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1955 Packard Caribbean

For more than five decades, Packard established a reputation as being one of America's top luxury car manufacturers, enduring the devastating years of the Great Depression, and World War II, but would not make it through the 1950s. The Caribbean Convertible of 1955 and 1956 would be the company's last low-production, prestigious model. For 1955, the model was completely redesigned and equipped with a high-output overhead-valve V-8 engine with dual four-barrel carburetors delivering 310 horsepower, put to the rear wheels via a new pushbutton Twin Ultramatic transmission. The engine did not utilize an abundance of cutting-edge technology, but it was very well-engineered and had one of the largest displacement sizes on the market. Another new and innovative feature was the torsion-bar suspension on the chassis that had automatic leveling to suit the road surface, making the Packard Caribbean the smoothest-riding and best-handling full-size car of its era.

1955 Packard Caribbean photo
Custom Convertible
Chassis #: 5588-1220
View info and history
Auction entries : 2
The Packard Caribbean Convertible was a luxurious and sporting model introduced for the 1953 season and was inspired by the 'Pan American' show cars of 1952 and built to rival the Cadillac Eldorado. Packard CEO James J. Nance had been encouraged by the positive public reaction to the Pan American and gave approval for the development and production of a slightly less radical version of the Pan Americana. It was called the 'Caribbean' and came with three-tone paint schemes, an aircraft-style dash layout, power-assisted passenger amenities, and full leather interiors. The wheelbase measured 122 inches and initially boasted an independent front suspension, a 327 CID V8 engine with 180 horsepower, and a three-speed manual transmission. Packard built 750 of these exclusive models in 1953 and 400 the following year. For 1955 it was extensively restyled on a new chassis and 499 examples were built, accounting for less than one percent of Packard's total production of 55,517 cars for the model year.

1955 was the first year Packard automobiles wore styling heavily influenced by automotive designer Richard A. Teague. Teague had previously worked on two Packard show cars and had influenced some of the designs on 1953 and 1954 models, but the 1955 cars would be a departure from the conservative norm due to Teague's influence. The Packards received taillights dubbed 'Cathedral' lamps, and tri-color exterior paint.

Caribbeans came with power steering, power windows, power brakes, a power seat, and a power top.

1955 Packard Caribbean photo
Custom Convertible
Chassis #: 5588-1220
View info and history
Auction entries : 2
The Packard models were restyled for 1956, but by this point in history, the company was in trouble. Sales were sluggish, and a two-year-old merger with Studebaker had both companies struggling with debt. At the close of the 1956 model year, Packard's Detroit assembly and engineering operations were shut down. The company was effectively finished, although slightly disguised Indiana-built Studebakers would carry the Packard marque forward for two more years.


by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2020

Related Reading : Packard Caribbean History

The Packard Caribbean was a limited-production automobile produced from 1953 through 1956. It was inspired by the Pan American concept car that Packard had displayed at the 1952 New York Auto Show. It was available in convertible and hardtop form. Originally, only the convertible was offered but in 1956 the hardtop was introduced. The vehicle was outfitted with as many amenities available at the time....
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Related Reading : Packard Caribbean History

One of the signature cars of the 1950s, the Caribbean was built on the Packard 400 chassis. It featured Packards own overhead valve V8 engine with a displacement of 375 cubic inches producing 310 horsepower. An exclusive limited-production automobile, the regal Packard Caribbean was manufactured from 1953 until 1956. Offered in either convertible or hardtop form, the sleek Caribbean came with many....
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1955 Packard Caribbean Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

$1,070-$5,930
1955 Caribbean
$5,930-$18,050
1955 Packard Caribbean Base Price : $5,930

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1955 Packard Models
$2,585 - $3,075

Caribbean

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
750
122.00 in.
8 cyl., 327.09 CID., 180.00hp
$5,215 - $5,215
122.00 in.
8 cyl., 359.00 CID., 212.00hp
$6,105 - $6,105
500
127.00 in.
8 cyl., 352.00 CID., 275.00hp
$5,930 - $5,930
539
127.00 in.
8 cyl., 374.00 CID., 310.00hp
$5,500 - $6,000

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