Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I know someone who is looking at purchasing one of these cars and of course the seller told him they are worth more because they only made 2000 and it's the Golden anniversary car. It doesn't seem to me the ones I've seen for sale bring any more money than their sister models. Maybe I just haven't paid close enough attention. Are they any more special in you guy's opinion? BTW, it still has the original interior and paint in very good condition.

Well, there are Golden Anniversary cars, and then there are the special Golden Anniversary cars and therein can be the difference in value. All 23rd series cars are 23rd Anniversary models, but the special "Golden Anniversary" cars are those painted with the special gold paint and very few, perhaps only a handful, remain with that original paint. So if the paint code isn't "R" for the special paint, it's just another 23rd series Packard.

Is the paint code on the data plate that is on the firewall below the front windshield?

The data plate reads 2362 but the paint scheme code cant be made out in a pic and its a good clear pic. Is there a trick to reading that paint scheme code or another way to tell? The potential buyer likes the car but doesn't want to offer more than it's worth. The seller does seem like he's being straight up but who knows for sure. I agreed to help find out what I could so thanks for any advice or direction.

The paint code was stamped in ink and isn't often legible. Any chance of an existing build slip from the top of the glove box and/or fuel filler tube? I assume the car is painted gold.

Besides the "special gold paint" and the paint code "R" are there any other features which would help identify a 23rd Series as a special Golden Anniversary car?

JD, The car is painted Gold and I'll ask about the glove box and fuel filler tube.

Besides the "special gold paint" and the paint code "R" are there any other features which would help identify a 23rd Series as a special Golden Anniversary car?

Other than possibly finding the build slip, NO.

You might want to review this thread on The Packard Club forum:packardclub.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=3439

The only two 2362 cars known to me to positively be genuine "R" code cars are 2362-2089 and 2362-2728; this doesn't mean that all those between these numbers were also "R" code cars, though possibly that may be the case.

The original gold paint formula is bronze powder in clear lacquer - it's not stable. That's why the cars were typically repainted early in their lives.

Hi All,

Can someone PLEASE clear up the confusion I have regarding the differences between a 1948 and 1949 Series 22 and 23? I cannot seem to make heads or tails as to what is my dad's car. Here is what we have:

Engine number: G4246XXXX

The Packard Engine Serial Number book calls the engine a "1948 22 Series"
327 CID, 145 HP, Super Eight L head, 5 bearing, solid lifters
Casting number: 11-17-48

It has a R-9 OD.

Body Serial number: 2272-9-IXXXX

The sales brochure calls it a "2272-9 Super Eight Touring Sedan" however it also has the following description:

SERIES: 22nd
YEAR: 1949
WB: 120
MODEL/CHASSIS: 2202
CARBURETOR: Carter WDO 643S
ENGINE: 327
CYLINDERS: 8
HP: 145
WEIGHT: 3,855
MSRP: $2,802
TOTAL PRODUCTION: 5,871*
PASSENGERS: 6

So what is this car? What is a "senior" and a "junior".

If this is a 1949 would it also be a "Golden Anniversary" even though it is not gold in color?

This website has a fact book for 1948 however it does not have a sale brochure for 1949 except the "Glolen Anniversary" book.

Any help in clearing up the mud would be appreciated!!!

THANKS (AS ALWAYS)!!!