1949 Packard Deluxe 8 Touring Sedan

Scully Ventalarm. No, not the name of a heroic pilot or Vaudeville comedian. Turns out, it's the name given to the whistle alarm that indicates when the Packard gas tank is full. Unlike modern neck fillers of gas tanks today, the Packard neck is not vented so vapors must pass through the Ventalarm. When the vent of the alarm is covered and the whistle stops, the tank is full. Today, automatic pumps take the place of old technology, but back in the day, and without the Scully Ventalarm, spilling gas was not uncommon.

For consignment, a 2 owner 1949 Packard Deluxe 8 Touring sedan with a known history of excellent upkeep. In the last few years, due to health issues the car has received less attention and accumulated some age as a result. Still, it presents well and would be a decent candidate to restore to former glory, or simply enjoy as is. In the past, it's received 2nd place in class wins at an annual show in four different years, and 3rd in class at the same show three years with 2014 being its final trophy.

Exterior
Single stage black paint shines with satin glory. The Packard pinched grille crowns stretches of chrome and a huge bumper that's akin to a locomotive cow catcher is below. Along with the headlight rings, futuristic hood emblem, and other metal bits, the bumpers will need some polishing to bring back to full shine. Proportionally large, the profile of the car reveals big doors, an enormous hood, and a high roofline that not only provides interior space but flows into a bowed trunk between bulging fenders. It's an impressive piece of machinery. And for such a huge car, the tail lights seem diminutive as two small ovals proved adequate in 1949. White wall tires surround 15-inch wheels wearing Packard hubcaps and Hallelujah, they're all there, because nice replacements can be costly. The rear wheels of course, are mostly obscured by the stylistic low wheel opening further enclosed with fender skirts. Imperfections in the paint include an area of cracking, some mixing pieces, various scrapes and scuffs, previous touch ups, and evidence of Bondo repairs.

Interior
Simple patterned cloth door cards, each topped with an elegant wood painted steel crown, show some water mark staining, but are intact. The front bench seats combine vinyl panels with an airweave cloth insert. It's seen better days with tears in several places and discoloration. The rear seat fairs better in more of a broadcloth pattern with vinyl panels. Some of the padded seat back of the front has sustained some damage, possibly mice, while its grab rail is in good condition. The wonderful center cap of the steering wheel has Packard written in silver seemingly under glass, while the half horn ring arches downward below two metal topped spokes. A vintage Texaco branded steering assist knob is on the wheel. Lacquered wood makes up the sculpted dashboard which houses the gauge cluster in all its Art Deco grace while a vintage traffic light viewer is mounted on the steering column, usually reserved for cars with a Fulton style visor. The center of the dashboard is home to a speaker, control knobs and a vertically mounted AM radio. Covering the floor we note a thin textured mat under rubber mats in the front and somewhat more plush low pile carpet in the back. The cavernous trunk has no covering and will benefit from restoration.

Drivetrain
A 288ci inline 8 cylinder engine is under the massive hood and is rated at 135 horsepower. It receives fuel from a Carter WGD728 2-barrel carburetor and is set into motion via a 3-speed manual transmission with a column shifter. Drum brakes are found in the front and rear of the car. The engine bay shows patina and surface rust but is complete.

Undercarriage
Patina hints at what's underneath with surface rust, more advanced in some areas is found throughout. The oil pan is dry, but the transmission has visible fluid including near the tail shaft, and the rear differential also has wetness including on and around the pinion gear. Caked on grease exists on steering and wheel components while more invasive rust can be seen on the inner rocker panels and floor pan. A single exhaust travels down the right side of the bottom, meets a stock style muffler, then exits out the back under the rear bumper. Independent suspension with coil springs are up front while leaf springs are in the back.

Drive-Ability
While not presently running our consignor tells us it's had a history of overheating after 5-10 miles. Check back for a full report once the starting issues have been rectified.

Packards outsold Cadillacs up until 1950, when Cadillac introduced the automatic transmission, but Packard was quick to develop their own. But in 1949, Packard was the sales king for luxury vehicles and cars like this Deluxe 8 were the reason why. This is a mid range condition car, having reigned as a show car just 10 years ago, now in need of some attention and restoration. But the bones are there and ripe for someone wanting to bring her back.

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

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