Packard Motors: The Revival of an American Icon
From its establishment in 1899 to its closure in 1958, the Packard Motor Car Company held a prestigious position in the American automotive industry. Renowned for its speed, luxury, and quality, Packard became a symbol of American elegance and innovation. However, as the industry evolved, Packard was forced to shut down its operations. But hope was reignited when Scott Andrews, a passionate watchmaker and inventor, acquired the rights and intellectual property of the brand, vowing to revive the company from scratch.
In 2019, Andrews founded Packard Motors, a new company that aimed to become the successor of the Packard Motor Car Company in the world of luxury cars and timepieces. Recently, American Essence had the opportunity to sit down with Scott Andrews, the founder of Packard Motors, to uncover the story behind his unexpected discovery of the Packard brand and his ambitious mission to bring it back to life.
Andrews’ love affair with Packard cars began in 2019, but his passion for timepieces developed long before that. He fondly recalls his great-uncle teaching him how to fix clocks, and this skill eventually led him to pursue watchmaking as a hobby. In 2010, Andrews decided to turn his passion into a part-time income. However, it was not until he stumbled upon a 1951 Packard for sale that he truly understood the significance of the brand. The unique design of the car caught his eye, prompting him to call his retired auto mechanic father for more insight. Together, they unraveled the rich history of Packard, realizing that it was not just an automobile brand but an American icon that symbolized elegance and innovation. Andrews fell in love with Packard’s representation of pure American beauty and discovered that one of the Packard brothers had a deep interest in mechanical watch movements, further deepening his connection to the brand.
Inspired by the elegance and innovation embodied by Packard, Andrews made the decision to revive the brand in 2019. He recognized the incredible heritage and traditional values that Packard held, and he could not bear to see its history fade away with the passing of the prior American generation. To Andrews, saving and reviving Packard meant saving and reviving America itself, instilling a new sense of hope and inspiration in his fellow Americans.
The legacy of the Packard Motor Car Company holds immense significance for Andrews, representing durable innovation intertwined seamlessly with pure beauty and elegance. It serves as a beacon of bravery and perseverance, embodying the heritage and traditional values that many can identify with and become a part of. As the founder of Packard Motors, Andrews aims to continue the company’s commitment to honesty, good business ethics, and goodwill, both within the company and with their clients and visitors.
When it comes to the processes and products of Packard Motors, Andrews strives to carry on the spirit of the original Packard company. Like its predecessor, Packard Motors listens attentively to the needs and desires of their customers, creating products that surpass expectations. Andrews promises unique touches and surprises that will delight and bring joy to those who own and use Packard products. He assures that there will always be something new and exciting, even when you think you have seen it all.
Looking towards the future, Andrews envisions Packard Motors as a shining light on the hill. He hopes that the company will embody a liberty-focused heritage, luxurious style, and absolute good moral values for the next generation to embrace. A day at Packard Motors is described by Andrews as an absolute joy and fun, from conceptualizing new creative masterpieces for the retail shop to working with an amazing team of individuals on automobiles. Every action at Packard Motors is driven by the desire to delight their clients and visitors.
While Packard Motors is still in its nascent stage, the response from the automotive industry and community has been incredibly positive. Many are curious about what the future holds for Packard Motors and eagerly watch as the legendary brand reclaims its rightful place in the industry. Andrews acknowledges the weight of expectations but remains confident that the best is yet to come from Packard.
In addition to their magnificent cars, Packard Motors has also released a limited edition debut timepiece, the 1899 model. This timepiece draws inspiration from the very first Packard car, designed by J.W. Packard in 1899. The creation of the first Packard car was a response to the poor quality of another brand, and it forever changed the world of automobiles.
As Packard Motors continues to make its mark in the automotive and timepiece industries, it pays homage to the fascinating history of the Packard Motor Car Company. From being the first to introduce factory-installed air conditioning to pioneering the use of tubeless tires, Packard was at the forefront of innovation. Andrews and his team at Packard Motors are dedicated to carrying on this legacy of excellence, combining it with their own vision and passion for American elegance. With their unwavering commitment to quality, Packard Motors is a brand poised to redefine luxury in the 21st century.
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