Packard Motto Special

The Packard Motto Special was a one-off racing automobile constructed in the early 1950s, combining an American Packard chassis and drivetrain with bespoke Italian bodywork by Carrozzeria Rocco Motto of Turin. The vehicle was developed specifically for endurance racing, including participation in the Carrera Panamericana, a long-distance competition held annually in Mexico between 1950 and 1954. The car represents a rare instance of transatlantic collaboration between American engineering and European coachbuilding during the post-war period. The mechanical foundation of the car is believed to have been derived from a Packard production chassis, likely a variant of the 200 Series or Clipper model, adapted for competition purposes. The engine was a straight-eight unit with a displacement of approximately 327 cubic inches (5.4 litres), fitted with performance modifications including a revised camshaft and multiple Stromberg carburettors. Output exceeded the factory standard of 180 horsepower. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a Packard automatic transmission. Suspension featured an independent front setup and a live rear axle, and braking was handled by hydraulic drum brakes at all four corners. The aluminium bodywork was executed by Rocco Motto, whose workshop specialised in lightweight racing constructions. The design followed a closed coupé format, with a streamlined front section, tapering tail, and minimal decorative elements. Functional considerations dictated the form, with large air intakes, a low roofline, and lightweight panels intended to offset the mass of the American chassis. The car’s appearance reflected contemporary European competition design while retaining dimensions and proportions influenced by its American origin. Only one example of the Packard Motto Special was constructed. It competed in at least two editions of the Carrera Panamericana, including the 1954 race, where it was entered under an Italian-Mexican collaboration and achieved a 13th place overall finish. No official chassis number has been published, and the car’s subsequent ownership history is largely undocumented. It is believed to remain in a private collection in Mexico.