In collaboration with Glenn Billqvist of RecreatingHistory in Sweden, we’re reviving a rare legend: a 1922 Pan-AmericanModel 6-55. This isn’t just a restoration, it’s a revival of endurance, innovation, and adventure.
The Pan-American Motors Corporation, active from 1917 to 1922, produced only a few cars. Most have vanished, but our Model 6-55 Tourer, registered in Europe in 1926, is believed to be the only one of its kind in existence.
BUILTFOR THE ROAD AHEAD
Now reborn as the “6 Fifty-Five Special,” this one-of-a-kind survivor is being transformed into an endurance rally car, ready for European marathon and endurance rally events.
Its handcrafted aluminium body, enhanced 3.10m chassis, and 257cui (4.3L) flathead 6-cylinder engine are built for strength, speed, and authenticity, while cleverly integrated modern components ensure reliability without compromising its historic soul.
A TRIBUTE TO HISTORY - A VINTAGE RALLY CAR FOR THE FUTURE
This project is more than just rebuilding a car, it’s a journey through time, a tribute to resilience, and a new chapter in the Pan-American Motors Corporation legacy. Scroll down to explore the latest images and updates, and join us at Estepona500 “Family & Friends Edition” for the Pan-American’s official debut.
The official launch of the 1922 Pan-American "6 Fifty-Five Special" in Estepona, Spain, was presented by Glenn Billqvist and Andreas Ullstein. This event celebrated the fusion of craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design. A tribute to timeless design and meticulous detail, this is more than a car, it’s a masterpiece in motion.
Master craftsman Glenn Billqvist brings unparalleled expertise to the Pan-American project. From shaping raw metal into flowing lines to perfecting every detail, Glenn's work embodies precision, artistry, and passion. Crafted in Sweden, this body is more than just a structure, it's a testament to craftsmanship at its finest. Every curve and contour reflects Glenn's dedication to creating something truly exceptional.
Every great build is defined by its details, and the Pan-American is no exception. From selecting the perfect components to fine-tuning every element, it's a journey of discovery and precision. With Glenn leading the way, every choice is deliberate, ensuring that each detail not only fits but elevates the entire build. In the world of craftsmanship, it’s the small things that make the biggest impact.
Sliding into the driver’s seat of the Pan-American for the first time was more than just a test, it was a moment. Feeling the connection between design and function, the seating position perfectly aligned with the vision we’ve been building. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about control, precision, and the promise of the miles ahead.
The Pan-American's body is a living testament to innovation and craftsmanship. With each enhancement and refinement, it evolves closer to perfection. From structural improvements to aesthetic tweaks, every development is a step forward in creating a car that’s as functional as it is stunning. This is where vision meets execution, with every detail meticulously shaped and crafted.
With Glenn in full swing, every detail of the Pan-American is being perfected before its journey to Spain. From fine-tuning to flawless finishing touches, this is where precision meets passion. The countdown to Estepona begins, and the Pan-American is shaping up to be nothing short of extraordinary.
From sanding down the aluminum body to applying the first layers of primer, Glenn’s dedication ensures that every detail of the Pan-American is perfected before the next step, craftsmanship at its finest. But he is not just a craftsman but also a true fashion icon (victim), whether in his workshop, on the racetrack, or as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Style runs as deep as his passion for perfection.
Getting the final twist done in Sweden means it’s all coming together, fuel tank, tail lights, and those last perfect touches. With Glenn’s expertise, every detail falls into place like magic.
Next chapter in the journey: Hans embarks on a 3,000 km adventure through Europe, braving ice and snow, to deliver the 1922 Pan-American to sunny Estepona in southern Spain. There, the Paradise Crew awaits to take this remarkable project to the next level.
Preparations are in full swing for the unveiling of the Pan-American at the Classics On Wheels show (08.02.25) during the Rockin Race Jamboree festival, a celebration of craftsmanship and history. However, from here, we will keep everything secret until 08.02.25.
The 1922 Pan-American project is a unique restoration journey, and at "Classics on Wheels" 2025, we’re excited to present it as a project in progress. This unveiling offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship, passion, and vision driving this remarkable build, featured during the world-renowned Rockin' Race Jamboree Festival.
While the world waited, we were busy behind the scenes, crafting, fine-tuning, and bringing the Pan-American "6 Fifty-Five Special" to life. Here’s a glimpse of the magic that unfolded secretly before the big reveal at the Classics on Wheels show!
Time to get down to real work, dismantling, rebuilding, and fitting the engine for a whole new chapter of the 1922 Pan-American "6 Fifty-Five Special’s" journey!
In loving memory of Jacobs, the best wingman I could have asked for over the last 17 years. R.I.P. my Love. Forever by my side in spirit.
Built for endurance and optimized for rally conditions, where reliability meets performance, with modern parts cleverly hidden to preserve its legacy.
Pre-fitting in progress, radiator, carburetor, and exhaust are being measured and aligned to shape the perfect future setup for the Pan-American!
A true racer never wants to stop, but brakes are essential, and every function must be spot on. Handbrake, front drums, rear drums, everything needs to be in perfect working order to keep the Pan-American safe at speed!
Finalizing the chassis work, reinforcing, rebuilding springs, shocks, and all related components to ensure strength, stability, and endurance for the Pan-American's next chapter, reinforcing and rebuilding springs, shocks, and all related components to ensure strength, stability, and endurance for the Pan-American's next chapter.
A short trip from Paradise to our trusted local paint shop, just around the corner, set the stage for a defining moment. It’s not the final coat, but an important test, dialing in the bold trio of tones that will bring the Pan-American “6 Fifty-Five Special” to life: a white radiator shell, midnight blue bodywork, and a dark red interior. Three colours, one soul, paying tribute to its American roots with timeless elegance.
Bringing together the body structure and chassis is where vision meets reality, each bolt and bracket turning ideas into form, and form into function. The Pan-American is truly taking shape.
Assembly is underway, with axle, body, and key components coming together with precision. Every bolt brings us closer to the second phase of painting, where form meets finish and the Pan-American truly begins to shine.
Special fabrication in full swing, whether it’s handcrafted wood trim or custom-made interior fittings, every detail matters. It’s not just about style; it’s about making sure the Pan-American is ready with confidence.
Every headlight, fog light, and rear light is carefully crafted, not just to fit the Pan-American’s original spirit, but to shine with the strength needed for today’s adventures. Period correct in soul, perfectly prepared for the road ahead.
The octopus is silent, smart, and consistently underestimated. Much like the Pan-American itself: a forgotten piece of history brought back to life with precision and soul. This radiator figure is a tribute to the unsung masters of survival, mysterious, elegant, and impossible to ignore. For us, he stands proudly at the front of the Pan-American "6 Fifty-Five Special" not just as decoration, but as a totem for everything this car represents: uniqueness, resilience, and the instinct to navigate the unknown. Eight arms to grip the past. One direction to move: forward. With heartfelt thanks to Lorena and Stefan, the generous donors of the octopus.
Despite years of digging through archives, museums, and vintage car registries, we’ve found no trace of another surviving Pan-American automobile. The Pan-American Motors Corporation, active from 1917 to 1922, produced only a small number of cars, most of which have long since disappeared into history. But not this one. Originally a Model 6-55 Tourer, registered in Europe in 1926, our car stands as the only known example left in Europe, or perhaps even in the world. We’ve renamed it the Pan-American “6 Fifty-Five Special”, a tribute to its remarkable journey and rare survival. Now reborn as a purpose-built endurance rally car, it carries forward the bold, innovative spirit of its era, ready to write its next chapter on the road, not in a museum. And while we’ve spent more than five years uncovering its past, the story is far from over. If you know anything about the Pan-American Motor Corporation's history or surviving vehicles, no matter how small, get in touch. We’re still listening.