This 1950 Packard Custom Eight Convertible Victoria represents the pinnacle of postwar American luxury, craftsmanship, and elegance. As Packard’s top-of-the-line model for 1950, it combined timeless styling with robust engineering, featuring the legendary 356 cubic inch straight-eight engine paired with optional Ultramatic automatic transmission and factory overdrive. With only around 77 examples produced, this model marked the end of the revered “Senior Packard” era—vehicles known for their superior materials, hand-built quality, and luxury features like powered top, seats, windows, and antenna.
This particular example is finished in its stunning factory-correct shade of Astral Blue Metallic, complemented by a richly tailored interior in maroon leather and tan Bedford cloth. The color combination not only highlights the car’s graceful lines and flowing fenders but also reflects the high level of personalization offered to Packard’s most discerning clientele. Originally delivered new in California, the car benefited from a favorable climate during its early life, helping to preserve its structural integrity and originality over the decades.
The car later received a comprehensive, body-off restoration, executed to an exceptional standard with a focus on authenticity and detail. Every mechanical and cosmetic component was addressed, resulting in a show-quality presentation inside and out. Thanks to its factory overdrive, it will comfortably cruise down the road at 70 mph, combining modern drivability with classic style. This dedication to craftsmanship was recognized on the national stage when the car earned First Place at the 2002 AACA National Meet and was awarded Best Post-War Car at the 2000 National Packard Meet—testaments to its outstanding condition and historical significance.
Today, this 1950 Packard Custom Eight Convertible Victoria stands as one of the finest surviving examples of its kind, still showing as well as it did in 2000. Its combination of rarity, proven show pedigree, luxurious factory specification, and expert restoration make it an exceptional opportunity for serious collectors. As the last of the truly grand Packards, it embodies a bygone era when American luxury was defined by quiet power, tailored design, and uncompromising attention to detail.