Packard was one of those great American brands that produced fantastic cars prior to WWII, had a huge role in the wartime manufacturing boom that helped propel the Allies to victory during the war and never quite got back on the most solid footing in post war America. Some of the decisions made by the cash rich company coming on the heels of the war would seal its fate about a decade later when it limped into a deal with Studebaker. What happened? The luxury brand tried to move downmarket and they did so by producing cars that looked a lot like the more expensive models in their lineup. This caused their up market buyers to shop elsewhere and it never attracted the volume of mid market buyers that they wanted. Combine this with the fact that Cadillac was innovating and developing their cars at a faster rate and Packards were no longer seen as being on the same footing as the premier brands of the 1950s.
While that is kind of a sad story, the wagon you see above and below is anything but. Apparently sales literature once showed a rendering of a Super Eight wagon for the 1950 model year. None were actually produced but a noted Packard collector wanted to see his dream car realized so he commissioned this car to be built. Obviously some creative liberties were taken when things like brakes were considered. An apparent consortium of Packard owners were consulted and those guys figured that the brakes from a Clipper would likely have been sourced for something of the size and girth of this big boy.
Many drag racing dorks will remember that Dave Koeffel ran a 1948 Packard in the lower gasser ranks with much success in the 1960s. If only he had access to a wagon! Perhaps our favorite thing about this car is the fact that nothing on it looks light. The hood ornament looks like it weighs more than a small block Chevy. The all iron flat eight looks like it weighs as much as a granite statue. Then there’s the wood used along the sides and rear of the car. It is just freaking perfect.
This wagon is absolutely awesome and it is priced accordingly.
Check out the photos below and then hit the link to see the eBay ad!
HERE’S THE EBAY LISTING THAT FEATURES THIS ONE OF NONE 1950 PACKARD SUPER 8 WAGON
That hood ornament is so out of proportion it should be ditched ASAP. A hopped-up Packard V8 transplant is needed – but as usual some dork will end up shoving an LS in that engine bay. A subtle lowering job and some chrome wire wheels would look fine and its well worth the price especially if the original parts were kept and the modifications were reversible should the value of the car increase.
Except for the bit about the LS swap, I respectfully disagree with everything you wrote. The car was built to look like the illustration and it does. Job done.
Not the classiest one of none — 1939 Chrysler Imperial woody wagon created by its owner as a labor of love. It was offered at auction by Gooding during Pebble Beach about ten years ago. Not much puts a Packard to shame — this car does.