1950 Packard Coupe

Description

Say the name "Packard" among car guys and you'll get two likely responses: smiles from the guys who know the name, and looks of bewilderment from the guys who don't. If you're a Packard fan, then you already realize that cars like this 1950 Packard are very special machines that drive superbly and offer a level of quality few other automakers could match. And if you don't know the name Packard, well, maybe this car will fill in the details for you.

The fastback coupe, or club coupe, body style on this 23rd Series Packard, is the perfect antidote to the frumpy styling of the immediate post-war era. Smooth, sleek, and very streamlined, it offers a glimpse into the future with a handsome period twist. Accentuating the car's aerodynamic profile with two-tone white and blue paint is a smart idea and the colors are period-correct so there's nothing to distract you from the clean shape. It's not a show car, but the paint and good panel fit mean that you'll never shy away from a cruise-in with it, and with exemplary road manners, you'll probably start looking for new spots to attend just so you have someplace to drive. Restrained use of chrome and stainless was a hallmark of Packard design, and the brightwork on this car is in decent shape, perhaps even original, from the stylized hood ornament, to the distinctive Packard grille, to the wrap-around rear bumper.

Luxurious yet conservative interiors were the name of the game for Packard, and this car sports gray cloth bench seats, what appear to be original door panels, and a simple dashboard layout to make driving the car easy. The gauges are arranged in two round pods holding the speedometer and clock, with auxiliary gauges tucked in between, all visible through the spokes of the very cool steering wheel. This car is equipped with Packard's first automatic transmission, a 2-speed unit called the "UltraMatic" that works as advertised. Secondary controls are arrayed under the dash with big ivory-colored knobs, and with the 12-volt conversion, the original gauges have been supplanted by auxiliary dials tucked in underneath. There's also an AM/FM/CD stereo head unit neatly installed in the center of the dash, although the unique vertically-oriented Packard AM radio is still in its slot. The back seat is spacious enough for full-sized adults, and despite the fastback profile, the trunk is spacious and includes a full-sized spare tire.

The 288 cubic inch straight-8 engine features impeccable smoothness, as you'd expect from the biggest name in inline eights. It won't win any drag races, but there's a swell of torque at any speed, and the automatic transmission needs only to get into high range and stay there, letting the engine's low-RPM grunt do all the work. As I mentioned, it has been upgraded to 12 volts, so there's a modern alternator tucked down low, and newer wiring throughout to accommodate the increased voltage. The original downdraft carburetor with oil bath air cleaner still manages the fuel, and the single exhaust system has a pleasant 8-cylinder hum that's totally appropriate. The unrestored undercarriage shows off years of clean living with surface scale and grease, but no glaring issues, suggesting this car has always been a favorite. Stock steel wheels and hubcaps are surrounded by period-correct wide whites.

This Packard represents a lot of car for the money and the attractive (and somewhat rare) body style certainly helps. Call today!