Re: '49 Limousine

Posted by 58L8134 On 2016/1/17 11:11:43

Hi

According to Robert Neal's Packard 1948 To 1950, four 23rd Series long wheelbase cars, Model 2370 and 2371 types, were built, essentially prototypes for show purposes. Concurrent with their introduction, 1420 leftover 22nd Series lwb cars were still in stock to be cleared. Management had been adjusting down planned 23rd Series lwb production quantities from 2,351 to 450 cars, but held off further builds until firm business could be procured.

The New York taxi contracts, which used the same body had been cancelled, leaving them with quantities of materials to finish building out this model. They tried various plans to get commitments from the taxi operators to buy quantities before proceeding with further production. It never happened, and ultimately they had to write-off the materials as scrap not needed for service parts.

Only one car, 2371-2001, is known to survive of the four, is pictured in Neal's book. There are 22nd Series lwb cars with 23rd Series side trim which was a kit offered to dealers in order to update the appearance of leftover cars to make them more saleable. These are easy to identify as the 22nd Series lower body trim and taillights remain.

To say that the 22nd Series long-wheelbase models put an end to Packard's business in that segment is accurate. The market found the 141" wb Super Eight overpriced relative to other makes available, such as the long-wheelbase DeSotos and Chryslers. Apparently the Custom Eights lacked the prestige value versus the Cadillac 75 to make them worth the price premium commanded.

All this said, they're one of the most appealing Free-Flow Styled Packards, something scarce, unique and worthwhile to acquire and restore as Kleroy is doing.

Steve