Lot 310: Packard 200 Series Deluxe Sedan

Although its cars continued to be built to exemplary standards, Packard in the post-war years failed to match the pace of styling change that its customers, and the rest of the US auto industry, had come to accept as the norm. Nevertheless, Packards of the late 1940s and 1950s are amongst the most collectible of post-war US automobiles, representing as they do the final flowering of that magnificent straight eight. When post-war production commenced in October 1945, Packard fielded a range almost unchanged from that on offer for 1942, as did almost the entire US auto industry. The Packards continued virtually unchanged, either stylistically or mechanically, for 1947 and it was not until the 1948 range was announced that there was a wholesale makeover. Known as the 'inverted bathtub' or 'pregnant elephant', Packard's new look was longer, sleeker and more streamlined than before and would serve the company until the arrival of the all-new John Reinhart-designed 24th Series in August 1950. By this time Packard was building eight-cylinder cars only and for '51 these were available in four series: 200, 250, 300 and 400, the 200 being powered by the 288ci (4.7-litre) unit. Although regarded as the 'base' model, the 200 Series was exceptionally well equipped by contemporary European standards and for 1952 came with twin horns, dual sun visors, variable speed windscreen wipers, horn ring, map lights, courtesy light and front seat armrests as standard, to which the Deluxe version added foam rubber front seat cushions, turn indicators, a glovebox light and an electric clock. The use of 'jet louvres' on the rear wings reflected the ongoing fascination with contemporary aircraft design. This right-hand drive Packard sedan has automatic transmission and is finished in purple metallic with blue/grey cloth interior. An accompanying history sheet states that the vehicle was purchased new in 1951 by one Frederik Morley and sold in the 1980s to Mr James Mann of Great Totham, Essex, from whom it was acquired for the collection in July 2001. The Packard is said to have taken part in a speed record event in Belgium in 1965, recording a maximum speed of 145.445km/h (90.32mph). The car is offered with Swansea V5 registration document. No reserve.