1949 Packard Super 8

Sold $19,040 USD

• Offered from the estate of Eugene Cohen
• 145-hp, 327-cid inline-eight; three-speed manual transmission with overdrive
• Restored approximately 10 years ago in elegant colors
• Well-equipped with radio, Cormorant hood ornament, windshield sun visor, dual rearview mirrors, fuel filler door protector, fog lamps and reverse lamp, front and rear bumper guards, exhaust deflector, and chrome wire wheels

Packard unveiled its all-new post-war styling in July 1947, when it debuted the Super Eight convertible at dealerships across America. The rest of the model line followed in September of that year; all wore new, streamlined envelope bodywork that, in profile, resembled an airfoil, particularly with the rear fender skirts installed. Carrying this aeronautical theme into the well-equipped cabin, the instrument cluster incorporated what Packard dubbed Flite-Glo technology, which used luminescent dials and numbers that glowed under ultraviolet light at night a feature that Packard boasted was borrowed from warplane cockpits.

The Twenty-Second Series Packards were built for 1948 and part of 1949 before the modestly updated Twenty-Third Series arrived. The presently offered Super Eight Touring Sedan is one of 17,000 such cars built as part of the Twenty-Second Series, of which 5,518 were built in 1949. Each rode on a 120-inch wheelbase chassis and was equipped with the larger 327-cubic-inch inline-eight engine producing 145 horsepower. Packards Ultramatic transmission was not quite ready for the Twenty-Second Series, so a three-speed column-shift manual was the sole gearbox; however, overdrive, as found on the car now offered, was available.

This Super Eight was restored approximately a decade ago under prior ownership, and it was more recently acquired by the late Eugene Gene Cohen of Florida, a longstanding Packard community member known in particular for his restoration of Packard Twelves. Finished in the stately combination of black over a brown and tan interior, this sedans restoration presents well today, showing some signs of age and gentle use in the engine back and on interior brightwork. It is particularly well-optioned, featuring Packards famous Cormorant hood ornament, front and rear bumper guards, dual rearview mirrors, fog lamps and a reverse lamp, a windshield sun visor, a fuel filler door protector, exhaust deflector, and a radio. Chromed wire wheels, a costly and rare addition when new, are an elegant finishing touch, especially wrapped in wide whitewall tires.

Post-war Packards are easy cars to enjoy thanks to their proven engineering, solid build quality, and enthusiastic club support. This well-optioned Twenty-Second Series Super Eight, owned by a respected member of the Packard community, would be an excellent candidate for participation in local shows and events, as well as casual drives and extended touring. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf26/.