Packard built wood-bodied station wagons prior to World War II, in both the six-cylinder 115 and eight-cylinder One-Twenty models. The new Clipper styling in 1941, however, was not compatible with timber construction. After the war, all Packards adopted the Clipper style, so the station wagon was omitted. For 1948, Packard’s new 22nd Series used a wider and lower adaptation of the sleek Clipper lines, ruling out a traditional station wagon body. Instead, Packard took four-door, six-passenger sedans off the production line, and body supplier Briggs Manufacturing Company changed the roofline to incorporate a lift and tailgate. Using ash and maple, Briggs converted the sedan into a full station wagon, with steel supports at the B-posts and D-posts. As a result, the wood had little structural function, making this Packard one of the first steel-framed station wagons.

In 1948, the Packard Station Sedan was an exclusive and expensive station wagon that sold for $3,424. It was the most expensive of the short-wheelbase Packards, even the Super Eight models. Production reached fewer than 3,900 in slightly more than two years, most of them built in 1948. A few were carried over into the 23rd Series as 1950 models.

This beautiful 1949 Packard Station Sedan has undergone a thorough nut-and-bolt restoration. A local California car, its condition is exemplary. Paint and brightwork are flawless, and the Northern Maple wood has a beautiful finish. The engine compartment exhibits great attention to detail. Inside, the leather has been completely re-done to better-than-new standards. Features include overdrive, a radio, heater, and a dashboard clock. The Packard straight-eight idles smoothly and produces incredible torque to propel the 4,075-pound car swiftly to cruising speed. At that point, the desirable overdrive kicks in to give the car long legs for traveling.

This Packard has won numerous first place awards and is ready to be reliably driven and proudly shown.