Packard Caribbean Convertible, 1953
Packard Caribbean I
Packard Caribbean I•
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Chassis No.: NCS105115
Auction: Indy 2023
Auction date: May 20, 2023
Lot No.: S245.1
$80,000 | High bid
- Odometer: 64,061 miles
- Engine: Inline 8-cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic
- Exterior: Matador Maroon
- Interior: Maroon/White
- Body: Convertible
- Frame-off restoration
- 1 of 750 Caribbean convertibles built for 1953
- 327 CI Inline 8-cylinder engine
- Automatic transmission
By the early 1950s, Packard’s image was in need of a makeover. The company, long known for building some of the finest and most robust vehicles in the luxury car market, was largely plagued by a geriatric overtone of stodginess and stuffiness, a brand for older, well-heeled people, but not likely a choice of youthful affluence. With hints coming from General Motors and Ford about high-end factory customs and sports cars in the works, Packard sought to revive its image and compete with the upcoming onslaught by introducing the Pan-American concept car in 1952.
A two-seater convertible, Packard built six with the help of industrial designer Richard Arbib and coachbuilder Henney at a cost of about $10,000 each. Packard sent them on tour around the country, gaining rave reviews and essentially greenlighting the idea of an upscale, semi-custom Packard convertible. The idea was to build something sportier and more youthful than Packard had ever offered, a car that would attract younger, upscale buyers of means while not alienating the traditional clientele. Through research, it was concluded that while a two-seater performance car is as dreamy as can be, it simply wouldn’t sell in any numbers of return.
So, a four-seater convertible was chosen, a vehicle much more in-tune with Packard styling and much more cost effective all around, as it was based on the Cavalier convertible. It was fitted with a bevy of standard accessories and cleanly styled with careful use of brightwork, a custom hood with a leaded-in air scoop, and a lavish interior. Introduced in November 1952 among Packard’s other 1953 offerings, the new Caribbean convertible stickered for around $6,000, a fairly staggering amount of money that translates to about $70,000 today. Only 750 were built, and this one has benefited from a frame-off restoration, emerging in a glowing coat of Matador Maroon Metallic paint.
Powered by the venerable 327 CI inline 8-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission, one of just a sprinkling of options available, it is fitted with a power-operated white convertible top, a matching maroon and white leather interior, and Packard chrome wire wheels wrapped with Goodyear Custom Super Cushion tires.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/554398/1953-packard-caribbean-convertible/
Cost
293,800 AED
