2003 Packard Evocation Cabriolet

In 1978, C. Budd Bayliff purchased the rights to use the Packard name and trademarks. Soon after, he introduced a line of Packard Custom Sedans and Coupes based on late-model GM passenger cars. The vehicles, built at his shop in Lima, Ohio, ranged from simple cosmetic changes to elaborate body modifications, including stretched frames and new rear and front body structures. Some were given early 1930s-style pontoon front fenders and others were given front-end treatment in a similar fashion to those found on Virgil Exner's concept designs.

Bayliff Coach was approached to build a prototype for what was intended to be a limited run of customized vehicles in the classic style, but outfitted with modern amenities. After years of design and development, and hundreds of thousands of dollars spent, this 19-foot-long neo-classic was delivered to its new owner in July of 2000. This hand-built luxury car has a convertible top made from Haartz cloth and styled after the 1933 Packard with a matching interior leather top boot cover. It is a power-operated top and can be lowered and raised easily. The interior features crème colored leather bucket seats with maroon pipping. The seats have six-way power adjustments. The doors and kick panels are similarly-upholstery. There are custom tweed carpets with leather bindings and a matching convertible top. There is a Packard-styled banjo steering wheel, hardwood dash, and matching door trim moldings. The car rides on knock-off 100-spoke chrome wire wheels and wide whitewall tires. There are driving lights, dual rearview mirrors, Duesenberg-style exhaust tips, fender skirts, driving lights, and backup lights. The car also had power windows, power steering, and four-wheel disc brakes.

Powering this car is a 5.4-liter Lincoln V8 engine with electronic fuel injection. Currently, the odometer shows about 1,600 miles.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2016