 1955 Caribbean |
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1956 Packard Caribbean news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Custom Convertible |
The Caribbean series was powered by Packard's own overhead valve V-8 engine that displaced 375 cubic-inches and produced 310 horsepower thanks, in part, to twin four-barrel Rochester carburetors.
The 1956 Caribbean Convertible was the last full size Packard produced. This car sold new for $5,995.00. The 374 cubic-inch V-8 engine had 310 horsepower which was the highest in the industry. This engine featured two - 4 barrel carburetors with 10:1 compression ratio and a push button automatic transmission. The original colors were: Dover White, Scottish Heather and Maltese Gray.
The interior featured reversible seat cushions with leather on one side and boucle cloth on the other.
New for 1956 was the twin traction differential with limited slip 'designed for the fellow who must drive in all kinds of weather.'
Packard also featured other safety itesm for 1956 such as:
- Side marker lights
- Wrap around parking and tailights
- Automatic torsion leveling system for optimum nighttime visability
This Packard was sold new in Painesville, Ohio. Ten years later it was acquired by Glenn Malme of Downey, California. In 2010, after putting 15,000 miles in his Packard over 44 years, Mr. Malme donated the car to the National Packard Museum.
 |  |  | Custom Convertible |
This car has many unique features:
- Fully reversible seat cushions, cloth on one side for winter and leather on the other side for summer
- Ultra-Matic push button automatic transmission.
- Very rare factory air conditioning
- Unique torsion ride suspension which adjusts the cars ride height via an electric motor.
- First year electric door locks.
 |  |  | Custom Convertible |
The triple-tone colors that were 'stock' did nothing to enhance the car's aesthetic beauty. In its current color of Maroon with the stock gold-colored accents and striking top and interior colors, this is truly a striking example of the marque.
 | Custom Convertible |
The Caribbean was fitted with Packard's most powerful engine; a 310 horsepower, 374 cubic inch, V-8 engine. The car rests on a 127-inch wheelbase and weighs 4,960 pounds. The $5,995 price tag made this model the most expensive model Packard produced in 1956.
Restoration was completed in December 2004 and this is the first time it has been shown. (2005 Amelia Concours).
 |  |  | Custom Convertible |
For all the troubles of 1956, the fabulous Caribbean Convertible remained the untarnished queen of the line one last time. Styling changes from 1955 were minimal, but new tri-tone exterior color combos set the 1956 apart. The Caribbean was powered by a massive 374-cubic-inch V8 with an impressive 310 horsepower rating. Standard luxury equipment included Ultramatic automatic transmission with push-button controls, gold-tone 'Caribbean' scripts, power windows and a Wonderbar radio. Novel reversible seat cushions (brocade on one side and leather on the other) were also featured.
A total of 276 Caribbean Convertibles were built in 1956; the car displayed here is the 115th off the line. Cost new was $6,000.
 |  |  | Custom Convertible |
The 1956 Caribbean was very technologically advanced for the era and was the most powerful American 'production' car offered in 1956. This particular car has most of the available options for 1956 with the exception of air conditioning (a Packard accessory since 1939). This (as all Caribbeans) was built at Mitchell Bentley Corp. in Ionia, Michigan with Packard components for Packard on a custom basis.
The '56 model is the last in the distinctive Caribbean series begun in 1953. The first (53) model was a simple and clean classic design that is still admired today. Its silhouette is found on current Rolls-Royce models. The 1955 and this last (1956) version succumbed to industry market pressures. Their distinctive tri-color paint scheme (Dover white, Danube blue and Roman cooper), hooded headlights and 'cathedral' tail lamps underscore the mid-50's decor.
This car is mostly original and has been driven about 50,000 miles since new. The interior space is incredible and the seating is opulent.
This car was a featured participant on 'the Miracle Mile' in Disney's nationally televised 'Christmas 2005 - Festival of Lights Parade' in downtown Chicago.
The Packard Club's registry is able to document only 61 of these cars remaining.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2008
| | | Custom Convertible |
A total of 539 1956 Caribbeans were built - 276 convertibles; the rest hardtop coupes. The convertibles featured exclusive, reversible seat covers made of leather on one side and broadcloth on the other. Standard equipment included a limited slip, twin traction differential, side marker lights, wraparound tailights, automatic torsion leveling system and tri-color paint combinations.
This 1956 Packard Caribbean convertible is powered by the massive 310 horsepower, 374 cubic overhead V8 with twin four-barrel carburetors. The car sold new for $5,995.
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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 1956
Packard
models |
| Packard Executive Line |
| Packard Four-Hundred |
| Packard Patrician |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Auburn | Daimler |
| Delage | Delahaye |
| Duesenberg | Hispano Suiza |
| Hudson | Isotta |
| Peerless | Pierce Arrow |
| Talbot-Lago | Voisin |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 1956 |
| Continental Mark II |
| Continental Mark II Convertible |
| DeSoto Fireflite |
| Packard Four-Hundred |
| Packard Patrician |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1956 |
| Porsche 356A ($3,210-$5,900) |
| Lancia Aurelia B24 ($5,510-$5,510) |
| Arnolt Bolide ($4,000-$6,000) |
| AC Aceca-Bristol ($5,550-$5,550) |
| Aston Martin DB2-4 MKII ($6,000-$6,300) |
| Aston Martin DB2-4 MKI ($6,000-$6,300) |
Average Auction Sale: $77,327 |
| 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 |
| 1955 Caribbean |
