Although the last production Packard rolled off the assembly line in 1958, the storied nameplate has a shimmering hope of a revival as the American marque is now up for sale. The Packard name, engineering designs, tools, parts and even a 1998 prototype car are up for sale for a cool $1.5 million.
Roy and Barbara Gullickson are the proud owners of Packard but the couple is selling the brand in hopes that the marque can once again be brought back to glory. “There’s a certain aura to the name and a good bit of nostalgia,” Roy Gullickson, Packard Motor Car Co. president, told Automotive News. “We sure would like to see someone bring the Packard name back into the marketplace.” Gullickson purchased Packard in 1995.
In addition to the Packard name and all the rights that come along with it, the sale also includes a 1998 Packard prototype, dubbed the Packard Twelve (pictured). Gullickson built the Twelve – which is named for its 12-cylinder engine — with the hopes of snagging an investor’s interest to bring the car to market, but the car’s ‘interesting’ looks have prevented any production plans.
Four companies – including one from the U.S. – have reportedly expressed interest in Packard, but no deal has been reached. If the Packard nameplate does eventually resume production, quantities would likely be limited to 100 units per year with the intent of rivaling the likes of Bentley and Rolls Royce.
