NM hunt: '49 Packard limo

According to Brady Smith, divider models are limos while non-divider models are referred to as 7 passenger sedans. So technically, this is the latter. Notice that the rear doors have an additional 6" or so besides the stretch behind them.

Hood, most of grill, one bench seat, gauges, taillights, rear bumper, & both jump seats were missing. The metal was pretty straight & so rust free that it was a shame to see so many parts gone.

dsc02251u.jpg

dsc02250.jpg

dsc02252.jpg

dsc02255.jpg


No mistaking a body number when it is beautifully stamped a foot across into the firewall!

This Packard is available according to a neighbor. Owner wasn't home and I didn't stick around. Guessing on year, btw.
 
Didn't take much mileage or time (about 4 hours apart) before coming across this *perfect* donor for the limo:

dsc02348.jpg

dsc02357z.jpg

dsc02361r.jpg


Everything at this hidden spot (same place that had the '35 Pierce Arrow limo) is for sale. Doesn't take much creativity to see the limo arise after coming across the donor. How hard can jump seats be to find..? Heh.
 
The easiest way to i.d. these Bathtub Packards is to look at the side trim and taillights. The 22nd Series, which ran from mid-'47 ( when 21st Series Clippers were still coming down the line ) until May of '49 have taillights flush with the sheet metal, and no mid-body sweep spear trim. The 23rd Series cars have the spears and oval taillights mounted in chromed pods, as on the remains of that sedan. The back window is also a little bigger, IIRC. 23rd Series ran 'til the end of the '50 model year. A 1949 22nd Series will have a "9" inserted in the VIN, while a 1950 23rd Series will have a "5" inserted. '49's can be either 22nd or 23rd Series. Packard always had to make things complicated, it would seem. This "Series" stuff lasted thru 1953, which was the 26th Series. '54's were designated simply "54th Series." Clear as mud, ain't it?
 
Back
Top