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America's legendary Packard brand up for sale

 
7 2,210 views Aug 6, 2008
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America's legendary Packard brand up for sale

America's legendary Packard brand up for sale

Defunct American luxury automobile manufacturer Packard may be the next legendary auto brand to be revitalized, with latest reports indicating the rights to the company as well as a V12 prototype is now up for sale. Former Arizona residents Roy and Barbara Gullickson are looking for a buyer for the storied company and are seeking just $1.5 million.

Packard was famous during the celebrated jazz era of the 1920s, mostly due to its elegant cars and innovative features. Packard was also one of the first carmakers to offer a V12 engine in a production car – the aptly named ‘Twin-Six’ engine.

For the $1.5 million asking price, buyers would receive the rights to the 106-year old company as well as engineering designs, tools, spare parts and supplier information. The last production Packard was made in 1958, reports Automotive News. Also part of the deal is a 1998 Packard prototype saloon, complete with an all-aluminum V12 engine and traditional chrome grille.

The Gullicksons planned to revive the Packard name during the 1990s, even going so far as to build the prototype. However, despite showcasing it at a number of major car shows they were never able to attract enough investment dollars.

One of the many hazards in resurrecting old brands is that the long-lost heritage may alienate the younger market. Nevertheless, several companies have taken serious interest in the Packard name and discussions are underway to investigate the purchase.

While automakers may take heat for trying to breathe new life into old designs like the Challenger and Camaro, recently the automotive world has seen renewed interest long-forgotten brands, including Bugatti, the Daimler Motor Company and possibly even key Packard rival Duesenberg.



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Comments (7)

  1. By CarFanaticsUnleashed Posted: 8/6/2008 11:43am PDT

    Why not revive Packard?
    It was great back in the day, so why not revitalize
    and modernize the gorgeous, flowing designs of old?
    I look forward to prototypes...
     
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  2. By rnsaza Posted: 8/6/2008 12:59pm PDT

    Yeah, this prototype looks cool... NOT!!!
     
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  3. By HECTOR Posted: 8/6/2008 6:56pm PDT

    There's a reason why death exists in nature. And there's a reason why death exists in the auto industry. Just ask Ford and the Taurus nameplate.
     
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  4. By Stephen Posted: 8/6/2008 10:51pm PDT

    Its just difficult to live up to such a name, not only were they the most beautiful cars on the road they were easily the best built cars on the road hands down, many say that was their down fall, lack of repeat customers because no one wanted to get rid of their previous models! I'm not kidding, it just comes to show you what unfortunately has to be done to turn a profit in the world of automobiles, while GM and the other giants are licking their wounds believe me, they were cleaning up in the 90's and they'll be back mean while Maserati may not make it to the end of the decade. Its ashame, but its the simple truth.
     
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  5. By amac Posted: 8/7/2008 12:30am PDT

    That prototype's styling is... uh... where to begin? And they paraded that hideous thing around at car shows? No wonder they never attracted investors.
     
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  6. By InkMaster Posted: 8/7/2008 1:14am PDT

    "despite showcasing it at a number of major car shows they were never able to attract enough investment dollars"

    haha, with it looking like that, no wonder! :D But either way, I hope someone buys it, would be interesting to see what comes of it.
     
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  7. ma_mburleigh8 avatar mburleigh8 Posted: 11/9/2008 7:07pm PST

    Wow, what an oppritunity for somone! Can you immagine what you can do with a legendery name like Pacard with all the new automotive tec that is poping up all over the place these days.
     
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