- Car Location: Pennsylvania
- 282ci inline-eight mated
- 3 Speed Manual
- 4 Door Convertible
- Rebuilt Motor
- New Battery put in
- New Convertible Top
- New Interior
- New Distributor
- Radio installed
- Has Receipts for all work done
- Radiator Rebuilt
- Trim and Interior work over $5,000
If you wanted luxury like no other, and to blend with those high social classes back in the 1930s a Packard was the way to go. They were often referred to as the pre-eminent luxury car before World War 2 struck. Owning a Packard even today is a treat and a sure-fire head turner when you are out and about on those leisurely drives. Whilst a convertible is typically a two-door, why not go for a rare bird in the shape of this 4-door convertible 1938 Packard Eight Series 1601 from Pennsylvania? This can be your way of turning back the clock with class and sheer luxury.
Exterior and Interior
Owning a Packard in the 1930s signifies that you meant business. The iconic design features and body lines surely belong on the screens of any Hollywood movie, in black-and-white or Technicolor. This 1938 Packard Eight Series 1601 with its blue exterior really brings out its vintage persona, with that much-sought-after originality. The car rides on the original Packard hubcaps, the rims beneath are wrapped with a set of whitewall tires. The convertible top is reportedly new and tan In color which matches the exterior of the car as well as the tan interior. Everything’s in really great nick overall. The interior of this 1938 Packard eight series 1601 is a lovely throwback to the Thirties and how simplistic a car’s interior was back then. The tan interior perfectly contrasts with the blue exterior of the car. The seats and the rest of the interior are reportedly brand new and even feature seat belts for added safety. A lovely blend of wood and nickel adorns the dashboard, both being in perfect condition with all the nickel being present as well. Nowadays we are accustomed to our smartphones telling us the time but not in this car. You have an analog clock right in front of the passenger which adds a nice vintage touch. You also get a radio installed in the car to play some nice vintage tunes. The current owner states that more than $5,000 has been spent on the car’s interior and trim to have it looking shiny and new.
Engine
Packard’s are known for their usage of fairly large engines and this 1938 Packard Eight Series 1601 is no different. Powering the car is the Packard side valve 282ci inline eight with a Stromberg carburetor feeding it. The engine has reportedly been rebuilt. Power is sent to its rear wheels through a 3-speed manual gearbox. You would not have issues with this car’s electricals thanks to a new battery with also a new distributor ensuring the car sparks every time you fire it up. The radiator in the car has also been rebuilt to aid in cooling down this large, lazy engine.
The Packard Motor Company is one of those great American auto names that you’ve likely never heard of. That’s because they came to be in 1899, but went out in 1956, when they merged with Studebaker. It’s likely your parents themselves may not have heard of the brand either, but your grandparents likely will. They will reminisce about how Packards were luxury cars at the time, owned and driven by the wealthy, and always statement-makers whenever they were seen driving along, or parked in the foyers of swish hotels. Today, you can find out how it feels to have a Packard by acquiring this Stanton-based 1949 Packard 8 Restomod. The car comes with a newer V8 under the hood and has gained an automatic transmission too. This makes it ideal for the generation who never learned to drive stick. We’re told that the frame is from a Cadillac de Ville, and that documentation is included with the sale of the car. One key is also provided.
Back in the golden age of motoring, driving a Packard told the world that you were a discerning driver. The company was known for its luxurious offerings. Before the war, they had competed with Cadillac for being known as the pinnacle of American luxury. The Packard name has long stood for quality and luxury, with the company carving out a niche for themselves in the upmarket car game. This 1948 Packard DeLuxe Eight Sedan was part of the Packard lineup during the post-World War II era. The Sedan featured a streamlined design language typical of other luxury sedans of the era. Inside, there was copious space, with rear-seat comfort and luggage capacity two key design factors. Our featured car is powered by a 288ci inline-8 engine and is reported as an all-original example.
This 1952 Packard Henney Junior Ambulance represents a rare piece of American emergency vehicle history, serving as Pilot/Prototype Serial No. 3 of only three 1952 pilot models produced. Developed through a collaboration between Packard Motor Company and John W. Henney & Company, the Junior Ambulance was designed as a smaller and more economical alternative to traditional full-size ambulances. According to the provided documentation, this vehicle carries the unusual 25th Series Packard chassis designation (Model 2533) and was one of the earliest examples built before production continued into the 1953 and 1954 model years. Powered by Packard’s 288ci “Thunderbolt” inline-eight engine and featuring its original military-inspired configuration, this example served with the United States Air Force before spending decades in storage. With approximately 35,585 miles shown, this Henney Junior Ambulance stands out as a historically significant prototype with documented military service, coachbuilt construction, and unique features including its distinctive rooftop ventilator.
Packard is an American auto brand that you’ve likely never heard of, or if so, in passing. Your parents might know if it though, your grandparents definitely will. That’s because the Packard Motor Company of Detroit, Michigan made cars between 1899 and 1956. They are widely known as the purveyors of the modern steering wheel, air conditioning in cars, and one of the first production 12-cylinder engines! Sad, then, that such an iconic brand died a quiet death in the Fifties, merging with Studebaker by 1953 and quietly disappearing thereafter. One of their last models was the 200, and we have an example for sale today. This 1951 Packard 200 comes from Marietta, Georgia, and has done just 19,000 miles as per what we’ve been told. It’s a fine classic car for those who seek an unusual choice rather than going with the usual suspects from the major brands.
The Packard Motor Company of Detroit is yet another one of those great American automakers who fell by the wayside as automotive brands converged and conglomerated in the ’50s and ’60s. Before World War II, Packard was well-regarded for producing luxury automobiles, and after the War, they maintained their luxury car lineup. Things came to a halt in 1962 when they merged with Studebaker, and the Packard name died away. However, you can still find a classic Packard around if you look hard enough. Here’s a 1951 Packard 300 up for sale, with a complete restoration on it, and even a reprint of the original owner’s manual included with the sale. There are still a few more things to be done to make this car concourse-fresh, but these are easily addressed, minor foibles that you can put right in a jiffy – the hard work has already been done during the restoration.
There’s very little that can raise an eyebrow at ECT. After all, we’ve handled the sale of myriad unusual vehicles, including overlanders, ice cream trucks, and even a Batmobile replica. Today, we’ve got a hearse! Say hello to this 1936 Packard Henney Hearse Custom that’s undergone a comprehensive restoration and restomod effort to turn it into what you see today. Built on a 160-inch wheelbase Packard commercial vehicle frame, this stunner has traveled just 9,705 miles on its new engine. Don’t let the little niggle of its former life transporting the eternally resting bother you; a little Google searching will reveal that hearses are ideal for customized vehicles, and as far as we know, no-one has reported being haunted while driving one.
Packard, once a prominent American automotive manufacturer, has largely receded into obscurity. From 1899 to 1954, Packard operated as an independent automaker, but financial struggles eventually led to a merger with Studebaker in 1954. By 1962, the Packard nameplate had vanished from the American automotive landscape. However, examples like this 1957 Packard Clipper serve as reminders of Packard's legacy. Meticulously restored with the odometer reading just below 26,000 miles, this sedan showcases the elegance and charm of the era soaring 50's era.
The historic American luxury automaker, Packard, holds a special place in automotive history, despite going defunct in 1959. Once a revered private company, it merged with Studebaker in 1954 to form Studebaker-Packard before eventually fading away. Packard was known for its pioneering innovations, introducing many automotive "firsts" such as air conditioning, the modern steering wheel, and 12-cylinder engines. While not widely recognized by all enthusiasts, those who are familiar with Packard truly appreciate its legacy. It is for this reason that the 1924 Packard 226 Roadster Convertible Restoration is bound to capture the attention of discerning petrolheads.
Terms of Service
Be Kind and Courteous
We're here to create a platform to better the automotive industry through communication and transparency. Please treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
No Hate Speech
Make sure everyone feels safe. Hate speech of any kind is strictly prohibited. Degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, etc. will not be tolerated.
No Promotions or Spam
Give more than you take. Self-promotion, spam, or links of any kind are not allowed.
