Packard Excellence : A One-Off Tribute to a Lost 1950s Luxury Dream
Detroit’s storied luxury marque Packard may have disappeared from the automotive scene in 1958, but its name still sparks passion among enthusiasts. For one visionary collector, that passion has transformed into a tangible reality: a stunning one-off creation known as the Packard Excellence.
Crafted by JB Classic & Bespoke, a Dutch coachbuilder renowned for meticulous restorations and bespoke commissions, this modern-day revival pays homage to an alternate history where Packard nearly rebadged the French Facel Vega Excellence in the late 1950s. The design and engineering were led by local studio CinovarA, making the project a truly Dutch collaboration.
Reviving a Lost Dream That Never Was
The Packard Excellence doesn’t mimic any single model from the brand’s archives, nor does it echo the futuristic 1999 Packard Twelve prototype. Instead, it draws inspiration from the Facel Vega Excellence — a luxury sedan that almost carried a Packard badge when Studebaker-Packard considered rebadging it with its own V8 engine.
The plan, however, collapsed when Daimler-Benz, which had a distribution deal with Studebaker-Packard, objected. As a result, the collaboration never materialized, and Packard’s decline continued. Now, in 2025, the Excellence finally becomes reality, not as a production model but as a one-off automotive artwork.
Bentley Roots, Packard Spirit
Beneath its bespoke exterior lies a second-generation Bentley Flying Spur (2013–2019). While its proportions and interior reveal traces of Bentley DNA, JB Classic & Bespoke reworked the body extensively, pouring over 17,000 hours into the build.
Highlights include:
- Vertical LED headlights reminiscent of Cadillac styling.
- A three-piece chrome grille with a foldable Goddess of Speed mascot — a symbolic nod to Packard heritage.
- Suicide doors inspired by Rolls-Royce, achieved through custom-built hinges and stainless-steel handles.
- A boxy rear design with C-shaped LED taillights and a Packard badge.
As for performance, JB Classic & Bespoke has kept silent. The donor Bentley Flying Spur offered either a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 or a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12, but which one hides beneath the Excellence remains a mystery.
A Costly, Exclusive Homage
While the builder hasn’t disclosed costs, it’s safe to say that this project required an investment equal to its exclusivity. With thousands of bespoke labor hours, custom fabrication, and luxury detailing, the Packard Excellence stands as a monument to what might have been in automotive history.
This one-off creation not only revives a lost chapter of Packard’s golden age, but also highlights how passion and craftsmanship can rewrite history in metal, chrome, and leather. For collectors and enthusiasts, it is a rolling piece of alternate reality — a glimpse of Packard’s future that never arrived.
