Vehicle Description
In the early 1950s, station wagons enjoyed a dramatic uptick in
popularity with American buyers, especially as people moved from
cities and out into the suburbs. The success of the Chrysler Town &
Country had shifted the wood bodied car upmarket, and soon after
the war, virtually every manufacturer in the US had a stylish,
well-equipped Woody in their line. Not one to be left behind,
Packard added a handsome woody wagon which they called the Station
Sedan. Based on a comprehensively equipped Packard Eight Sedan, it
had an extended roof, wood window frames and side panels, and ash
framed tail gate with contrasting panels, and a lovely
mahogany-floored luggage compartment with bright metal rub strips.
The driveline of the Standard and Deluxe Eights was Packard's famed
smooth, quiet and reliable 288 cubic-inch L-head inline
eight-cylinder engine. With its 2-barrel carburetor it delivered a
healthy 135 horsepower through a column shifted 3-speed
transmission. In contrast to lesser station wagons, the Packard
Station Sedan was not utilitarian: It was a luxury automobile
designed and built for a successful family who demanded comfort,
performance, quality and distinction. Among wood-bodied cars of the
early Fifties the Station Sedan stands out thanks to its distinct
styling and recognizable Packard lineage. Produced for only two
model years, 1949-1950, it is believed that only 3,864 were built.
Most Station Sedans were 1949 models making this 1950 example
particularly rare. Not unusually for 1950 Packards, it has a
1949-style grille and parking lights as Packard used up its stock
of existing trim parts before introducing new body designs in 1951.
As the subject of an extensive, nut-and-bolt restoration completed
in 2006, this 1950 Station Sedan is a beautiful example of this
rare woody. Restored at a documented cost of nearly $170,000, it is
finished in its original color of Arizona Beige with light ash wood
side framing, contrasting panels and highly attractive brightwork.
The paint finish is consistently good, as is the glossy varnish on
the wood panels. There are a few instances of cracked lacquer and a
minor paint imperfection or two, but overall the cosmetic quality
reflects both the restoration's quality and the quality of care it
has had during limited use. Befitting an expensive luxury
automobile, it is well-equipped for the period with chrome bumper
overriders front and rear, grille guard, rear wheel skirts, amber
Packard-badged fog lights, cormorant mascot and a backup light. The
wheels are body color with large Deluxe-style hubcaps and trim
rings and wide whitewall bias ply tires. The interior is trimmed in
dark tan leatherette with oatmeal cloth seat inserts that match the
oatmeal square weave carpeting and features all you'd need for a
family road trip, with plush and roomy bench seats front and rear,
a heater/defroster, pushbutton radio and lovely woodgrained metal
dashboard with bright gauges. The fittings and controls including
the steering wheel, chrome details and buttons are in excellent
order. Packard's venerable L-head inline-eight sits in a tidy
compartment, which has been thoroughly restored in period colors
and materials including hose clamps and decals. The engine bay and
chassis display light signs of use, as the car has been enjoyed in
shows and the occasional tour while in the care of its most recent
owners, who have maintained it from completion of the restoration
in 2006 to 2021. This charming and rare 1950 Packard Eight Station
Sedan will undoubtedly make a statement at any gathering of
Packards or classic woody wagons and is sure to please the devoted
marque enthusiast. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6981-1950-packard-eight-station-sedan/
