I consider typical SUVs (Sport-Utility Vehicles) a form of station wagon (or "break"). That's because of the basic shape of their exteriors, internal layouts, and rear access. Early SUVs were body-on-chassis, the chassis being from a manufacturer's truck line. Later came the "crossover" SUVs whose bodies were sedan-like, in that they were unitary -- chassis-less.
Packard's Station Sedan, introduced for the 1948 model year was based on the short (120-inch) wheelbase Eight four-door sedan. The station wagon feature was minimal, compared to pre-1949 station wagons from other American carmakers. Those had bodies abaft of the cowling that were largely wood-framed and wood-clad.
Station Sedans therefore were far more automobile-like than station wagons of their era and even of most more modern wagons. That's why Packard's coined-term "Station Sedan" seems appropriate.
This was the basis for Station Sedans.
Compare this profile view with the one above. The passenger compartment greenhouses as far aft as the C-pillar are the same. So are the aft fender areas and adjacent side metal.
Wood items framing the front and rear door windows along with the other wood on the doors are strictly ornamental, giving the car a late-1940s station wagon "feel."
This view shows the station wagon area. The body sides taper slightly towards the rear, making the cargo area significantly smaller than those of contemporary station wagons. Note the large, painted hinges below the tailgate.
Interior of the cargo area, back seat folded down. This is the most station wagon- like aspect of the car.
The other Internet images I found of what were said to be 23rd Series 1950 Station Sedans (Packard might have termed them Station Wagons by then) are of cars with the wood trim shown in previous images. This car has 23rd Series chrome side trim, and might well have been a rare "production" job -- perhaps a special order by a customer. Total Station Sedan production was low and few were sold during the 1950 model year. Interestingly, a Packard model-line poster for dealers I found on the Web did not include a Station Sedan with models shown as available for sale.
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