Museums 201: Packard automobiles of the 1940s (photo diary)

by Ojibwa for Museums

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Sunday, Jul. 21, 2024 Sunday, Jul. 21, 2024 at 11:15:04am PDT

From the perspective of automobile history, the 1940s was an interrupted decade: during World War II, automobile manufacturers turned to making war materials and stopped making cars. Beginning January 1, 1942, priority for natural resources went to the military. February 28, 1942, was the last day most civilians could buy a new car until the war ended. To conserve gasoline for the war effort, a national speed limit of 40 mph was established.

Following the War, car sales boomed. For the most part, automobile designs immediately following the War were similar to the pre-war designs. By the end of the decade, new designs were beginning to emerge. In 1949, Cadillac and Oldsmobile introduced the modern V8 engine.

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 Packards from the 1940s displayed in several museums.

1940 Super Eight 160 Convertible Sedan

The Packard One-Sixty was promoted as “Master of America’s Highways.” This car was on display in the Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio.

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

This car was on display in the Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio.

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).

1940 Packard Darrin Convertible Victoria

These cars were a favorite of the Hollywood set and sold new for $4,570. It has an inline 8-cylinder, 356 cubic inch, 145 horsepower engine.

This car was on display in the LeMay Family Collections at Marymount in Tacoma, Washington.

1941 Packard 110 Club Coupe

This car was displayed in the Northwest Vintage Car and Motorcycle Museum in Brooks, Oregon. It has a 6 cylinder L head engine which is rated at 100 horsepower.

1941 Packard 110 Special Touring Sedan

This car was on display in the Montana Auto Museum in Deer Lodge, Montana. It sold for $1,136.

1941 Packard Model 120

This car was on display in the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon.

1941 Packard 160 Straight 8 4-door Sedan

This car was on display in the Miracle of America Museum in Polson, Montana.

1941 Packard Clipper Six Army Staff Car

This car was on display in the Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio.

This car has a 245 cubic inch straight six 105 horsepower engine with a 3-speed manual transmission.

1946 Packard Clipper Limousine

In 1946, Packard ranked 13^th in automobile sales and produced a total of 30,793 cars.

This car was on display in the LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington.

According to the Museum:

“Packard distinguished between two versions: the chauffeur-driven limousine vs. the owner-driven seven-passenger sedan. In back, both had folding jump seats plus a fixed bench seat. This specific car is a seven-passenger sedan. It has the same body as the limousine, but without a partition. The wool-upholstered front seat is adjustable.”

This car has an inline 8-cylinder, 356 cubic inch, 165 horsepower engine with a 3-speed manual transmission.

1946 Custom Super Clipper

This car was on display in the Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio.

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 was on display in the Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio.

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).

1947 Packard Super Clipper Sedan

This car sold new for $2,391. A total of 4,892 were produced. It has an inline 8-cylinder, 356 cubic inch, 165 horsepower engine.

This car was on display in the LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington.

1948 Packard Six Taxi Cab

This car was on display in the Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio.

Packard entered the taxi market in 1941. Packard Taxis were based on the small, Junior line with six cylinder engines.

This car has a 245 cubic inch straight six 105 horsepower engine with a 3-speed manual transmission. It sold for $1,658 new (note: a house cost $7,700, the average yearly wage was $2,950, a gallon of gas was $0.16, and the average new car cost $1,250 at this time).