1950 Packard Super 8

Description

This 1950 Packard Super 8 Convertible Victoria is kind of a big deal. It was among the most expensive production cars you could buy in 1950, and there are very few examples left. With Packard's 327 cubic inch straight-8 engine still rumbling under the hood, it's a spirited performer with unparalleled luxury for the period and a classic Packard look.

The post-war Packards were all new in 1948, delivering a smooth, clean look that shed every vestige of its pre-war formality. The new look wasn't to everyone's taste, but nobody could argue that it didn't look like a big pile of money sitting on four tires. This beautiful convertible wears an older restoration that still shows well, probably because the light yellow paint works so well on the big ragtop. Finish quality must have been rather good when it was restored, because it's holding up well, although it's understandable that there would be a few signs of use and wear because this is one of the most road-worthy cars of the period. The Super 8 had a lot of beautiful chrome and all of it is in excellent condition, including the bumpers, bezels, and all the stainless side trim. The familiar Packard grille still leads the way along with a beautifully rendered Packard cormorant hood ornament that's luxury embodied.

The tan leather interior has the same kind of comfortable, inviting look as the rest of the car. No longer fresh and perfect, the patina somehow enhances its appeal and everything is nonetheless in very good shape. The seats show some minor wear and use, but no split seams or other damage. The door panels were upholstered to match and the contrasting tan carpets are in decent shape but show some light stains. The gauges are probably original and are joined by an aftermarket temperature gauge under the dash. Some of the plastic pieces are starting to crack and age, but I don't think I'd waste money on trying to perfect everything because the overall look is quite consistent. There's a well-fitted tan convertible top and a matching boot, and this is one of those rare cars that looks as good with the top up as it does top down. And by 1950, trunks were spacious, with this one upholstered in brown carpet and carrying a full-sized spare tire.

The reason so many people love their senior-series Packards is under that long, long hood: a 327 cubic inch straight-8. It fills the engine bay, but service access is good thanks to the flathead design and it's been reasonably well detailed. But the real delight is in driving it, because the torquey straight-8 moves the big convertible with such ease that it feels like an electric motor not internal combustion. A correct oil bath air cleaner, downdraft carburetor, and those long exhaust manifolds all take you back to the 1940s and early '50s. There's an updated cooling fan at the front of the motor to keep things comfortable while in traffic and Packard's "Ultramatic" automatic transmission works well with no input needed from the driver. Just ease onto the accelerator and the car motors away with a pleasant burble from the single tailpipe. The undercarriage is not detailed for show but also doesn't have any nasty surprises for a new owner and those flashy chrome wire wheels and L78-15 wide whitewall tires definitely make this car a one-vehicle parade.

In top condition, these cars ca bring more than twice the asking price here, making this car a veritable bargain for a big-series Packard convertible. Rarity, performance, prestige, and price all make this one a big winner. Call today!