by Revival of a Legend: Packard Excellence
The American luxury car manufacturer Packard, founded in Detroit, ceased to exist back in 1958, but decades later, enthusiasts were found who dream of its revival. One of them had sufficient resources and desire to bring this dream to life in the form of a unique luxury sedan.
Project Implementation
The Packard Excellence was created by the Dutch company JB Classic & Bespoke, which specializes in the restoration of classic cars and the development of individual projects. The design and engineering work was carried out by the local automotive studio CinovarA, making this car a completely Dutch product.
Inspiration and History
The car’s exterior is not based solely on classic Packard models or the 1999 Packard Twelve prototype. Instead, it borrows stylistic elements from the Facel Vega Excellence, paying homage to an unrealized project from the late 1950s. At that time, Studebaker-Packard planned to release the French manufacturer Facel Vega’s four-door sedan under its own brand with a V8 engine, but the idea was canceled due to opposition from Daimler-Benz.
Technical Basis and Details
In 2025, the Packard Excellence was finally brought to life, although its technical basis is not related to the original. The team chose the second-generation Bentley Flying Spur (2013–2019) as the donor, completely changing the body and adding custom details. According to JB Classic & Bespoke, the entire project took 17,000 hours of work.
Design and Features
The car’s proportions inevitably recall the Bentley, with shared elements such as glazing, pillars, roof, and interior. However, vertical LED headlights, reminiscent of Cadillac, frame the chrome-plated radiator grille with an intricate “Goddess of Speed” ornament on the hood. The car’s profile has sharp lines and rear doors similar to a Rolls-Royce, for which the company developed special hinges and handles made of stainless steel. The rear looks more generalized, with C-shaped taillights and the Packard logo.
Technical Specifications
No changes were made to the mechanical part compared to the Bentley Flying Spur. The second-generation Bentley was equipped with engines: a bi-turbo 4.0-liter V8 or a bi-turbo 6.0-liter W12, but the exact engine in the Packard Excellence has not been disclosed.
The cost of the project has not been revealed, but the uniqueness and scale of the work suggest that it is an expensive tribute to an unrealized project of the past.
This project demonstrates how modern technology and craftsmanship can bring historical concepts to life, creating something unique. The Packard Excellence not only pays tribute to the past but also shows the potential of custom cars in the modern world, where individuality is becoming increasingly valuable. This approach may inspire other manufacturers to similar experiments, combining tradition with innovation.
