Following World War II, Packard took advantage of that brand loyalty by offering a new Station Sedan, now based on the Standard Eight sedan with beautifully hewn white ash paneling over an all-steel body, a unique semi-fastback roofline, and rear quarter panels. While it looked for all the world like the “woodies” of old, the wood played a structural role only in the car’s tailgate, which pioneered the two-piece gate design that would become a feature of most American wagons by the mid-1950s.

The model was lush, evocative of a bygone era, and one of Packard’s most elegant offerings; the New York Fashion Academy dubbed it “Fashion Car of the Year.” It was also quite rare; the majority were produced in 1948, with leftovers retitled and sold in 1949 and 1950. The wooden body required proper care that many examples were not fortunate to receive, and so few Station Sedans have survived. That makes the last of the wood-trimmed Packards a great scarcity and highly desirable to today’s collectors.

The car offered here was acquired by Stephanie Smith several years ago, following many years of long-term ownership on the East Coast. According to Tom Rossiter, who sold Mrs. Smith the car, it had been the subject of a nut-and-bolt, body-off-chassis restoration by Grey Hills Auto Restoration, and close examination indicates that a clean, well-prepared job was done throughout. The Aztec Brown finish remains in very good condition, as does the fine birch woodwork, which exhibits only minor crazing. The interior is properly and correctly upholstered in brown vinyl with tweed fabric inserts, older carpeting, and rubber mats, while the dashboard wood-graining and Bakelite knobs are all crisp and very attractive. Underneath and under the hood, the car shows only light wear and soiling from gentle driving and remains extremely presentable. The wheels have chrome covers and are shod in wide whitewall tires, for a period-correct touch.

A wonderful automobile for the Packard enthusiast to enjoy at either the home or the summer house, this Station Sedan is still fashionable – true to its glamorous heritage!