In 1952 “Saga” magazine held a contest for a concept car design. This Packard design won the competition, was featured on the magazine cover, but Packard never executed the build. This exacting build was commissioned in 2001, with the main feature being its retractable hardtop making it a remarkable one-of-a-kind.

The California-based co-constructor of the Pacifica attended the 1996 Retromobile Paris where he found renderings of a 1950s Packard Pininfarina GT Fastback. He bought the drawings and subsequently befriended wood sculptor Peter Portugal. The two decided to build the two-passenger retractable hardtop that is based on this “Saga” concept. Displaying a high level of craftsmanship, the car utilizes the frame from a 1951 Packard convertible and the floorpan from a 1951 sedan. He sectioned the body three-inches, moved the windshield back and shortened the trunk substantially. Then came the custom fabrication of the fully retracting top and mechanism, including a Plexiglass top. The Packard is powered by a 327-cid straight-eight engine backed by an Ultramatic transmission. The fascinating car creates many “what-if” scenarios regarding the ultimate demise of the proud Packard marque.