1966 Packard Twin Six

[Chuck Most]

Before you ask... no, this car never existed in 1:1. There were some 'neo classic' Packards done by the Packard Bailiff coachworks, but none of them looked like this. This kit was designed by none other than Virgil Exner of Chrysler fame, and was done as a what-if proposal by Esquire magazine in the early 1960's, where Exner was commissioned to do renderings of several defunct makes and see how the vehicles might look if they were still being produced at that time. Renwal models picked up four of the concepts to produce as 1:25 scale models, the Packard being one of them.

I managed to pick up a slightly damaged but complete example at a local antique shop of all places. A mere $35 later and I had a very rarely seen kit to build! My idea is basically to see how this car may have been customized had it been an actual production car. I started this about two years ago, and have recently been working on it some more.

The kit tires are about eight feet tall, and the narrow whitewall bands were poorly printed, so I replaced them with a set of two-piece Revell wide whites.

The kit comes with a somewhat crude example of a Packard Twin Six (V 12), but I wanted something that Packard could have used assuming they'd been in business in 1966. Being a small company, I figured they'd outsource their engines, but would still want something exotic. To that end, this one will be powered by a dual-quad Ford 427 Ford Cammer, cobbled up from spares I had on hand.

The trim and driprail detail was rather weak, so I usd triangular styrene rod and brass wire to enhance these pieces.

And that's all for now- I'm hoping this one willl turn out halfway decent.

[Lownslow]

nice work

[Bartster]

Cool, unique project.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Yes, very interesting project, and I'll be fascinated to see what you do with it.

[crazyjim]

I'll be watching this build.

[cobraman]

Looking forward to seeing this one finished.

[Guest Darkside Customs]

Very cool Chuck!

[Deathgoblin]

I've been curious about these kits. I like what you're doing.

Edited July 15, 2012 by Deathgoblin

[Custom Mike]

Chuck, you always come up with unique stuff, but this one tops the list! I've got my seat on the bleachers, and the popcorn is ready, let's go!

BTW, is it just me or does the cab area look like a part of an 80's Caddy?

[Harold]

Love it. This had to be one of the coolest series of kits ever. I always wanted to locate the Stutz and the Duesenberg. Can't wait to see this one finished.

[Casey]

You really are digging into the "unfinished business" project box lately. Good to see this oddball back on the 'bench.