Once thoroughly exclusive, Packard moved into more pedestrian cars after WWII. By 1950, the financial wheels were close to coming off and the company would be sold to Studebaker by 1954. Our subject car is one of the more reasonably priced models, but features an inline eight and, from what we can tell, a very nicely styled dash. These reasonably priced Packards were rather highly regarded and often got credit for poorer sales of the higher-line models.
Four doors generally get no respect, as evidenced by the important-but-still-kinda-cheap-for-what-it-is Mercedes 300SEL 6.3. This Packard backs up that theory. This much early 50s coolness just seems like it should cost more, but the market prefers two-doors, especially with rag tops.
We think anyone buying this as a serious investment is either crazy or needs to wait 60-plus more years, but it could be a seriously cool cruiser and the only one at any cruise-in or Cars and Coffee event. If it really is a good driver, this is a lot of car for $5,500.
Notably, we found a Mecum Auction listing for this car from Anaheim, but no evidence that it sold. The auction listing points out a restoration in the 70s, which explains the velour.
Click for Craigslist ad
Huntington Beach, CA
$5,500
Posted by CG
We like the dash and steering wheel here, but the velour does not back up the seller’s claim of originality. It screams 70s and might have been done by a van shop.
Ad text:
1950 PACKARD super deluxe 8
long wheel base
straight 8 good running and driving condition
ultramatic trans
current CA registration
drive her home today
complete and original condition
this is a classic , vintage & rare car
6 volt system everything works
gas tank steamcleaned , gas guage works
new water pump plugs wires cap rotor
ask your wife first
714 xxx xxxx
$5500 cash what do you have to trade ?