Packard Caribbean Convertible, 1956

Chassis No.: 56991137

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

$88,000 USD | Sold

Series 5688, Style 5699. 310 bhp, 374 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, twin four-barrel carburetors, Ultramatic pushbutton automatic transmission, front and rear torsion bar suspension with self-leveling, and power assisted, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 127"

• One of 276 Caribbean Convertibles built for 1956

• From the final year of “true” Packard production

• Three California owners from new

• Recent First in Class and People's Choice awards in Palm Springs

The Packard Motor Car Company tragically failed due to management misadventures just as it introduced one of the finest product lines in company history. The 1955 models featured an all-new OHV V-8 engine (enlarged to 374 cubic inches and 310 bhp with dual four-barrel carburetors, the most powerful American V-8 for 1956), plus the new pushbutton Twin-Ultramatic transmission.

Styling was modern and very attractive, with the top-line Caribbean offering a distinctive tri-tone paint scheme, two-tone leather upholstery and much more. Although most 1956 updates were minor, one of the most attractive new features was a set of reversible seat cushions, leather on one side, elegant cloth on the other. Only 263 Caribbean hardtops and 276 Convertibles were built.

With just three known California owners from new, this final-year Caribbean Convertible features an attractive exterior finish, with Dover White over Roman Copper and a Danube Blue center section. Highly original, it was delivered new to “M.J. Marks” and has been selectively restored as necessary to be used and enjoyed. Still presenting remarkably well and retaining a good portion of its original paint, this Caribbean was awarded First in Class and People's Choice at Palm Springs during October 2011 and third in the Postwar Open Class at the December 2010 Packard International Concours against two high-point restored cars.

Fresh upholstery adorns the reversible seat cushions, and a new canvas top was fitted. A mechanical refurbishment was carried out by California marque experts, totaling approximately $40,000, and covered the electrical and steering, plus a tune-up. The current engine is a rare new old stock unit with only about 2,000 miles of use. Both the rebuilt original engine and the original seat cushions are included with the sale of the car, with the purchaser responsible for shipping, FOB California.

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