Packard Caribbean Convertible, 1955
Packard Caribbean II
Packard Caribbean II•
•42 views
Chassis No.: 5588-1254
US$29,120 USD | Sold
- 352ci OHV V8 Engine
- Dual 4-Barrel Carburetor
- 275bhp at 4,600rpm
- Ultramatic Automatic Transmission
- Torsion Bar Suspension
- 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- A wonderful piece of Americana
- Offered from a private collection
- Appealing patinated example
An ultra-luxurious sporting model newly introduced for the 1953 season, the Caribbean Convertible had been inspired by the 'Pan American' show cars of 1952 and was intended to rival the Cadillac Eldorado. Built on a 122"-wheelbase chassis boasting independent front suspension, the Caribbean was powered by Packard's 327ci (5.4-liter) straight-eight engine, which transmitted its 180bhp to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. Only 750 of these expensive and exclusive models were built in 1953 and a further 400 in 1954 before the Caribbean was extensively restyled on a new chassis for 1955.
The 1955 models showed the world Nance's vision for a modern, fully competitive, V8-powered Packard—a car that took on archrival Cadillac head-to-head in style, prestige and performance. Riding on a long wheelbase chassis, the Caribbean was powered by a massive 352-cubic-inch V8 rated at an impressive 275 horsepower, thanks in part to its dual four-barrel carburetors, and the new Torsion-Level rear suspension was a feature not available on even the most expensive Cadillac.
Costing more than $5,932 at delivery, the Caribbean was well equipped. Standard luxury equipment included an Ultramatic automatic transmission with pushbutton controls, gold-tone "Caribbean" scripts, power windows and a Wonderbar radio. Accents throughout use 'vee' motifs to signify the new V8 power, while at its rear the cathedral style taillights were a novel feature immediately appreciated as a classic, and clever details such as symmetrical radio antennae (albeit only one was active), showed how much had gone into its design. The 499 Caribbean Convertibles built for 1955 represented less than one percent of Packard's total production of just 55,517 cars for the model year.
By the time the mildly restyled 1956 models appeared, Packard was in trouble. Big trouble. Sales were sputtering, and a two-year-old merger with Studebaker had both companies drowning in red ink. By the end of the '56 model year, Packard's Detroit assembly and engineering operations were shut down. The proud American luxury brand was effectively finished, although lightly disguised Indiana-built Studebakers would carry the Packard marque forward for two more years.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This '55 version of the legendary model comes to sale from a private collection in the South of the country and was acquired many years ago. Its VIN/build plate confirms that it remains in the original scheme in which it was delivered, the 'MJV' decoding as White Jade, Fire Opal and Onyx, with a corresponding trim reference of 96, being Vermillion and white leather. And, to judge from its condition this would seem to be a genuine honest example which has been maintained over its life rather than totally restored, the interior particularly is both in good shape but also has unmistakable patina to it.
With its striking looks and commodious interior these cars offer a great and sociable summer cruiser!
Cost
106,944 AED
