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

What are the main differences between:-
The Super Eight Convertible 1948
And
The Custom Convertible 1948 ?

I noticed the custom in it's day was more expensive to buy? Why was that?
Did both models have same Hood Ornament ? And same Dash Board ?

If you go to #20 on the list of articles for 1948 on this site you will find the fact book that shows the differences.

Some of the main ones for the Custom 8 are:

356 Cu. In. 9 main bearing engine
Different rear axle
Longer wheelbase - 127" vs 120"
Longer hood & front fenders
Different grille & front bumper
Rear grille
Belt moulding trim extends all the way around the trunk lid
Leather & Bedford Cord interior as opposed to artificial leather & Bedford Cord for the Super 8
Full luxury seat springs
Different carpet
Different glovebox on the dash - more chrome trim and different latch
Cloisonne emblem hubcaps

Thanks for that. Noticed the hood ornament much nicer on the custom.

the "standard" hood ornaments (I think) are
1) 8, 8 deluxe - streamlined lump
2) Super 8 - stylized donut chaser (look at earlier version of goddess to see origins)
3) Custom 8 - cormorant

But in practice you could option up. There is a 4th option, called "the Egyptian" that resembles 49 Ford, circular emblem in a mount.

the 3 standard ornaments are pretty common parts to find. Learn to spot the common aftermarket swan often advertised as a Packard ornament.

There's a lot of difference between a Su8 and Cu8.

So it's ok to use older style super eight hood ornament on a 1948 super eight? Or the custom swan ornament on the super eight?

I will look at the history of these so I can see all the different styles.

My favourite is the Swan Ornament, like the one on the 1942 car. Donut Chaser pretty good also, from 1920s I believe. There was a newer Donut Chaser, but the old one best.

the bird is a cormorant, or in the original heraldic crest, a "pelican in her piety"

The higher series ornaments were available as options on the lower22nd series cars. Grafting on an earlier version tends to look like the hack job it is

Take your point. so can the cormorant from thev 48 Custom conv be placed on a 48 Super Eight Conv ?

I believe that was a factory option. My lowly closed Eight has one. Look in the 48 option catalog on this site.

I have two 49 super 8 convertibles, both came with the Pelican ornament. The original sale bill includes them with a price for the option. There is no change in the mounting, so it is an easy option to install.