1948 Packard Super 8

Description

This 1948 Packard Super 8 sedan represents perhaps the most car per dollar that we have in any of our showrooms. Taking a luxurious post-war Packard and adding a modern drivetrain, A/C, and a plush interior means that this is first-class transportation that will stand out just because it's unusual. At this price, you'd be crazy to pass on this heavy cruiser.

The post-war Packards are excellent choices for a mild resto-mod like this. One, they're still full-sized cars, which means full-sized comfort. Two, they're insanely affordable. And three, they're pretty darned handsome in a 1940s aerodynamic sort of way. There's a much bigger pile of money than the price tag would indicate invested in this appealing red sedan. The bodywork is nicely done and we're guessing that this started out as a nice, straight car before any of the renovations began, because all four doors open and close with that solid feeling that modern cars just can't seem to duplicate. The glowing burgundy paint has a bit of metallic in it, just enough to make it really shine in the sun, but it doesn't look inappropriate in any way. It's got a few signs of use, because this car was built to drive, but having seen a lot of this car's siblings, we'll state unequivocally that this one is far nicer than most. Add in a lot of very nicely restored chrome, including the familiar Packard grille and the cool bumper-less front end treatment, and you get a car that looks like it should cost a lot more than it does.

The exceptionally tasteful interior is pure Packard, from the seats to the woodgrained dashboard to the handsomely sculpted door panels. Everything is new, but the cloth upholstery respects the original design and looks very 1940s. The window garnish moldings and dashboard are woodgrained steel, not actual wood, and the work is so well done that it's hard to tell the difference. A modern tilt steering column has been fitted and there's a wooden steering wheel that seems to fit right in. The factory instrument panel remains, although the original big, round dials have been replaced by neatly installed gauges from Dolphin that look like they were custom made just for this application. A/C vents have been neatly installed in the dash and while the original radio is still in the center stack, a modern AM/FM/cassette head unit has been installed in a mini console just underneath. And as you'd expect, the trunk is massive, with a full set of carpets and a matching fifth wheel assembly.

The original straight-8 is gone, replaced by a tried-and-true 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8. The massive engine bay needed no modifications to handle the upgraded powerplant, and it's supported by a larger radiator, power steering and brakes, and a 4-barrel carburetor. It's not dressed for show, it's purely functional, but that means it's also reliable and easy to service. It's backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and exhales through a burbling dual exhaust system that's healthy but never obnoxious. The undercarriage is pretty original with clean floors and a heavy-duty frame and it sits right on a set of steel wheels with Packard hubcaps and 235/75/15 whitewall radials.

Complete with restoration receipts, this is an unusual resto-mod that's a great alternative to the usual heavy cruisers. With the utmost respect for the original Packard feel, this car puts its upgrades in all the right places. Call today!