Lifestyle

PAC Automobil Club – Generations of passion for cars

We have met Wladek and Alexander, the father and son founders of PAC Automobile Club, to discuss the craftsmanship behind both old and new cars, the dynamics of running a family business, and the passion of being enthusiasts with a willingness to share knowledge and experiences with like-minded individuals.

Text: Rasmus Motten Wernerby
Photo: adam klingeteg

Published 2024-01-06

We stand outside a newly built double garage with wide, open doors. Inside the garage, several Defenders, parked with care. Each car alone has the power to captivate every car enthusiast, and together they create a spectacular sight.

PAC Automobil club's story has its origins in the shared drive and passion of a father and son. This passion extends beyond mere automobiles; it is a collective fascination for cherishing and valuing what holds historical significance and becomes more enriching over time.

Car enthusiasts Alexander and Wladek's appreciation for various car types has not only resulted in a small collection but, above all, has given rise to a business dedicated to the restoration and rental of timeless cars, with a particular focus on Land Rover. They undertake the restoration of both classic and newer models, striving to bring together enthusiasts of all ages who share their profound passion for vehicles.

It all began with one Range Rover

– My father has run a company in the construction industry for over 40 years, and as is typical for us craftsmen, we have always driven around in work cars and never really needed a passenger car. However, the interest in cars has always been with us, says Alexander.

There is an obvious story behind the fact that the focus has become intensified on Land Rovers. When investing in a "regular" car, the choice fell on a Range Rover. A car that would save the lives of Wladek and his wife.

– We were on a European road trip and were hit by another car. Although our car could not be saved, due to the costs involved, we were able to get out of the car and walk off without a scratch, while the car that hit us was barely recognisable. After that, it was obvious that it would be something from the Land Rover family again and the choice fell on a Discovery, says Wladek.

After that, more cars came to the family.

– Suddenly we were hooked and bought our first classic car, a Defender 130, which we started tinkering with. In our first year, we bought around four or five cars, says Alexander, showing a video of one of the first cars in the collection being unloaded from a flatbed lorry onto their driveway.

However, he also adds:

– However, you must remember that it was before the market went crazy and the prices were rampant. It would not have been possible to do the same thing today.

Follow the PAC

"PAC" is an abbreviation of the surname they both share but also a nod to the English word "pack", with the idea of representing "follow the pack" with an inclusive ambition built into the name as well:

- The most rewarding thing about the project is meeting like-minded people, both at our events and other external events. Forums where you can share experiences instead of just fixing and polishing your cars at home are truly a goldmine. The opportunity to exchange ideas and collaborate with other enthusiasts adds a completely new dimension to the passion and finds a great community.

Today, PAC focuses above all on one of the most classic and popular models in car history, also Land Rover's workhorse – the Defender. In the stable there are several variants, more than can fit on a reasonable wish list. Defender 90 in three versions, Defender 110 as a Hardtop and as a Station Wagon with 7 seats and the truck in the collection - Defender 130 with its long but practical flatbed.

Which one is the favourite?

- It all started with the aforementioned Defender 130, and it is of course an automatic favourite. I work in the construction industry and previously used the 130 as a work car when I drove around between different projects in Stockholm. After driving it for several years, all other cars feel like go-karts in comparison, laughs Alexander, he tells us that the cars are not only nice to look at, but also actually used for what they are intended for. Nevertheless, this is precisely one of the reasons why so many cars remain in our collection, we have several favourites - which makes it difficult for us to part with any of them, continues Alexander.

A passion for details

PAC Automobil Club's love for authenticity can be seen in every screw and every detail of the cars that are or will be part of the club's history. The words enthusiast, passion and drive are constantly recurring. In everything from how the cars are taken care of, to how the garage is designed or how you look at your busineAss and the relationships you build and nurture.

- I am not sure if we should call ourselves enthusiasts or "crazy daydreamers", laughs Alexander and continues: No, but seriously, we are perfectionists, through and through. We aim to do everything as well as possible, and maybe even a little better. This applies to both the parts we replace in the cars and the cars we buy or sell. We are truly dedicated to bringing quality and passion into every aspect of our projects.

Wladek proudly shows off the two garages where the club is based and all the clever solutions designed to make things easier, and not least more fun.

- I have worked and toiled for over 50 years and am now over 70 myself. I just want to enjoy the years I have left and dedicate myself to something that brings me and my loved ones joy. Being out here fiddling with the cars together with Alex and friends is worth so much, says Wladek as he pulls out perhaps the biggest jack we've seen and proudly shows how easy it is to get under the car despite his age.

”Old cars were better"

Recently, a couple of new additions have been introduced in the form of the new Defender in both the 90 and 110 models.

- Both aesthetics and areas of use differ here, and comfort is of course something completely different. These are made for today's uses and work perfectly for long drives without risking becoming uncomfortable. However, we love classics and probably think that old cars were actually better, continues Alexander.

What to think about if starting your own collection?

- The most important thing is not to be influenced by other people's opinions. You should really delve into the make and model that you personally like. Then you can do research in relevant forums to learn more before choosing the model that suits you. It does not always have to be the model with the most powerful engine; it might as well be the model that carries the most interesting story, says Alexander.

They highlight the importance of reading and researching in order to succeed with a collection and despite a more competitive market, it does not have to be too late to make an investment in one or more classic cars yourself. The goal is to buy something that increases in value by itself or by making the right investments so that the car will be equally, or rather more, relevant tomorrow.

- It is also difficult to say that you should only go for a certain model from a certain vintage, for example, as the experience can be completely different between different specific cars. My favourite car in our collection – the black 90 is the favourite precisely because the feeling is just right. Then Defenders in particular seem to be a bit special - two copies that on paper should be the same can be experienced completely differently. Everything is in the feeling of the specific car, says Wladek.

Alexander gets into his white Defender 90 and puts on his favourite song from the CD "1000km Di Musica".

- It is about more than the hard facts, history is at least as important. Especially the personal connection that makes you attach to something special. We drove this car home from Italy and put on a CD from the previous owner, listening on repeat all the way home. It will always be associated with that adventure and has a special place in the heart.

Navigating the future: beyond automobiles

Along the way, PAC has opened new doors that forced them to learn new things. Recently, they have started a small e-commerce with what you could call "merch" adapted to the life they and their followers want to live. Again, the detailed focus is great.

- PAC only really took off when my friend helped me come up with a logo and more ideas for printed items in connection with starting up our Instagram. Soon after, we printed our first t-shirt with a logo and a print on one of the cars. The most important thing for us has been that the products we create should have just the right fit, which we want to wear and be of quality that will last for repeated use, says Alexander.

As for the future, the plans are grand, yet humble. Photographer Adam Klingeteg is also present in the team. An experienced competence that helps PAC grow on digital and social channels. Something that opens contact with a wider mass to show the allure of these classics and offer more people an adventure in everyday life.

Wanting to expand the collection

PAC believes that the goal is not to make a lot of money, for the moment it should just be fun. However, time is highlighted as a factor that causes it, and everyone agrees that they dream of being able to socialise and chill out more on the premises and devote themselves wholeheartedly to what today is just a hobby.

- The goal of PAC is not only to preserve the collection but also to expand it. It would be dishonourable of me to deny that both me and my father dream of devoting ourselves exclusively to this. Maybe we can reach an even bigger audience and eventually create opportunities to support ourselves full-time through this, Alexander concludes.

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interviews lifestyle Cars Rasmus Motten Wernerby

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