Like all American automobile manufacturers, Packard ceased automobile production during World War II. In late 1945, the company resumed production with the Clipper (a Junior model). Like other automobile of this era, the 1946-1947 models were essentially the same as the 1941 models. In the post-war era, Packard management decided to emphasize the higher volume lower-priced models instead of the more expensive (and more profitable) Senior models.
In the post-war era, most automobile manufacturers were able to produce new, modern-looking designs for 1948-1948. But Packard was unable to produce a new design until 1951. By this time, Packard had lost its reputation as a luxury car and was not competing well in the mid-priced market.
Shown below are some of the 1940s Packards on display in the Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio.
1940 Super Eight 160 Convertible Sedan
The Packard One-Sixty was promoted as “Master of America’s Highways.” According to the display:
“The convertible sedan had been a mainstay in all luxury car brands for decades, featuring roll-up windows and detachable window posts to maintain a seal, four-door cabin for weather versatility.”
This car has a 356 cubic inch straight eight 150 horsepower engine with a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. It sold for $2,050 new (note: a house cost $3,920, the average yearly wage was $1,720, a gallon of gas was $0.11, and the average new car cost $850 at this time).
1940 110 Club Coupe
According to the display:
“This car represents Packard’s dedication to success at a time when their competition did not survive the previous decade. In fact, 1940 was one of the Packard’s highest grossing y ears. The Club Coupe is a mostly unrestored vehicle featuring disappearing rear jumpseats, optional fog lights, and a top speed of 80 mph.”
This car has a 245.3 cubic inch straight six 100 horsepower engine with a 3-speed manual transmission. It sold for $940 new (note: a house cost $3,920, the average yearly wage was $1,720, a gallon of gas was $0.11, and the average new car cost $850 at this time).
1946 Custom Super Clipper
Designed by Dutch Darrin, the Clipper was originally introduced in 1941, but only a handful were produced as Packard factories began producing engines for the war effort. The Clipper was reintroduced in 1946.
This car has a 356 cubic inch straight eight 165 horsepower engine with a 3-speed manual transmission. It sold for $3,047 new (note: a house cost $5,600, the average yearly wage was $2,500, a gallon of gas was $0.21, and the average new car cost $1,120 at this time).
1947 Custom Super Clipper
This car has a 356 cubic inch straight eight 165 horsepower engine with a 3-speed manual transmission. It sold for $3,274 new (note: a house cost $6,600, the average yearly wage was $2,850, a gallon of gas was $0.15, and the average new car cost $1,300 at this time).
More automobile photo tours
Packard Museum: Early Packards (photo diary)
Packard Museum: Packard trucks (photo diary)
Packard Museum: The 1920s (photo diary)
Packard Museum: Convertibles of the 1930s (photo diary)
Packard Museum: Sedans of the 1930s (photo diary)
Museums 101: Packards in America's Car Museum (Photo Diary)
WAAAM: Automobiles of the 1940s (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: 1940s Fords in the Classic Auto Museum (photo diary)