The 1949 Packard Limousine represents the brand’s postwar assertion of prestige in an increasingly competitive American luxury market. Powered by a straight eight-cylinder engine and fitted with a three-speed manual transmission, this example carries notable provenance. Purchased new by Ruth and Vernon Forbes, it later transported dignitaries and cultural figures across decades.
Formal Lines in Dark Blue
Packard designed the limousine with restrained elegance rather than flamboyance. Its long wheelbase and upright greenhouse emphasize formal presence. This example wears Dark Blue paint, complementing its full wheel covers and wide whitewall tires. As a result, the silhouette communicates executive intent, aligning with late-1940s expectations of American prestige transport.
A Divider Between Duty and Comfort
Inside, the cabin separates chauffeur and passenger through a roll-up privacy divider. The driver’s compartment features black upholstery and a woodgrain dash with standard instruments. Behind the partition, beige cloth rear seating prioritizes comfort and discretion. Consequently, the limousine reflects Packard’s understanding of both professional operation and passenger refinement.
Straight-Eight Smoothness Over Speed
The inline eight-cylinder engine emphasizes smooth torque delivery rather than outright acceleration. Output figures are not specified in the listing. However, Packard’s straight-eight configuration was known for balanced operation and mechanical refinement. A three-speed manual transmission manages power, reinforcing the deliberate and composed character expected from a formal limousine.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | Inline 8-cylinder |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Chassis/Platform | Packard 22nd Series long-wheelbase platform |
Unlike modern luxury vehicles, electronic driver aids were absent in 1949. Instead, engineering focused on ride isolation and mechanical durability. Wide whitewall tires and substantial suspension components contributed to composed road manners. Therefore, comfort derived from structural solidity rather than digital intervention.
Packard’s Position in 1949 America
In 1949, Packard competed with Cadillac’s Series 75 limousine and Lincoln’s Cosmopolitan. Base prices for Packard limousines exceeded $4,000, placing them firmly in the upper luxury tier. Production volumes were limited compared to standard sedans, enhancing exclusivity. Today, documented provenance significantly strengthens collector appeal within this niche segment.
This example’s association with figures such as William Randolph Hearst and Gerald Ford elevates its historical context. A written account by Ruth Forbes and a compiled passenger list accompany the car. Consequently, its value extends beyond mechanical specification into documented cultural relevance.
Stewardship of a Formal Classic
Ownership of a postwar Packard limousine centers on preservation rather than frequent use. Straight-eight engines remain serviceable through specialist networks, though parts sourcing requires expertise. Limousines often trade at values below comparable Cadillacs, typically ranging from $25,000 to $60,000 depending on condition and provenance. Documentation materially influences long-term appreciation.
An Executive Relic With Documented Presence
The 1949 Packard Limousine captures a moment when American luxury equated to scale, discretion, and mechanical smoothness. Combined with notable ownership history and period-correct presentation, this example stands as more than transportation. It represents a preserved artifact of mid-century executive culture and Packard’s enduring ambition.
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Source: mecum.com
