This 1946 Packard Clipper advertisement captures a key moment in American automotive history. After World War II, automakers scrambled to shift from military contracts back to civilian production, and Packard—one of the most respected names in luxury cars—was among the first to get back on the road.

Packard’s Postwar Restart

Production of civilian Packards had halted in early 1942 when the U.S. government ordered a stop to all passenger car manufacturing due to the war effort. During the war years, Packard produced engines and vehicles for the military, including marine and aircraft engines and the famous Packard-built Rolls-Royce Merlin engines for P-51 Mustangs.

Civilian car production resumed for Packard in late 1945 with the introduction of the 1946 model lineup. These were essentially updated versions of the prewar 1942 Packard Clipper, with minor trim changes and some retooling to adjust for material shortages and evolving postwar tastes.

The 1946 Clipper Lineup

The 1946 Packard Clipper was offered in several trim levels:

• Clipper Six (Model 2100) – 245 cu in inline-six
• Clipper Eight (Model 2103) – 282 cu in inline-eight
• Clipper Super (Model 2106) – 356 cu in straight-eight
• Clipper Custom Super – Top-trim luxury option

The design featured the sleek, streamlined “fade-away fender” look, carried over from the 1941–42 Clipper bodies originally styled by Howard “Dutch” Darrin. While the styling wasn’t entirely new, it still looked thoroughly modern in 1946 compared to the boxier prewar cars others were reissuing.

Production Numbers

Packard produced 30,310 cars for the 1946 model year. That included all variations of the Clipper—Six, Eight, Super, and Custom models. While that may sound modest compared to Ford or Chevrolet output, it was a significant achievement for a luxury automaker still navigating supply chain issues and postwar material restrictions.

To compare:

• Ford built over 468,000 cars in 1946
• Chevrolet made about 398,000
• Packard’s 30,000+ placed it firmly in the premium market, serving customers who were willing to wait for a more refined ride

Marketing a Return to Elegance

The ad leans heavily into emotion and anticipation: “If ever a car was worth waiting for, this is it!” After years of no new cars, the idea of owning a stylish, upscale Packard had strong appeal. And Packard knew it. The ad walks a fine line—celebrating the excitement while acknowledging production delays: “It is quite possible that you may not be able to get immediate delivery.”

Yet the promise was clear: elegance, craftsmanship, and prestige. Packard even brought back its famous slogan, “Ask the man who owns one,” to remind people of the brand’s loyal following.

A Snapshot in Time

The 1946 Packard Clipper wasn’t just a car—it was a symbol of postwar recovery and renewed prosperity. The advertisement reflects the mood of a nation eager to move forward, and Packard’s Clipper offered a smooth, stylish ride into that future.

While Packard would face growing competition from Cadillac, Lincoln, and newly powerful mid-market brands over the next decade, in 1946, the Clipper was one of the finest cars Americans could buy—if they were lucky enough to get one.

Bonus for Collectors:
The Merrick Auto Museum Library has an extra copy of this original 1946 Packard Clipper advertisement available in our store. If you’re a fan of vintage automotive advertising or Packard history, it’s a great piece to add to your collection. Search for 1946 Packard Clipper or inventory #38D151.