Packard’s Guardians: The Legacy of Roger Luksik
For some, the Packard Proving Grounds is a place discovered later in life. For Roger Luksik, it was something closer to an inheritance.
Long before Roger became a volunteer, board member, or president of the Packard Motor Car Foundation, Packard was already part of his family’s story. During World War II, his parents worked for Packard at a time when precision and reliability were not just ideals, but national necessities.
“My interest in Packard really started with my parents,” Roger shared. “My mother and several of her friends worked as inspectors on the Merlin engine assembly line, using precision gauges to measure close tolerances on small components. That accuracy is what gave the Merlin engine its power and endurance.”
That early exposure to craftsmanship, responsibility, and purpose would quietly shape Roger’s lifelong connection to Packard — and eventually, his commitment to preserving the place where so much of that history was tested and proven.
Becoming a Steward of the Grounds
Roger’s involvement with the Packard Proving Grounds began well before his presidency. In the late 1990s, he was already working alongside fellow advocates through Motor City Packards car club, helping to protect the site at a time when its future was far from certain. By the time he stepped into the role of president in 2013, his focus was clear: ensure the Proving Grounds could sustain itself while honoring its past.
Rather than leaning on sentiment alone, Roger approached preservation with a practical mindset — one that understood history must be supported by stable operations. Under his leadership, the Repair Garage was thoughtfully transformed into a revenue-generating space, helping create a reliable financial foundation for the organization.
“In the early days, we had very few amenities and earned less than $10,000,” Roger recalled. “Over time, as we improved the space and our reputation, that revenue grew significantly, and it allowed us to direct substantial funding toward restoration and preservation projects.”
That shift proved pivotal. It meant the Packard Proving Grounds could move forward with confidence, funding critical work while remaining entirely volunteer-driven.
Beyond revenue growth, Roger’s presidency was marked by decisions that strengthened the long-term footprint and credibility of the organization. During his tenure, the Foundation successfully acquired additional adjacent land, expanding the site while securing favorable terms that protected donor investments. His leadership also earned national recognition, including the George L. Weiss Award from Packard Automobile Classics, honoring exceptional perseverance and dedication to preserving Packard history for future generations.
The Pedestrian Gate at the Packard Proving Grounds.
Leaving a Personal Mark
Roger’s dedication to the Grounds was never limited to boardrooms or balance sheets.
After stepping down as president in 2018, Roger continued his service as vice president and chair of multiple committees, applying the same steady, behind-the-scenes leadership. His work in finance oversight, grant writing, and nonprofit accreditation helped position the Packard Proving Grounds as a trusted, transparent organization. Through these efforts, the Foundation secured significant grant funding and earned respected accreditations, reinforcing donor confidence and supporting continued preservation work. In 2014, Roger and his wife, Joan, chose to adopt the pedestrian gate at the Packard Proving Grounds as part of the site’s restoration and memorial program.
The decision reflected something deeply personal — a desire to care for a tangible piece of the Grounds that welcomes visitors and quietly tells its own story of arrival, passage, and continuity. By sponsoring the restoration of the pedestrian gate, the Luksiks ensured that one small but meaningful element of the site would continue to stand, restored and respected, for generations to come.
A Collector’s Appreciation
Roger’s relationship with Packard history also lives beyond the Grounds themselves. Over the years, he has owned and restored several Packard automobiles, each representing a chapter of the brand’s legacy.
“I bought my first Packard in 1990, a 1934 Super Eight,” he said. “Later, I added a 1941 Super Eight Convertible Sedan, and after years of restoration, it earned Premier Winner status. In 2011, I bought a 1941 Eight Business Coupe for my wife, Joan, and that became our tour car.”
These cars are not static artifacts — they are driven, shared, and enjoyed, much like the Proving Grounds Roger worked so hard to protect.
A Guardian’s Legacy
Roger Luksik’s impact on the Packard Proving Grounds is measured not only in restored buildings, financial stability, or accolades, but in the quiet continuity of care he helped establish. His work strengthened the Foundation’s credibility, expanded its reach, and ensured that preservation efforts were built on a solid, sustainable foundation.
Through leadership, stewardship, and deeply personal commitment, Roger exemplifies what it means to be a Packard Guardian — someone who understands that preserving history is not just about remembering the past, but responsibly carrying it forward.
Roger and Joan Luksik
