Short answer: yes—but only if the cars and the garage are the right sizes and you play Tetris like a boss.
Here’s the 1940s reality:
• Many “two-car” garages from ~1947 were built 18’×18’ to 20’×20’ interior. That was fine for two skinny sedans of the era.
• Today’s cars are chunkier. A typical modern car is ~6–6.5 ft wide (72–78”); two side-by-side need ~17–18 ft of width before door-swing/clearance. Depth on those old garages is often ~18 ft, which fits compact/midsize, but full-size trucks/SUVs get tight.
Rule of thumb:
• 18×18 ft: two compacts/hatchbacks? Doable. Two midsize sedans? Tight. Two SUVs? No.
• 20×20 ft: two midsize sedans or one sedan + one small SUV? Usually yes.
• 22 ft depth is where parking feels comfortable with walking room.
Make it work (pro moves):
1. Measure the real interior (stud-to-stud, not exterior) and the door openings (many old doubles are two 7’–8’ doors or one narrow single).
2. Choose car pair wisely: two compacts or a compact + midsize = smooth. Two full-size SUVs = pain.
3. Mirror strategy: fold mirrors; add door-edge guards and parking bump stops on the floor.
4. Stagger trick: pull one car 6–12” farther forward to offset door swings.
5. Wall/ceiling storage only: get stuff off the floor (slat wall, overhead racks). Every 6” of gained width matters.
6. Angle-in hack (if door is wide enough): slight toe-in buys door clearance.
7. If you’re renovating: swap to a 16’–18’ wide single door, shave intrusions (pipes, shelves), and aim for at least 20’×22’ clear.
Ultra-clear verdict:
• If your 1947 “two-car” measures ≈18’×18’, it can truly fit two small cars with discipline.
• 20’×20’ or better? Two normal modern cars are realistic.
• Big SUVs or trucks? Park one inside and crown the driveway king.
Want me to run a quick fit check? Tell me the interior width/depth and your two vehicle models, and I’ll spit out a yes/no with inches to spare. 🚀