Re: 1949 Egg Crate Grille Available???

Posted by JD in KC On 2015/7/5 8:53:30

To further expand on BDeB's concise explanation, it might be helpful to know that by mid-1949 when the 23rd series was introduced, sales were slipping. The styling of the 'bathtub' Packards while quite popular when first introduced was falling out of favor. As a result, Packard "upped the ante". The Super Eight was upgraded to a longer (127") wheelbase and the price was lowered. A unique 3-broad bar grill was developed to fit into the larger opening that came with the 127" sheetmetal. The grill you see on the left of the brochure cover is NOT the same as the grill on your Dad's 22nd series Super Eight. It's larger and it's only seen on the 23rd series Super Eight. Packard also introduced the Super Deluxe Eight, basically a Super Eight with most of the Custom exterior trim. A move in my opinion that further diluted the sales of the higher profit Custom.

Here's a photo of a 23rd Series Super Eight grill:

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