1950 Packard Eight

1950 Packard models included the Eight, Super Deluxe Eight, and Custom Eights. Trim levels on the Eight included Standard and Deluxe guise and powered by a 288 cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder engine offering 135 horsepower at 3,600 RPM. The Super Eight models had a 327 cubic-inch engine and offered 150 horsepower. Trim levels included the Standard and Deluxe levels, along with a long-wheelbase version that had the largest footprint in the lineup. The top-of-the-line Custom Eight was available as a convertible or sedan and powered by the largest available engine - a 356 cubic-inch, inline, L-head with a Carter two-barrel carburetor and delivering 165 horsepower.

Packard introduced its all-new post-war design in 1948, and although modern and streamlined, the company was facing many challenges. The designs from other automakers were bold, jet-inspired, and futuristic. Packard engines had some of the largest displacements in the industry, however, its inline design was quickly becoming dated compared to the overhead valve V8s from other marques.

Following its Golden Anniversary in 1949, the company endured a management shake-up and styling changes were minor. Problems with suppliers forced Packard to reduce its assembly line operations to just three days per week. On top of this, Packard had its own employee relations problems that saw the line shut down for two weeks in August. Despite these drawbacks, elegant styling and engineering craftsmanship was seen throughout the lineup. The 23rd Series Packards were smooth, sleek, and streamlined which was accentuated by the car's aerodynamic profile and the restrained use of chrome and stainless steel, a hallmark of Packard design.

The elegance continued to the equally conservative interiors that were available with a long list of accessories including Select-O-Seat spring inserts, rear seat draft deflectors on sedans, woodgrain tissue dispensers, and accelerator pedal wear pads. Additional accessories included a deluxe six- or eight-tube radio, heater and defroster, dual vanity mirrors, and coat hooks.

Packard's Standard Eight line included a sedan, club sedan, and station sedan, with prices that ranged from $2,220 to $3,450. The Deluxe Line was offered as a sedan or club sedan, priced at $2,380 for the sedan and $2,360 for the club sedan. Deluxe Eights had three-inch larger hubcaps, and both had 'Goddess of Speed' ornament on the hood. Ultramatic was optional.

The bulk of Packard's 1950 production was with the Standard and Deluxe Eight models, accounting for nearly 95% of sales, with 40,359 examples built. Less than 1,000 of the top-of-the-line 1950 Packards were sold and under 5,000 of the Super Eights.

Most of Packard's Station Sedans were produced in 1948, with leftovers being re-numbered to sell in 1949, and finally, in 1950.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020