145 hp, 356 cu. in. L-head inline eight-cylinder engine, single dual-barrel Carter carburetor, independent front coil spring and rear semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension, four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 127"

- Restored to concours standards

- AACA National Senior Award winner, 2010

- David E. Davis Award winner at Amelia Island, 2011

The 22nd Series Packards marked the 50th anniversary of the prestigious American automaker. As expected there were numerous design and trim additions included to help differentiate the model. This was the first year in which the eight-cylinder powerplant was standard on all cars. Packard continued to utilize the now standard eight-cylinder engine, which forced designers back to the drawing boards to continue with further developments. This time there would be drastic body changes that would be introduced at the close of the 1950 model year.

This superb Packard Custom Eight Victoria Convertible Coupe was treated to an “open checkbook,” body-off restoration finished to concours standards over an intensive two-year period by Prueitt Automotive Restorations of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania. Its current owner bought this impressively deluxe Packard from well-known collector Ray Bowersox of Milton, Pennsylvania in about 2005. He has since spared no expense at Prueitt's to recreate a car similar to one his family owned in his younger days. With exacting attention to detail, it is a true nut-and-bolt restoration.

This 1949 Packard is resplendent in Astral Blue metallic paint with a contrasting beige cloth top. It is complemented by brown and beige leather and cloth upholstery. The resulting color combination is sensational. Completed in 2009, the car has been shown at top-level events, garnering an AACA National Senior Award, Best of Show – Postwar at the annual Packard Club meet in 2010 and the David E. Davis Award at the Amelia Island Concours earlier this year (2011).

A top-of-the-line model, it is further equipped with numerous options including overdrive with Electromatic clutch, power windows, power front seat and of course a power operated convertible top. It also features an elegant period accessory glass rear windshield, very unusual to find on a postwar car.

In its heyday, Packard advertised its automotive offerings as the “supreme combination of all that is fine in motor-cars.” Strong words, but Packard had the cars, and the sales, to back them up. Six decades later they are still striking and impressive automobiles, as the example offered here amply demonstrates. It is indeed difficult to imagine a finer example of this landmark model Packard available anywhere.