1949 Packards - General

Both model year and calendar year sales totals were 59,390 vehicles for Series 23 - which was introduced in May of 1949 and sold as "late" 1949 cars. Another 53,975 Series 22 cars were sold in the 1949 year - for a total annual sales of 112,865. Packard also celebrated its 50th year as an automaker in 1949. As part of the ceremonies surrounding this anniversary, 2,000 cars were finished in non-standard custom gold paint and were later part of a parade at the Packard Proving Grounds to honor the company's accomplishments.

In October 1949, George T. Christopher retired from the company. Hugh Ferry was elected to fill the open post in December, 1949. He would attempt to hire James J. Nance away from General Electric Company to assume the Packard presidency.

Packard Models -

1949 Standard Eight and DeLuxe Eight (8-CYL) - SERIES 23
The twenty-third Series "Golden Anniversary" models were available in May, 1949. They looked much like the previous cars, but had some noticeable differences. The front bumpers had chromed centers, instead of the painted type used in 1948. A thin spear of chrome ran down the middle of the body sides, stopping just forward of the taillamps on base Packard Eights. Above this molding, on the front fenders, Packard block lettering appeared and was underlined in chrome. The taillight lenses were set in protruding, oval-shaped bright metal housings, except on station sedans.

The size of the rear window was enlarged 33 percent. Inside, oval clutch/brake pedals were used. A "Packard" nameplate was placed between the speedometer and clock. An illuminated switch turned the engine on. The DeLuxe Eight had chromed 13" diameter hubcaps, as compared to the Standard Eight's 10" type. A "Goddess of Speed" hood ornament was standard on both levels of trim. An automatic transmission was introduced in November 1949 for all models. The 120" wheelbase was continued.

1949 Super and Super Deluxe Eight (8-CYL) - SERIES 23
The Super Eight was trimmed somewhat like lower series cars, sharing the same horizontal grille, "Goddess of Speed" hood ornament and a chrome molding below the windows that stopped at the rear fender center. However, it had a slightly longer body side spear molding, which overlapped the taillamp housings. The Super DeLuxe was a new model. It was, much like a short "Custom Eight". For example, it had front and rear egg crate grilles; cast chromium extensions from the upper belt molding to windshield wipers; bullet type bumper guards; pelican hood orna¬ment and ivory-colored Tenite steering wheel with plated, inlaid hand grips.

Seats were upholstered in rich, pin-striped wool cloth with bolster type back rests and door panels. The instrument panel, upper seat back panels and window frames had wood-grained finish. Standard equipment included fender shrouds; wheel trim rings; day/night rear view mirror; "Select-O-Matic" spring cushions and added acoustical insulation. The Convertible Victoria was appointed in similar fashion, but limousines had the standard Super type bar grille.

1949 Custom Eight (8-CYL) - SERIES 23
On Custom Eights, the chrome molding below the windows extended completely down the rear fenders and around the trunk lid. This was the only major external distinction over Super DeLuxe Eights, along with the use of cloisonne hub cap medallions as a standard feature. Color-keyed Bedford cloth and leather upholstery combinations were exclusive interior trim found on Custom Eights. Ultramatic automatic transmission became standard equipment on this model. After November 1949, it was made an available option on other Packards.

Engines

• Standard and DeLuxe Eight. Inline, L-Head Eight. Cast iron block. Displacement: 288 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.50" x 3.75". Compression ratio: 7.0:1. Brake horsepower: 135 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type WDO two-barrel Model 644S.
  
  
  
• Super and Super Deluxe Eight. Inline, L-Head Eight. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.5" x 4.25" inches. Compression ratio: 7.0:1. Brake horsepower: 150 @ 3600 RPM. Solid valve lifters. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Carter Type WDO two-barrel Model 643A.
  
  
• Custom Eight. Inline, L-Head Eight. Cast iron block. Displacement: 356 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.5" x 4.625". Compression ratio: 7.0:1. Brake horsepower: 170 @ 3600 RPM. Nine main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type WDO two-barrel Model 531S or 531A.

Powertrain Options

• Overdrive ($92).
• "Electronic" clutch with overdrive ($128).
• Ultramatic Drive ($225).
• Oil bath air cleaner (standard on Super and Custom).
• Rear axle ratios: 3.54:1. 3.90:1, 4.09:1, 4.1:1 and 4.36:1.

Significant Options

• Heater and defroster.
• Six-tube radio.
• DeLuxe eight-tube radio.
• Roof-mount radio antenna.
• Cowl-mount radio antenna.
• Custom sun visor.
• Traffic light view finder.
• Coat hooks.
• Dual vanity mirrors.
• Emergency brake alarm.
• Cormorant hood ornament (unless standard).
• Rear wheel skirts (unless standard).
• Tissue dispenser.
• Road lamps.
• Fog lamps.
• Rear seat draft deflectors on four-door sedans.
• Cloisenne hub cap medallions (except standard Customs).
• "Vent-I-Shades".
• License plate frames.
• Gasoline filler panel guard.
• Door edge guards.
• Spare tire valve extension.
• Outside rear view mirrors (right or/and left-hand).
• Plaque with original owner initials.
• Vacuum type radio antenna.
• Fuse kit.
• Trouble light.
• Exhaust deflector.
• Wheel blocks.
• Curb feelers.
• Under hood light.
• Spotlight.
• Wheel trim rings.
• Rear bumper guard and protection rail.
• Select-O-Spring seat inserts.
• Two-tone finish.
• White sidewall tires.
  

Chassis

• Wheelbase: Series 2301 = 120"; Series Series 2302, 2332, 2306 and 2333 = 127"; Series Series 2322 = 141".
  
  
• Overall length: Series 2301 204.6875", 2332 = 225.6875"; Series 2302 and 2332 = 211.6875"; Series 2206 and 2233 = 215.625"; Series 2306 and 2333 = 213.25".
  
  
• Front tread: Standard/DeLuxe and Supers = 59.594"; Custom = 60.094".
  
  
• Rear tread: All = 60.719".
  
  
• Tires: Station Sedan 7.00 x 15; Eights and Supers - 7.60 x 15; Super DeLuxe 8.00 x 15; Super Convertible and all Custom 8.20 x 15.