1948 Packard Custom Eight POV drive

[@billrhallowell]

I had a 1950 23rd series. I was parked, someone asked if they could hear it run, I said no. When asked why, I told them it was running.

[@classicperformance]

Bill, you are most correct that that is funny. I recall pulling to a light in the '48 and felt it had stalled, as I depressed the accl pedal to start the engine revved! :) Those big straight 8s were incredibly quiet and apparently well balanced too. Take a look at my more recent 120 video just posted.

[@muffs55mercury61]

Their straight 8 engines are usually silent when running.

[@jimthompson7402]

Impeccable engineering and construction. The Packard Company took great pride in the building of their cars producing an exceptional product.

[@classicperformance]

Yes, Jim, they sure did!~ I just hate they were so late in coming to the V8 world and especially the OHV V8.

[@carguyva7596]

@@classicperformance they wouldn't have been so far ahead of the game too if they had just bought a hydromatic like the other manufacturers. That would have given them a four-speed instead of a 2 speed automatic and save them tremendous amounts of money for development.

[@classicperformance]

@@carguyva7596 absolutly correct. The Ultramatic was about already outdated and they were way behind with OHV 6/8 inline engines and of course the OHV V8. It's easy to see the many faults of Packard today looking back. Even if they advanced in-step with others, they'd still be gone in the years ahead.

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

The hood ornament is amazing on this car.. what a commanding view.

[@classicperformance]

Rob, The cormorant hood ornament was introduced as a senior or deluxe hood ornament in the early 1930. It was in use until 1957, at last in highly stylized form. Prior to that was variations of the Goddess of Speed AKA "Doughnut Pusher".

[@roberttroutman6780]

My 1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper 2126 had a completely different dash and had a green light that indicated overdrive in the speedometer face. Also had the Electromatic clutch. Even had a radio in the rear right side seat above the arm rest, for the rear passengers. Great car to drive. Drove it from Minnesota to Pennsylvania in March of ‘73 with absolutely no problems. Not bad for twenty-six year old car. Wish I still had it.

[@classicperformance]

Robert, Great story and a great car. I don't know much about the electromatic clutch. I have never had one or driven one. I worry they would be problematic!

[@TheCharlieHuman]

Owned one for a bit and loved every second of it! Mine was all original except for paint and drove it home about 250 miles the day I bought it (friend behind me in truck with tools). Ran like a champ the whole way. Miss it!

[@mgambuzz3]

Appreciated the continuance of a detailed operation of the vehicle, the effortless ability to drive the vehicle, and highly descriptive narrative of everything from starting, overdrive, turn signal, engine operation, and overdrive operation. Excellent job!

[@classicperformance]

Appreciate your interest in Packards and this video.

[@texmex3343]

Packards are really beautiful cars.

[@classicperformance]

We think so too!!! thanks for the interest!

[@michaelcallahan5358]

So much pride and engineering went in to these cars.

[@classicperformance]

so true!

[@flyingdutchman4794]

No plastic, no squeaks, no rattles, locomotive-like torque. Runs quiet and smooth because it really is, not because of sound-deadening crapola or "active suspension". Amazing what America could do when we actually tried. Beautiful car. No wonder Packard's slogan was, "Ask the man who owns one"

[@classicperformance]

Flying Dutchman, you are spot on!!! even smooth by today's standards of automobiles.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

@@classicperformance That's because this isn't just an automobile, it is a PACKARD.

[@classicperformance]

@@michaelbenardo5695so very true!!! We'll soon be featuring a '56 with 4,700 original miles. Stay tuned!! See our short for a preview.

[@tombrown1898]

A late friend of mine had the identical car, which he let me drive. This was around 1980, and I still remember the smoothness of the Custom 8. Unforgettable.

[@classicperformance]

The smoothness of a Custom 8 is unlike none other from the era. Even quiet and smooth by today's standards. For the ultimate in Packard smoothness, check out our '56 Patrician! Thanks for your interest, Tom.

[@carguyva7596]

An interesting fact about this car is that it was the 1947 Packard with different sheet met. So the chassis was exactly the same. I have a 47 custom super clipper and when I was working on it underneath I could see that underneath it's built like a truck. So it's basically a truck chassis with a beautiful body and interior.

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for the good information!!!! I feel the full and robust frame and underpinnings give it that silky smooth ride!!

[@eldo59]

Doc's Packard in BTTF made me remember this car. Looks great in black and with 4 doors.

[@classicperformance]

@elso59 Here's a link to Doc's car that sold a while back at auction www.hemmings.com/stories/2019/01/10/great-scott-doc-browns-packard-convertible-comes-up-for-auction

[@Nebulasecura]

Wow you’re lucky. I happen to be a 20 year old classic car enthusiast that’s just now wanting to learn a lot about them, even with just a permit 😂

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for the watch and interest! I will have some more Packard videos coming out soon as well as other odd ball classics. Subscribe and be surprised!

[@1940limited]

Great video and beautiful car. Packard really made good cars back then.

[@wholeNwon]

One was the daily-driver of a professor in my college. He said that he wanted no other car for the rest of his life!

[@classicperformance]

This car was previously owned by a college professor too. What college and year was that?

[@wholeNwon]

@@classicperformance That was the U. of DE.

[@williamschoemann4209]

I enjoyed your appreciation of the car. I have a '53 Clipper DeLuxe. I don't know how you got it into third before overdrive. My OD is enabled at twenty mph. I drive it 1, 2, O, 3. It takes the clutch to start from stop, but it's functionally semi-automatic around town. I only shift into third when I get around forty-five.

[@classicperformance]

Interesting operation, William! I am unsure of the correct operation, just how this '48 works. And works every time.

[@rodneymontgomerytv2276]

Very Nice I Just Purchased A 48 Packard All Original Out Of Kentucky, Now Need Someone To Do Some Minor Repairs And Cometic Work.

[@classicperformance]

Nice to hear Rodney and I appreciate your interest!! Doug

[@classicperformance]

I just watched the video, very nice and should clean up nicely!!! Look forward to more videos.

[@eddieflori4336]

made me feel good...nice drive!

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for your interest and viewing. I will soon post a video driving a '36 120 Packard.

[@johnkeefer3776]

Beautiful car and ride!

[@classicperformance]

Thanks!

[@lisagr5577]

I am glad to hear how easy to drive it is, I have one I am in the process of restoring I am still learning to driving manual, I was wondering how easy to steer it would be but it looked easy to drive, Mine is a Deluxe 8 2 door

[@classicperformance]

Keep us posted. We really like the lines of the deluxe-8 2-door Club Sedan! Thanks for watching!

[@sethbarnes7608]

Just bought me a 49, and can't wait to start the resto!!😁

[@classicperformance]

Heck Yes!! They will soon know you by name when you call Kanter and Maxx :) 😀 they know me and are great people!!! Check out the 120 on the Channel too! Keep us posted, Seth!

[@sethbarnes7608]

@@classicperformance I definitely will. I wish I could post pictures in the comments here, but I guess I can't. I was told that mine might be one of the 1000 golden anniversary Packards, but I don't know if there's any positive way to verify that.

[@sethbarnes7608]

@@classicperformance I do belong to the Facebook group Packard Automobile Classics and will be posting pics and maybe even a "will it run" video before I start blowing at apart for the restoration. I'm doing her full frame off

[@classicperformance]

@@sethbarnes7608 I will subscribe and keep an eye out and yea, no way to post picts. Excited to see your project!!!!

[@ChollaJJ]

Nice automobile. It would have been great to see more of it ! As long as you had it and the camera out and doing what they do !

[@classicperformance]

True and thanks for your interest.

[@Jerry-ok8gj]

Beautiful machine! Today we have plastic junk disposable cars.

[@classicperformance]

You are most correct, Jerry. There's no plastic parts here to break and worry about. mazing everything still continues to work like new and as designed. Thanks for your interest!

[@carguyva7596]

Per the owners manual, when starting the car you're supposed to press the accelerator just until the point where the starter begins to engage. It is not way to the floor.

[@classicperformance]

Yes, that is what it says. However they all require fine "getting used to" after 70 years

[@carguyva7596]

@@classicperformance Of course! Fortunately, I finally read it in my owner's manual and started doing it the way they suggested and much to my relief it worked!

[@utjp7077]

Custom 8's came from the factory with the Electromatic clutch...there should be a switch on the dashboard marked 'Electromatic' ....is it disabled? When the switched is pulled out....the clutch falls to the floor and you can shift and stop without manually clutching. The 356 straight 8 had so much torque most people just started in and left it in 3rd gear.

[@classicperformance]

This particular car did not come with the electromatic clutch option. Cars that were optioned with the option have a red clutch pedal.

[@utjp7077]

@@classicperformance until mid 1948....then the clutch pedal went back to black. You can't judge by the Red pedal....this rubber sleeve wears out from wear....and most people don't know why it is there in the first place.

[@gregdelagrange8573]

Very nice Custom Eight. I have one too. Mine is a 22nd series 49. I also have a couple of videos of it here on KZbin.

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for watching! Subscribe as I have more Packard video content to come. Hint: '37 120

[@thewhitefordbronco]

Column Shifter! Those are fun

[@1940limited]

I always liked the shape of the shift lever in these.

[@frankgiaquinto1571]

I really like the three on the tree transmission shifter,as long as it is working properly.....

[@jefferywarshawsky2263]

PACKARD IS The finest Americans automobile.period

[@classicperformance]

Agreed!!!

[@RADIUMGLASS]

Big $$$ in 1948 The new owner is lucky.

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for watching. MSRP in '48 on this car as optioned was well over $4,000, making it about $50,000 in today's dollars.

[@robfmas]

I had heard or read somewhere, and im not sure how true it is, that the low end torque was so strong in the straight 8 engine, you could literally start from a dead stop in third gear and never have to shift.

[@classicperformance]

I would believe it but haven't tried. I also feel the flywheel is very heavy and would assist making a 3rd gear start effortless on a flat road. I think the "big" eight 356 was about 1000lbs dressed, and the crank shaft along on the 9 main is 1150 pounds. Unsure about flywheel weight.

[@javierlucero1300]

Beautiful Car

[@classicperformance]

Thank you!!!!

[@Magnetron33]

Would love to have seen the exterior!

[@classicperformance]

There is a Flickr album linked in description and an exterior walk around. See my channel for exterior video.

[@Magnetron33]

@@classicperformance Thanks! I love Packards!

[@vanceox]

Did this Packard have some kind of electric or vacuum clutch? It just seems too easy to take off in low like that!

[@classicperformance]

All mechanical, but look up the electromatic clutch.

[@hans-ts7xm]

Good american car, love to See them on the road in europe, remember Well the time in the packard Museum in 99. Don't sell ever 👍😁 best us Technology ever

[@classicperformance]

Thank you! it has been an excellent car for many years!

[@StockTurboN20]

Can I have it? I’ll give you jokes and respect.

[@classicperformance]

Haha, thanks for the interest and offer!

[@StockTurboN20]

@@classicperformance I actually almost bought a 1950 Packard Eight but I found out it was a re-body

[@classicperformance]

@@StockTurboN20 Help me out with what a re-body is? Guessing someone replaced the body on the original frame and drivetrain?

[@StockTurboN20]

@@classicperformance it’s removing vin numbers and putting them on a different cleaner and or not wrecked car which is illegal

[@classicperformance]

@@StockTurboN20 ahhh, I see and agree.

[@kjh789az]

Good! Could be really good if you bought a camera mount ...

[@classicperformance]

We have camera mounts now and better cameras for sure! Thanks!

[@sethbarnes7608]

Have you calculated the fuel mileage on the highway?

[@classicperformance]

Never did exactly, and I drove it on a trip, refueled and calculated in my head. I recall it was 17mph on the interstate at modern speeds @70 mph. So Yes. kinda

[@sethbarnes7608]

@@classicperformance Niiiiiice.

[@RONALD511]

Love IT

[@frankmarter6845]

No automatic transmission? No a/c? Seems very quiet.

[@classicperformance]

Correct. The 48 Packard did not come with AC, PS or PB. The car is designed with special ventilation coming upward from the footwells via rotary controls to provide excellent air circulation and breeze in the cabin even if the WI does are up. Also the braking and steering is very light without modern power assists. This car does have two powered options, the electric powered radio antenna mast and the electric automatic overdrive. Your options were primarily based on the trim level of the car you chose.

[@waltersawyer3372]

IS It For SALE How Much

[@classicperformance]

Sorry, it has been sold. Appreciate your interest.

[@RONALD511]

DEER will Ruin your Day on Woodsy Roads like this

[@michaelbenardo5695]

Isn't it magnificent?

[@classicperformance]

Yes!!!

[@jameslaforce8436]

yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[@quagmiredavis4117]

Where is miss Daisy... lol

[@classicperformance]

and you might know, If you ever want the full experience of riding in a Packard, it is to be had in the rear seat~ Anyone could be Miss Daisy.

[@quagmiredavis4117]

@@classicperformance I know We have 7 Packards Back to 1930 Plus relative has funeral home With 2 Hearse one 180 frame in line 8 Another hearse has the Twin 6 Still in use for special occasions Great grandparents 32 Packard roadster is my favorite many trips US 82 from Georgia to Texas last trip 2019 all secondary roads we don't trailer our Packards they're all driven Great video beautiful car . Thanks

[@classicperformance]

@@quagmiredavis4117 Very Nice!!! Take a look at the 120 on my channel as well if you have not. Those straight 8 motors are like glass too.

[@quagmiredavis4117]

@@classicperformance we found a portable saw mill when I was 5 Grandad restored it and the power plant is a in line Packard 8 the engine never bogs down cutting logs .

[@classicperformance]

@@quagmiredavis4117 amazing!!!!!

[@marksandstrom4248]

"put it in Drive" ?!?

[@classicperformance]

HaHa, That would be first gear. Of course you can put it in "reverse" so I guess 1st could be drive.

[@jacksutherland846]

Why the stupid clock instead of a tachometer?

[@classicperformance]

Jack, these were low performance and and low RPM motors. Only sports cars of that era needed or required an engine RPM reporting instrument. You would never operate a Packard at maximum stated RPM under and normal circumstances. They relied on torque and massive flywheels to operated with ease.

[@jacksutherland846]

@@classicperformanceYeah, I know that. I just like a nice big tach over a speedometer, or clock any day. Just like sun tans were a thing of servants I suppose.

[@classicperformance]

@@jacksutherland846 absolutly!! And why Porsche instrumentation layouts are the best because the tach is the largest and centered in the dash, not the speedo!

[@robertcroft8241]

How did Packard lose it's way ? In the 1930s here in England it was the Governments Vehicle of Choice because of it's reliability. My grandmother had one in 1938 They were also built in France . In the 50's the design team lost the plot ! Sales ! No, too Ugly.

[@classicperformance]

There are many reasons. Late with the overhead valve V8, late styling updates, bad merger with Studebaker, etc. All the details can be found at the Hagerty web site. www.hagerty.com/media/car-profiles/10-reasons-why-packard-died/

[@RONALD511]

Drive slower on back roads !!! Under 45

[@classicperformance]

This was a full demonstration of this fine automobile. Speed limits were observed and obeyed. The car is very capable and safe even at modern hwy speeds today. If you have never driven a Packard, you owe it to yourself!