A Comparison of 2 Distinct Packards. 

Packard was just badly managed. They survived the depression and made money. They made a fortune during the war with engine production and like many companies with large military orders; Got lazy and complacent -lost what it takes to stay competitive. I have a 23rd series which I am restoring, a real labor of love. At first I really didn't care for the styling but now I just love it. A real classy classic - there's a beautiful one in the movie Gangster squad and almost all 1949 Cinema Noir movies have a few in view. Only the super and super deluxe had the Comerants, the Packard 8 had the Goddess of speed on the hood. Thanks for the excellent comparison and analysis.

Great info as I plan to replace the passenger front fender and door on my 48 super eight. I bought it from the family of the original owner who bought it new in '48 and drove it until the mid 1980s when he had a bad fender bender. Northern CA car. 67k. My firewall metal tag has faded and is not legible now. I'm glad I found your channel. Great details you provide. Thanks

I’m considering a 48 Custom (if the GF doesn’t kill me) and this was incredibly informative. Thanks!!

Thanks for your good details. I also like the character of the original aspects of these two cars. Love these cars too.

My father drove a 24th series 200 touring sedan with overdrive.in the 1950's.

Of all the cars I've owned I still miss my 23rd series standard eight Packard nearly the most, and still have room in my quest for knowledge for the kind of information you've provided with this video. My standard 8 was equipped with the Ultramatic transmission and since June of 1975 when I sold it has lingered as one of my fondest memories of youth. Need a home for one of yours?

Thank you for all of your videos and Info! I am ready for a day trip with on in one of these "fine machines"!

Excellent video! I had one of these back in the 70's - don't recall what series off hand, I think it was a 48 and didn't have the additional bright work (extra "teeth") on the front/rear grill. It had the "Ultramatic Drive" automatic transmission (no overdrive) with I believe a 288 CID motor, and if I recall it also had 16" wheels, and a spotlight on the driver side. Ir ran and drove, but it was also beyond MY mechanical ability to work on and of course it needed a lot, so I sold it to a buddy of mine and he worked on it and drove it for a while. Anyway, cools cars and really nice "once over" in the video and I hope there are more. Oh - side note....while I had the '48 sedan, my brother one day came home with a '48 - '50 Packard hearse!! LOL It's motor was a total mess - I think it was a 327, but wasn't complete, but the rest of the car had all the moving decks in the back for moving caskets in and out, all the curtains, etc. It made a cool place for our friends to party - hey, we were kids, haha. I don't really recall where that one went, but it WAS MASSIVE!! Again, thanks for the memories!

Great vid!

Great job

Consider establishing a Patreon page so you get some funds to help get paint jobs for those before they rot through. It'd be a shame.

Very well done! The only major thing you missed was the larger rear window in the 23rd series Sedans. I have two 1949 Customs; one 22nd series and one 23rd series (factory re-numbered as a 1950). I get a kick out of determining the series and model of these wonderful cars from clues seen in some awful photos from sellers who don't really know what they have.

Packard killed themselves by 1) The 110/115 6 cylinder. It should never have seen the light of day as a Packard. 2) Demoting the Super 8 the the junior wheelbase and giving a smaller engine. The 42 and 46 - 47 Super 8 had the 356 engine. 3) The continuing of junior cars after the war. 4) The shifting of production from East Grand Blvd. to Connor Avenue for 55, which ruined the 55s. 5) The shrinking of the direct drive clutch of 1954's Gear Start Ultramatic for 55. Of course, the 55 version was called Twin Ultramatic. It was not because of the flathead straight 8, it was not because of the lack of fins.

Thank you so much! Just got a what states is a ‘49 Packard. I’m uploading a video and pictures tonight. Silver gauges. White light on back left above bumper. Not the custom tire caps. Trim goes down the back, so the Deluxe and Super 8 based off your video. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

I've watched all your Packard videos. I'm new to Packard and your knowledge is pretty impressive. I too have a 49 custom and I'd love to pick your brain sometime. Is there a safe way to get ahold of you. Dave

Do you have any idea of how many of the 48 to 50 models survive?

Just wanted say hi came across one of you videos last week and wanted to say hi just didn't want to seem creepy since I haven't seen or talked to you since high school...so hello and how are you?

Hello Greg, Is it possible to ask you about a Packard that I am trying to buy. I don't know much about Packards and would like some guidance?