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.

Exterior and Interior

The black exterior of this 1948 Packard DeLuxe Eight Sedan exudes the kind of elegance that would have been appreciated by the traditional Packard buyer in the ’40s. You’ll notice the silhouette is streamlined, with designers understanding and implementing their understanding of aerodynamics. Up front are a prominent hood ornament and large chrome grille, with all-consuming intakes and a prominent bumper with over-riders. The streamlined design incorporates hidden rear wheels for the Sedan, which on our featured car are wrapped in white wall tires. Inside, there’s a reportedly tan leather interior, with a wide bench seat up front and individual rear seating at the back, featuring a retractable center armrest. The controls are simple and laid out, with a large steering wheel, column-mounted gearshift, and controls for the car’s ventilation in the center.

Engine

While Packard is known for their legendary straight-eight engine — a configuration that is unheard of today — the owner reports that this car features a 288ci inline-8 motor. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission, and the owner reports that all maintenance has been kept up to date.