Chassis No.: 2678

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

$74,250 USD | Sold

Model 2678. 180 bhp, 327 cu. in. L-head inline eight-cylinder engine, Ultramatic automatic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 122"

• From the Karl Blade Collection

• Full restoration by marque expert

• Packards International show winner

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• Documentation of restoration and awards available upon request

With a limited production run of only 750, the exclusive Caribbean was Packard’s “halo vehicle.” Introduced in November 1952 with the rest of the 1953 line, its styling was derived directly from the stunning Packard Pan American show car of 1952. Mitchell-Bentley Corporation modified standard Packard convertible bodies to achieve the sleek, elegant European appearance of the Caribbean. Devoid of regular side trim, the car had special full-wheel cutouts and rocker panels edged in chrome and a Continental kit nicely nestled between lengthened rear fenders, a very sporting, modern appearance. A 327-cubic inch, 180 horsepower version of Packard’s legendary straight-eight powered the car through Packard’s own Ultramatic transmission.

This Caribbean was previously owned by noted Packard specialist Tom Crook. It has been in the Karl Blade Collection since 2003 and is especially elegant in rare, special-order black paint, with a matching black-and-white leather interior. Power options include hydraulic windows, seat and top, power steering and power brakes. From a very solid, older restoration, Al Prueitt and Sons completed a thorough freshening in 2006. The car was disassembled, completely stripped and newly painted. New window glass was installed, the chrome was re-plated, new radial tires were fitted, and the engine and transmission were properly rebuilt.

Total documented expenses totaled over $102,000, for which receipts are available. The car was shown at the 2007 Packards International National Meet, garnering awards for Best Paint (with a perfect score) and Best in Class, Postwar – Open. It also earned the coveted Packards International Circle of Excellence certificate. New period-correct bias-ply tires and new chrome wire wheels were recently fitted. A set of virtually new-condition radial tires on wire wheels is also included for touring.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/az12/lots/r136-1953-packard-caribbean/