Packard unveiled its all-new post-war styling in July 1947, when it debuted the Super Eight convertible at dealerships across America. The rest of the model line followed in September of that year; all wore new, streamlined envelope bodywork that, in profile, resembled an airfoil, particularly with the rear fender skirts installed. Carrying this aeronautical theme into the well-equipped cabin, the instrument cluster incorporated what Packard dubbed “Flite-Glo” technology, which used luminescent dials and numbers that glowed under ultraviolet light at night—a feature that Packard boasted was borrowed from warplane cockpits.

The Twenty-Second Series Packards were built for 1948 and part of 1949 before the modestly updated Twenty-Third Series arrived. The presently offered Super Eight Touring Sedan is one of 17,000 such cars built as part of the Twenty-Second Series, of which 5,518 were built in 1949. Each rode on a 120-inch wheelbase chassis and was equipped with the larger 327-cubic-inch inline-eight engine producing 145 horsepower. Packard’s Ultramatic transmission was not quite ready for the Twenty-Second Series, so a three-speed column-shift manual was the sole gearbox; however, overdrive, as found on the car now offered, was available.

This Super Eight was restored approximately a decade ago under prior ownership, and it was more recently acquired by the late Eugene “Gene” Cohen of Florida, a longstanding Packard community member known in particular for his restoration of Packard Twelves. Finished in the stately combination of black over a brown and tan interior, this sedan’s restoration presents well today, showing some signs of age and gentle use in the engine back and on interior brightwork. It is particularly well-optioned, featuring Packard’s famous Cormorant hood ornament, front and rear bumper guards, dual rearview mirrors, fog lamps and a reverse lamp, a windshield sun visor, a fuel filler door protector, exhaust deflector, and a radio. Chromed wire wheels, a costly and rare addition when new, are an elegant finishing touch, especially wrapped in wide whitewall tires.

Post-war Packards are easy cars to enjoy thanks to their proven engineering, solid build quality, and enthusiastic club support. This well-optioned Twenty-Second Series Super Eight, owned by a respected member of the Packard community, would be an excellent candidate for participation in local shows and events, as well as casual drives and extended touring.