Packard was the most prolific of America’s prestige manufacturers, with Peerless and Pierce-Arrow comprising the “Three Ps” of upper crust automobiles. Of the three, only Packard emerged from the Depression, largely on the strength of a line of medium-priced cars introduced in 1935. Dramatic new “Clipper” styling in 1941 bolstered Packard sales, such that the more traditional “Senior” series were dropped after World War II. This proved to be a mixed blessing. With the all-new 22nd Series cars in 1948, Packard again reached into the true luxury market, but aside from wheelbase and some exterior trim there was little to distinguish the top-of-the-line Custom Eight models from the standard Packard Eight that competed with Mercury and Buick. Moreover, in 1950 Packard slipped behind rival Cadillac in sales. New styling for 1951 was the work of designer John Reinhart. There were now four series on two wheelbases, with three different engines. Whereas from1948-50 there had been two convertibles, Super and Custom Eights, now there was only one, in an intermediate 250 Series and using the mid-range 327 cubic inch straight eight. The total of all 250 Series styles, which consisted only of hardtop coupes and convertibles was just 5,201 cars, less than any others except the top-of-the-line Patrician models. A Florida car for much of its life, this 1952 Packard 250 convertible was delivered May 28, 1952, to the Covington Motor Company of Bethesda, Maryland. It presents very well in Matador Maroon with a red-and-white leather interior. The brightwork is all of good quality, and the engine compartment is nicely detailed. Equipped with Packard’s excellent Ultramatic transmission, it operates smoothly and quietly. Included are a full set of owner’s and maintenance manuals, the original dealer invoice, and a die cast model of the car made in England by Dinky Toys. The original owner’s ID card and a service policy in his name also accompany the car. Rare when new, this 1952 Packard 250 convertible is even more unusual today. Its appearance in this sale presents an uncommon opportunity.
Packard was the most prolific of America’s prestige manufacturers, with Peerless and Pierce-Arrow comprising the “Three Ps” of upper crust automobiles. Of the three, only Packard emerged from the Depression, largely on the strength of a line of medium-priced cars introduced in 1935. Dramatic new “Clipper” styling in 1941 bolstered Packard sales, such that the more traditional “Senior” series were dropped after World War II. This proved to be a mixed blessing. With the all-new 22nd Series cars in 1948, Packard again reached into the true luxury market, but aside from wheelbase and some exterior trim there was little to distinguish the top-of-the-line Custom Eight models from the standard Packard Eight that competed with Mercury and Buick. Moreover, in 1950 Packard slipped behind rival Cadillac in sales. New styling for 1951 was the work of designer John Reinhart. There were now four series on two wheelbases, with three different engines. Whereas from1948-50 there had been two convertibles, Super and Custom Eights, now there was only one, in an intermediate 250 Series and using the mid-range 327 cubic inch straight eight. The total of all 250 Series styles, which consisted only of hardtop coupes and convertibles was just 5,201 cars, less than any others except the top-of-the-line Patrician models. A Florida car for much of its life, this 1952 Packard 250 convertible was delivered May 28, 1952, to the Covington Motor Company of Bethesda, Maryland. It presents very well in Matador Maroon with a red-and-white leather interior. The brightwork is all of good quality, and the engine compartment is nicely detailed. Equipped with Packard’s excellent Ultramatic transmission, it operates smoothly and quietly. Included are a full set of owner’s and maintenance manuals, the original dealer invoice, and a die cast model of the car made in England by Dinky Toys. The original owner’s ID card and a service policy in his name also accompany the car. Rare when new, this 1952 Packard 250 convertible is even more unusual today. Its appearance in this sale presents an uncommon opportunity.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
