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I was browsing Packard listings on ebay and came across this 1983 Buick Riviera Packard Edition. Was it actually produced by Buick or is it a concept that someone built? It says it is only 1 of 15 ever built. With styling like that, I can see why! I did a quick Google search, but only saw this car referenced.

I believe that (Bayliff) was one of if not the first to acquire some kind of rights to use the Packard name and was going to resurrect the marque. There have been others since, equally distinctive and, IMHO, some hideous.

Here is some Bayliff reading:


images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://w ... DN%26um%3D1&ei=YboVS6ziFYSmNqDFsfIE
"Attracting attention where ever it goes is Patrick Martin's 1985 Bayliff Packard combination coach. There were only two of these built, and Patrick is the perfect caretaker for this rare beauty."
Or this BIGGER picture:northlandpcs.com/images/Events/2005spring/Meets%20024.jpg

And an old Hemmings Blog from 2007
blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2007/10/03/w ... e-more-on-the-packard-resurrection/

DanL

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I can see the reasoning behind the limited production....

Wow...at first I was thinking that Buick offered a special edition. Thanks for setting me straight. For those of you who don't like the Stude built Packards...it could have been a lot worse...

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You mean the Packard badged Studebakers.

Right. I think the Packard badged Studes are better than the Packard badged Buicks!

Both the same to me.

I am a friend of Patrick Martin and have ridden in his Bayliff many times. I have heard him repeat the entire history of Bayliff many, many times, and can answer just about any question you might have. There were only 2 of the combination coaches made. We saw the other one a couple of years ago and took pics of both cars together. However, there were definitely many more than 15 of the regular Rivieras built. He started in 1979 and built some on speculation and some when ordered. Bud Bayliff himself (who we have both talked to several times) doesn't know how many he made but guesses around 200. The last one was built within the last few years from a low mileage Riviera. He also has done a newer Mercury Cougar, Chrysler 300, Ford Crown Vic, and others as Packards.

The combination coaches were very labor intensive, and are a work of art, although an odd looking one. Since he was converting Cadillacs as well, I have no idea why he used a Riviera for the coaches.

The 1934 "reproductions" are also interesting. But with the price they are listed for (and none of them seem to sell) I'd rather buy a real Packard.

However, putting a Packard grill and weird taillights on a Riviera or Cadillac does not make it a Packard in spite of owning rights to the name. I think they look better left as Rivieras and Cadillacs.

sad, pathetic, and a shame to the Marque.