Packard was one of the best known and globally popular luxury car companies in the period up to the Second World War. Established in 1899 in Detroit, Packard was aiming for the luxury market right from the start. The company first became popular thanks to its perfect engineering, powerful and smooth engines and overall quality. Soon, Packard became one of top-ranking US car brands with great export sales results. Packards were always more elegant than Cadillacs or Lincolns of the era, and they were preferred choice of presidents and ambassadors.