The Packard Excellence isn’t a factory comeback; it’s a one-of-a-kind creation by JB Classic & Bespoke, crafted for a client tied to the Dutch Packard Collection. Built on a Bentley Flying Spur chassis, it’s a jaw-dropping fusion of modern tech and vintage swagger, with rear-opening coach doors and a grille that screams 1940s Packard. As a gearhead who’s spent years chasing rare classics at auctions, this bespoke sedan feels like a dream come true. Let’s peel back the layers on this masterpiece, from its handcrafted design to its collector allure.
A Bentley Reborn as a Packard: Craftsmanship on Another Level
Imagine taking a Bentley Flying Spur—already a rolling palace—and handing it to JB Classic, a Dutch shop famous for concours-winning restorations of Nash and Facel Vega classics. That’s what happened here, commissioned by a Packard devotee with deep ties to the Dutch Packard Collection. Cinovara Design sketched the vision, molding it in clay like a proper concept car, and then JB’s artisans went to town, reshaping nearly every panel into a sedan that could’ve rolled off a 21st-century Packard line. The profile’s got a sleek, almost Lincoln-esque flow, but the front end steals the show with a grille that channels 1940s Packards like the Custom Super Clipper. The real kicker? Rear-opening coach doors, a nod to Packard’s golden era, engineered with a single hinge—a Herculean feat since the Bentley chassis wasn’t designed for it. After endless prototypes, those doors swing open like silk, blending retro charm with modern precision. It’s not a rebadge; it’s a love-soaked tribute to a brand gone since 1962.
Power That Packs a Wallop: W12 Muscle Meets Packard Elegance
Under the hood, the Excellence likely hides Bentley’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12, kicking out around 626 horsepower—JB’s keeping quiet on the exact specs, but it’s got the grunt to honor Packard’s legacy of effortless power. Mated to a seamless transmission, it’s built for gliding down boulevards or eating up highways, blending Bentley’s plush ride with the stately vibe of a Packard Twelve. The chassis is dialed in to handle the custom body, making it as much a driver’s car as a showpiece. I can just imagine cruising this beast along a coastal road, the W12’s rumble echoing the grandeur of a bygone era, reimagined for today.
That Grille: A Polarizing Love Letter to Packard’s Past
Let’s talk about the grille—it’s the heart of this car and a total conversation starter. With its outward-tilted headlights and three-section layout, it’s a dead ringer for 1940s Packards, evoking models like the Custom Super Clipper. Some might call it too bold, but I’m all in—it’s a fearless nod to a brand that never played it safe. The rest of the design flows with polished, flowing lines, giving it a presence that’s both nostalgic and futuristic. JB’s 17,000 hours of craftsmanship shine in every detail, from the sculpted panels to the coach doors, making this sedan a rolling work of art that’d dominate any car show.
A Singular Creation, Not a Revival: A Collector’s Holy Grail
Don’t expect a Packard renaissance—this is a one-off, with no ties to Packard American Motors Company LTD in Ohio, the trademark holder. The packardmotors.us site, once a tease of revival hopes, went offline recently, adding to the intrigue. JB Classic built this for a Dutch Packard Collection client, and it’s a one-and-done unless another buyer steps up with a blank check. That exclusivity makes the Excellence a collector’s unicorn—a unique slice of what Packard could be today. Priced in the €2.5M-€3.5M range for such bespoke builds, it’s a rare gem, ready to cruise or steal the spotlight at a concours.
My Take: A Packard That Fuels Dreams
As someone who’s spent countless hours sketching Packards in notebooks and haunting car shows for a glimpse of their chrome, the Excellence is pure magic. It’s not just a Bentley with a new face; it’s a passionate tribute to a lost American icon, blending old-school glamour with cutting-edge tech. JB Classic’s work is artistry in motion, and I’m secretly hoping this sparks a real Packard comeback someday. If you’re eyeing this at auction, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a legend. What do you think—does the Excellence capture Packard’s spirit? Drop a comment; I’m dying to swap stories with fellow car nuts.
Source- Carbuzz.com
