions. Another new chrome addition was the thin spear that ran along the middle of the body sides.

The first factory Packard station wagons were offered in 1940 on the six-cylinder 110 and eight-cylinder 120 chassis. Production was brief, lasting just two years before the U.S.'s involvement in World War II, as civilian production ceased and factories switched in support of the war effort. Packard's hand-crafted creations made an impact among buyers who had long favored the company's limousines, and now there was a suitable companion for the country house. When peacetime resumed, Packard began offering a new wood-trimmed model, which was suitable for town and country. It was called the station sedan and was essentially a Standard Eight Sedan, with hewn white ash paneling over an all-steel body and a unique semi-fastback roofline with rear quarter panels. Although its appearance was similar to the past 'woodies', wood only played a structural role in the pioneering two-piece tailgate that would become a feature of nearly all 1950s wagons. The lush woodie wagon was one of Packard's most elegant and exclusive offerings.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2007