Vehicle Description
19,505 original miles. Incredible survivor in fantastic condition.
Spectacular original wood, original paint and interior. Runs and
drives beautifully, working overdrive. A benchmark survivor that
works like it should.We have been told that this lovely 1948
Packard Station Sedan has been used by the AACA to benchmark
original cars in their preservation classes, and it certainly makes
sense. With what we believe to be 19,505 original miles, it
presents as one of the nicest original cars we've seen in years.
Just look at that glowing woodwork, which is 100% original. Arizona
Tan was probably the most popular color for the Station Sedans, and
it's a great choice, stepping back a bit to let the lovely woodwork
really shine. And yes, that's original wood throughout with no
apparent replacement pieces or spliced-in joints. There's no
evidence of rot or damage and with original paint, you know there's
no bondo or other nonsense underneath. In fact, this car is
incredibly straight and solid with doors that close like the
proverbial bank vaults. Factory chrome on the bumpers and trim
looks just right, again adding some interest without overshadowing
the important bits, and with the famous Packard cormorant out front
leading the way, you'll always feel special driving this car.The
brown leatherette interior is directly from 1948 and remains in
very good overall condition. The seats show no major wear and
certainly no rips or split seams, and the simple door panels are
excellent. Rubber floor mats were standard equipment, suggesting
that Packard knew their Station Sedan customers might be fans of
the great outdoors, but the rubber mats don't do anything to
detract from the Packard quality. There's lovely woodgraining on
the dash, a big two-spoke steering wheel, and familiar gauges with
big numbers just ahead of the driver. The odometer shows 19,505
miles, and we believe that's an accurate reading (the car does come
with an actual miles title). Other details include a working clock,
factory AM radio, and accessory heater/defroster. Even the courtesy
lights work like they should. In back you have a spacious rear seat
with room for three-across seating and the cargo bay is simply a
work of art with its stained wood, tubular seat frames, and chrome
rub strips. The interior is as lovely as the bodywork.The only
engine available in the Station Sedan was a 288 cubic inch version
of Packard's legendary straight-8. Impeccably smooth and torquey,
it's a great choice for the utilitarian woody. This one starts
easily using the foot pedal starter system and settles into a
smooth hum of an idle without much effort. A nice hit of low-end
torque makes it easy to get it rolling and once it's on the open
road, a factory overdrive provides effortless 65 MPH cruising. The
engine still wears factory gray engine enamel and various markings,
but there are signs of conscientious maintenance, including recent
belts and hoses, a new water pump, and a fresh tune-up. The wiring
is in remarkably good condition for its age with no crumbling cloth
insulation, and it still inhales through an oil bath air cleaner
assembly. The 3-speed manual transmission shifts cleanly and thanks
to 3.90 gears out back, it feels lively around town, not heavy.
You'll note that the undercarriage is likewise unrestored but
completely solid, with original floors and rockers showing no signs
of structural rust or other issues. The X-frame chassis is as rigid
as a railroad bridge and a newer muffler ensures that this Packard
sounds appropriate. Brakes are manual drums, but they're effective
and smooth, and it sits on factory color-matched steel wheels and a
set of 7.60-15 BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whites of indeterminate
age.Extras include a factory owner's manual.If you're a guy who
needs shiny perfection, this probably isn't your car. But if you
appreciate unrestored cars, they way they simply drive better
because they haven't been blown apart, then this Packard deserves
your consideration. The beautiful woodwork is impossible to
duplicate and it shows its history everywhere you look. A wonderful
survivor that is a slam-dunk in preservation-class competition,
this Station Sedan makes everyone happy. Call today!Harwood Motors
always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections
of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
