1954 Caribbean Custom ![]() |
1953 Packard Caribbean news, pictures, and information | ||
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![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Custom Convertible Coachwork: Mitchell-Bentley |
The 4,265-pound car rides on a 122-inch wheel-base. It is powered by an in-line, 8-cylinder, 327 cubic-inch engine that develops 180 horsepower.
Mitchell-Bentley Corp. of Ionia, Michigan built the 750 Caribbeans, which could be ordered in Polaris Blue, Gulf Green Metallic, Matador Maroon Metallic or Sahara Sand. At $5,210 each, the Caribbean was the most expensive of the non-Patrician Packards for 1953.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Custom Convertible Coachwork: Mitchell-Bentley Chassis Num: 26782406 |
| Sold for $75,350 at 2007 RM Auctions. | |||
This 1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible has been in the care of its owner for twenty years and has been well maintained with regular maintenance. It has been treated to a complete restoration; following the restoration it was shown at several shows where it won the coveted Best of Show Award on several occasions. The exterior is finished in burgundy paint with chrome used throughout. The interior is finished in burgundy and ivory leather. All mechanical components are original, including the eight-cylinder engine that displaces 327 cubic-inches and produces 180 horsepower. This car has a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel disc brakes. It is well equipped with options such as power windows, power top, and power brakes.
At auction the car was offered without reserve and estimated to sell between $65,000 - $85,000. The estimated value proved to be accurate as this well preserved vehicle was sold for $75,350.
By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2007
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Custom Convertible Coachwork: Mitchell-Bentley |
In order to ensure exclusivity, 1953 Caribbean production was limited only 750 units and the base price was a stout $5,210. All were constructed by the Mitchell-Bentley Company from production Packard convertibles. Extensive modification included de-chroming, a hood scoop, extended quarter panels, wire wheels, and a rear-mounted 'continental kit' spare tire.
Power was provided by a 327 cubic-inch version of the venerable Packard side-valve inline eight and the Packard designed Ultramatic automatic transmission.
The Gulf Green Metallic Packard Caribbean shown was acquired by the current owners in 2002. During the period 2003-2006, it was the recipient of a complete restoration.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Custom Convertible Coachwork: Mitchell-Bentley |
The Caribbean was an outgrowth of the 1952 Pan American Show/Concept car and was designed to compete against Cadillac's Eldorado (in 1953 it outsold the Eldo 750 to 532). Packard shipped partially completed convertibles to custom car builder Mitchell Bentley Corp. in Ionia, Michigan where there were transformed into a Caribbean and then completed. All engineering and mechanics are pretty much standard Packard. The open wheels and tires, undercoated sides, hood scoop and extended rear fenders and tail plus inset continental tires are unique to these cars. The belt line even mimics the famous 'Darrin Dip' design elements.
This particular car has about 75,000 miles since new. It was purchased from the estate of a long-time Packard collector (it was 1 of 4 Caribbean's he had) who didn't like it and only drove it 2,000 miles in 28 years. It took a year of driving to get the engine cleared out after being so dormant, but it now runs in the true Packard tradition.
There were four standard colors, and this example is finished in Matador Maroon (it was repainted in the 1970s). The Maroon and white leather interior is the original. The Packard Registry estimates there are about 88 of these cars remaining.
With its clean lines, many consider the 1953 version to be the best looking and most collectible of the 4 years the models were offered.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Custom Convertible Coachwork: Mitchell-Bentley Chassis Num: 26782494 |
This particular example is a rare Series Model #2631 and has many unique elements such as a fully radiused rear-wheel cutouts and chrome wire wheels. It was once in the possession of collector William Pettit and part of his Museum of Motoring Memories in Natural Bridge, Virginia. It was sold in December of 2005 and was then disassembled for freshening, building upon its previous frame-off restoration. It was repainted and the chrome was re-plated and given a new top, carpets, tires and wire wheels.
This car is finished in Catalena Cream and has a Cranberry leather interior. It has a 327 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine and a rare three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. There are four-wheel hydraulic brakes and front independent suspension.
In 2009, this Caribbean Convertible was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The car was estimated to sell for $120,000 - $150,000 and was offered without reserve. Bidding failed to satisfy the reserve and it was left unsold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Custom Convertible Coachwork: Mitchell-Bentley |
This Caribbean was acquired by the current owner from the son of the original owner, in Rochester, New York. When the owner paid the asking price the seller included a 1953 Packard sedan parts car at no extra cost! It took five years to restore the Packard to its current condition.
From its earliest beginnings right around the turn of the 20th century, Packard-built vehicles would be perceived as luxurious and plush, meant for the upper-class of society. And while the company would feature some fantastic roadsters and runabouts, it would still be considered one of the three 'P's' of American Motordom royalty along with Peerless and Pierce-Arrow. However, after World War II, the world would change and Packard would find itself in some rather unusual company needing to change, or die.
After decades of being considered one of the most lavish and opulent of America's automotive industry, Packard would find itself in trouble, holding on for dear life in a nation that had almost changed overnight.
World War II had changed the landscape of the United States and most of the world. Living life would be mantra heading into the 1950s. The world had just come out of a long, dark depression of destruction and death and it wanted to start enjoying life all over again. This meant excitement, adventure and generally having fun. Packard did not represent fun. It represented stuffed-shirts and a luxury that screamed 'don't touch!'
Roles would change after World War II. While before the war the millionaire may have been pleased to be chauffeured around. After the war, the mood would change. Millionaires were more likely to want to drive the car than let the chauffeur have all the fun. In reality, what was happening is that the common man was abandoning companies it could afford and went looking for more expensive models. However, their style of driving, and intentions, would be anything upper-class.
In reality, Packard needed to change. It needed to let loose and mingle amongst the common folk. But it had had so many decades of mingling amongst the apparent elites of society that it really didn't know how to change, but it was quickly going to become expendable if the company didn't do anything. Admittedly, the company needed a 'halo' car.
The halo effect is an assumption, or bias, based upon perception of certain traits. Very simply, the halo effect could be best described using the example of something physically attractive being perceived as being better, more desirous, but is based on nothing more than a perceived notion. And Packard's halo effect on the public would be its Caribbean Convertible.
In 1953, Packard would introduce its Caribbean. In 1952, Packard would produce its Pan-American concept car and it would be on display at the 1952 New York International Motor Sports Show. Though not entirely, this concept car would serve as some foundation for the Caribbean. The Caribbean would be part of the Cavalier line from Packard which had a price tag that would be considered mid-range. However, with Mitchell-Bentley providing the convertible bodies, the Caribbean would be notably different than the Cavalier.
The focus of the Caribbean was on producing a more sporty car. Therefore, the car would lack a good amount of trim and other brightwork, especially on the side of the car. The car would show a little emotion with its full-wheel cut-outs and rocker panels trimmed in chrome. This would help give the car a more modern feel with a little edge and sportiness. The car would certainly be a stunner and it seemed the halo effect would work.
It seemed Packard had gotten it right. It had the luxurious amenities of beautifully trimmed chrome, wire wheels, plush leather interior and a continental kit that made it truly one of the company's best. It even looked sporty with a faux hood scoop. But old habits die hard and the old side of Packard would come back and would ruin the party.
Packard enjoyed sales that exceeded Cadillac and Oldsmobile. But in 1954, the safe and stuffy tradition of Packard would come creeping back into the car's design. The wheel cut-outs would be flattened on the following year's design and chrome would come back in abundance taking away the sporty edge the car initially had. This would be further demonstrated by the fact a hardtop model of the car would also be made available, but the vast majority that would be sold would actually be the convertible. This 'numbing' of the design would lead to sales dropping significantly and further causing the hemorrhaging to continue.
The final act would come with a merger with Studebaker in 1956. Packard had released an updated model of the Caribbean in 1955. The updates would be extensive and promising, but the company was out of time. This would lead to a merger with Studebaker in 1955 and 1956. The merger, and Studebaker itself, would cause the process of developing a new model of the Caribbean to slow almost to a halt. The company would decide rather late to produce an evolution of the Caribbean, but it would come out swinging with a 374 cu. in. V-8 that produced over 300 horsepower. As it was, Packard didn't necessarily come out swinging. It was going down swinging. While perhaps the best of the Caribbean model, the 1956 edition would come too late to help save the company. And in the end, the public would see through the expected halo effect and would see Packard for what it was.
In January of 2012, at the RM Auction in Arizona, a 1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible would be made available for sale. Chassis number 2678 would have a mysterious early life. However, it would be one of the rare examples of the Caribbean Convertible in that it came with special-order black paint that elegantly finished the car and gave a striking contrast to the chrome. To match, the interior would include black and white leather upholstery. Powered by a 327 cu. in. 180 hp inline eight-cylinder, this particular model of the Caribbean Convertible beautifully demonstrates the halo effect Packard was going for with its sporty convertible.
Chassis 2678 had, at one time, been owned by the Packard specialist Tom Crook. Since 2003, the car has been part of Karl Blade's collection. An older previous restoration to the car had been completed some time in its past, but in 2006, Al Prueitt and Sons would give the car a thorough touch up. During that time the car would be disassembled and entirely stripped of its finish. The car would then be completely refinished. In addition to the finish, new window glass would be installed. The chrome would be re-plated and new radial tires would be fitted.
These restored elements would go well with the power options already on the car which included hydraulic windows, hydraulic seat and top and power steering and brakes. Once the transmission and the engine would be entirely rebuilt the restoration work would be done, and at a cost of more than $102,000.
The car would be shown at the Packards International National Meet in 2007 and would earn a perfect score and an award for Best Paint and Best in Class in Postwar—Open. The car would also receive the Packards International Circle of Excellence certificate, what many consider to be a coveted achievement to earn.
Expected to earn between $100,000 and $125,000, this certainly would be one of the 'halo' Packard Caribbean Convertibles that wouldn't just cause one to perceive why the 1953 model of the Packard Caribbean Convertible was so popular. The car would provide the evidence needed to support the assumption.
Sources:
'Feature Lots: Lot No. 203: 1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ12&CarID=r136&fc=0). RM Auction. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ12&CarID=r136&fc=0. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
'Collectible Classic: 1953-1956 Packard Caribbean', (http://www.automobilemag.com/features/collectible_classic/0802_1953-1956_packard_caribbean/index.html). Automobile. http://www.automobilemag.com/features/collectible_classic/0802_1953-1956_packard_caribbean/index.html. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
'1956 Packard Caribbean', (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1956-packard-caribbean.htm). Demystifying the World. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1956-packard-caribbean.htm. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
Wikipedia contributors, 'Packard', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 30 December 2011, 05:54 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Packard&oldid=468488808 accessed 6 January 2012
Wikipedia contributors, 'Packard Caribbean', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 15 December 2011, 22:39 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Packard_Caribbean&oldid=466069274 accessed 6 January 2012
Wikipedia contributors, 'Halo effect', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 1 January 2012, 22:39 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Halo_effect&oldid=469010880 accessed 6 January 2012
Wikipedia contributors, 'Packard Cavalier', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 4 December 2011, 23:33 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Packard_Cavalier&oldid=464121188 accessed 6 January 2012
By Jeremy McMullen
After decades of being considered one of the most lavish and opulent of America's automotive industry, Packard would find itself in trouble, holding on for dear life in a nation that had almost changed overnight.
World War II had changed the landscape of the United States and most of the world. Living life would be mantra heading into the 1950s. The world had just come out of a long, dark depression of destruction and death and it wanted to start enjoying life all over again. This meant excitement, adventure and generally having fun. Packard did not represent fun. It represented stuffed-shirts and a luxury that screamed 'don't touch!'
Roles would change after World War II. While before the war the millionaire may have been pleased to be chauffeured around. After the war, the mood would change. Millionaires were more likely to want to drive the car than let the chauffeur have all the fun. In reality, what was happening is that the common man was abandoning companies it could afford and went looking for more expensive models. However, their style of driving, and intentions, would be anything upper-class.
In reality, Packard needed to change. It needed to let loose and mingle amongst the common folk. But it had had so many decades of mingling amongst the apparent elites of society that it really didn't know how to change, but it was quickly going to become expendable if the company didn't do anything. Admittedly, the company needed a 'halo' car.
The halo effect is an assumption, or bias, based upon perception of certain traits. Very simply, the halo effect could be best described using the example of something physically attractive being perceived as being better, more desirous, but is based on nothing more than a perceived notion. And Packard's halo effect on the public would be its Caribbean Convertible.
In 1953, Packard would introduce its Caribbean. In 1952, Packard would produce its Pan-American concept car and it would be on display at the 1952 New York International Motor Sports Show. Though not entirely, this concept car would serve as some foundation for the Caribbean. The Caribbean would be part of the Cavalier line from Packard which had a price tag that would be considered mid-range. However, with Mitchell-Bentley providing the convertible bodies, the Caribbean would be notably different than the Cavalier.
The focus of the Caribbean was on producing a more sporty car. Therefore, the car would lack a good amount of trim and other brightwork, especially on the side of the car. The car would show a little emotion with its full-wheel cut-outs and rocker panels trimmed in chrome. This would help give the car a more modern feel with a little edge and sportiness. The car would certainly be a stunner and it seemed the halo effect would work.
It seemed Packard had gotten it right. It had the luxurious amenities of beautifully trimmed chrome, wire wheels, plush leather interior and a continental kit that made it truly one of the company's best. It even looked sporty with a faux hood scoop. But old habits die hard and the old side of Packard would come back and would ruin the party.
Packard enjoyed sales that exceeded Cadillac and Oldsmobile. But in 1954, the safe and stuffy tradition of Packard would come creeping back into the car's design. The wheel cut-outs would be flattened on the following year's design and chrome would come back in abundance taking away the sporty edge the car initially had. This would be further demonstrated by the fact a hardtop model of the car would also be made available, but the vast majority that would be sold would actually be the convertible. This 'numbing' of the design would lead to sales dropping significantly and further causing the hemorrhaging to continue.
The final act would come with a merger with Studebaker in 1956. Packard had released an updated model of the Caribbean in 1955. The updates would be extensive and promising, but the company was out of time. This would lead to a merger with Studebaker in 1955 and 1956. The merger, and Studebaker itself, would cause the process of developing a new model of the Caribbean to slow almost to a halt. The company would decide rather late to produce an evolution of the Caribbean, but it would come out swinging with a 374 cu. in. V-8 that produced over 300 horsepower. As it was, Packard didn't necessarily come out swinging. It was going down swinging. While perhaps the best of the Caribbean model, the 1956 edition would come too late to help save the company. And in the end, the public would see through the expected halo effect and would see Packard for what it was.
In January of 2012, at the RM Auction in Arizona, a 1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible would be made available for sale. Chassis number 2678 would have a mysterious early life. However, it would be one of the rare examples of the Caribbean Convertible in that it came with special-order black paint that elegantly finished the car and gave a striking contrast to the chrome. To match, the interior would include black and white leather upholstery. Powered by a 327 cu. in. 180 hp inline eight-cylinder, this particular model of the Caribbean Convertible beautifully demonstrates the halo effect Packard was going for with its sporty convertible.
Chassis 2678 had, at one time, been owned by the Packard specialist Tom Crook. Since 2003, the car has been part of Karl Blade's collection. An older previous restoration to the car had been completed some time in its past, but in 2006, Al Prueitt and Sons would give the car a thorough touch up. During that time the car would be disassembled and entirely stripped of its finish. The car would then be completely refinished. In addition to the finish, new window glass would be installed. The chrome would be re-plated and new radial tires would be fitted.
These restored elements would go well with the power options already on the car which included hydraulic windows, hydraulic seat and top and power steering and brakes. Once the transmission and the engine would be entirely rebuilt the restoration work would be done, and at a cost of more than $102,000.
The car would be shown at the Packards International National Meet in 2007 and would earn a perfect score and an award for Best Paint and Best in Class in Postwar—Open. The car would also receive the Packards International Circle of Excellence certificate, what many consider to be a coveted achievement to earn.
Expected to earn between $100,000 and $125,000, this certainly would be one of the 'halo' Packard Caribbean Convertibles that wouldn't just cause one to perceive why the 1953 model of the Packard Caribbean Convertible was so popular. The car would provide the evidence needed to support the assumption.
Sources:
'Feature Lots: Lot No. 203: 1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ12&CarID=r136&fc=0). RM Auction. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ12&CarID=r136&fc=0. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
'Collectible Classic: 1953-1956 Packard Caribbean', (http://www.automobilemag.com/features/collectible_classic/0802_1953-1956_packard_caribbean/index.html). Automobile. http://www.automobilemag.com/features/collectible_classic/0802_1953-1956_packard_caribbean/index.html. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
'1956 Packard Caribbean', (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1956-packard-caribbean.htm). Demystifying the World. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1956-packard-caribbean.htm. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
Wikipedia contributors, 'Packard', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 30 December 2011, 05:54 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Packard&oldid=468488808 accessed 6 January 2012
Wikipedia contributors, 'Packard Caribbean', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 15 December 2011, 22:39 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Packard_Caribbean&oldid=466069274 accessed 6 January 2012
Wikipedia contributors, 'Halo effect', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 1 January 2012, 22:39 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Halo_effect&oldid=469010880 accessed 6 January 2012
Wikipedia contributors, 'Packard Cavalier', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 4 December 2011, 23:33 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Packard_Cavalier&oldid=464121188 accessed 6 January 2012
By Jeremy McMullen
![]() | ![]() | Custom Convertible Coachwork: Mitchell-Bentley Chassis Num: 2678-2061 Engine Num: L405945 |
In 1955 the Packard was purchased by Mary Christina Nuckols. After she could no longer drive the car, it was put on blocks in her garage. Discovered by the current owner in the mid-1980s, it was not until 2004 that he was finally able to convince her to part with the Packard.
Upon purchase, the car was given a sympathetic refurbishing to 'driver' standard. Eventually, the car was completely restored to show-level condition. The cost of the restoration was $97,000. After the work was completed, the car received awards at the Steamworks Concours d'Elegance in Vancouver, BC in 2006 and the Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance in Hillsborough, CA in 2008.
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge Sale in Carmel, CA presented by Bonhams Auction. The car was estimated to sell for $95,000 - $110,000 but was unable to find a buyer willing to satisfy its reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012
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 and overseen by Packards stylist, Dick Teague. The interior was adorned in leather trim and was equipped with dual heaters and defrosters, three-way radio with electric antenna, power brakes, windows and seats. Even power-assisted steering was standard, a rarity at the time.
Under the hood lurked an outdated Packard 327 cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder side-valve engine capable of producing 180 horsepower. In 1954, the horsepower rating was increased to 212. A new V8 engine was introduced in 1955 and the horsepower rating skyrocketed to over 300. The 'Twin-Ultramatic' transmission was controlled through push-buttons in the middle of the dash and the Suspension was torsion bars inter-connected from the front to the rear.
The 1953 and 1954 version had a continental spare wheel fixed atop the rear bumper pan. A hood scoop gave the vehicle a sporty persona while the wire-spoke wheels gave it a hint of European styling. Two-tone paint schemes and chrome accent strips gave the vehicle a distinct appearance.
In 1954 Packard merged with Studebaker to try to compete, (stay in business), against the large mass-production automobile giants. By 1956, their body supplier, Brigg, sold out to the Chrysler Corporation. Packard moved the body manufacturing to a Detroit factory where it struggled with supply and quality issues. Chrysler had their C-300 and Cadillac their Eldorado, both were moving in on Packard's territory.
The Caribbean exclusivity was guaranteed by their steep sticker prices. 400 examples were sold in 1954, and between 1955 through 1956, 500 examples were sold. This exquisite vehicle made it into production just before the Packard name became part of the past.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2007
For more information and related vehicles, click hereUnder the hood lurked an outdated Packard 327 cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder side-valve engine capable of producing 180 horsepower. In 1954, the horsepower rating was increased to 212. A new V8 engine was introduced in 1955 and the horsepower rating skyrocketed to over 300. The 'Twin-Ultramatic' transmission was controlled through push-buttons in the middle of the dash and the Suspension was torsion bars inter-connected from the front to the rear.
The 1953 and 1954 version had a continental spare wheel fixed atop the rear bumper pan. A hood scoop gave the vehicle a sporty persona while the wire-spoke wheels gave it a hint of European styling. Two-tone paint schemes and chrome accent strips gave the vehicle a distinct appearance.
In 1954 Packard merged with Studebaker to try to compete, (stay in business), against the large mass-production automobile giants. By 1956, their body supplier, Brigg, sold out to the Chrysler Corporation. Packard moved the body manufacturing to a Detroit factory where it struggled with supply and quality issues. Chrysler had their C-300 and Cadillac their Eldorado, both were moving in on Packard's territory.
The Caribbean exclusivity was guaranteed by their steep sticker prices. 400 examples were sold in 1954, and between 1955 through 1956, 500 examples were sold. This exquisite vehicle made it into production just before the Packard name became part of the past.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2007
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1953
Packard
models |
| Packard Clipper Deluxe |
| Packard Woody Station Wagon | 1953 Packard Concepts |
| Packard Balboa Concept |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Auburn | Daimler |
| Delage | Delahaye |
| Duesenberg | Hispano Suiza |
| Hudson | Isotta |
| Peerless | Pierce Arrow |
| Talbot-Lago | Voisin |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 1953 |
| Buick Wildcat I |
| Chrysler Windsor |
| Ford XL-500 |
| Lincoln Cosmopolitan |
| Packard Clipper Deluxe |
| Packard: 1951-1960 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Packard History |
| Other models by Packard |
| 180 200 250 3-35 Fourth Series | 300 38 645 745 | 845 Caribbean Cavalier Clipper | Custom Eight Eight Four Hundred Model 18 | Model 30 Model F One-Twenty Patrician | Six Super Deluxe Twelve |
1954 Caribbean Custom ![]() |








































1953