1944 Packard

[Grandpa]

Hi,

The pictures are of the 1944(?) Packard "Brown Bomber". Was this car a functional show car or a mockup? If it was a functional car, does it exist today? I can't see any steering wheel in the pictures and changing a rear tire looks like one would have to remove the fender. Also, it looks like the front bumper is mounted too low on the right side. Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Grandpa

[Guest imported_Speedster]

Yes, Ed Macauley did at least 2 versions of the Brown-bomber. A '33 and a '44.

Both versions may have had same chassis, but not sure. I think it was a continous 'Work in Progress' and didn't survive. He did drive them personally, tho.

See Link:

http://www.automotivehistoryonline.com/packardconcepts.htm

[Guest bkazmer]

the earlier version (41?) of this car looks more like a 41 Victoria. Obviously a good deal of the 22nd series ideas were being played with here

[Grandpa]

Hi,

The attached pictures are of the 1933 Packard "Brown Bomber".

Grandpa

[Guest cnbed]

The complete history of Ed Macauley's Phantom was published in the Packard Club's magazine "The Packard Cormorant" #123, Summer 2006 issue. The car was destroyed in the early 1950s.

[West Peterson]

The "1933" Brown Bomber was actually a modified 1930 734 Speedster.

Both Brown Bombers were fully functional cars.

[Guest engines-aero]

Ed Macauley's 1941-1950 Brown Bomber, also known as the Phantom, started life in late 1940 or early 1941 as a Darrin coupe de ville. It then went through a series of modifications either following or preceeding the design evolution of the 1941-47 Clipper (depending on your view of this bit of history), which would eventually become the 1948 22nd Series Packard. Most pictures of the car are of one of five versions: 1-the original light colored car as delivered to Macauley at the Packard factory. 2-Painted dark brown with some minor alterations in 1941. 3-With its new 22nd Series-looking grill work and big white wheel rings of 1944. 4- With new fenders which went through the door and joined front and back fender. 5-Its last modification of about 1949 with four little round tail lights and a 22nd Series dash. There seems to be a missing version between 2 and 3 which I am sure I saw a picture of years ago but cannot currently find. Anyone have one?

Robert Neal

[Joe Block]

Great story, it much be great to hot rod a Packard back in the design department during the war