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1954 Packard Caribbean Custom

Prior to World War II, Packard was one of the 'Three P's' of American luxury cars, along with Peerless and Pierce-Arrow, and the only one to survive the Great Depression of the 1930s. In the immediate post-war era, the coachbuilding tradition and made-to-order vehicles of the 1920s and 1930s had mostly been replaced by practical factory-built cars.

1954 Packard Caribbean Custom photo
Custom Convertible
View info and history
Packard had emerged from World War II in a strong position financially, however, it still trailed the Big 3 automakers in styling, production, and technology. As the years progressed, the company's reputation for building the highest level of luxury vehicles eroded, as bold styling and advanced overhead-valve V-8 engines continued to capture the hearts of American automotive enthusiasts. Packard responded by introducing all-new sheet metal with designs that briefly even outsold Cadillac but, by 1950, sales dropped to 42,000 cars for the year.

During the 1930s, Packard endured the Great Depression by moving downmarket and building a product that was attainable by a wider public. The exclusive and powerful Packards continued, providing Packard with its prestigious image, while less expensive models were the 'bread and butter,' providing the company with an influx of cash. Although a necessary move, and one that insured its survival, it may have also been responsible for its demise, as the lower-priced cars tarnished its image and exclusivity. In the post-war era, Packard production included both hand-built and production-line techniques. sales of the higher-priced cars continued to slip, so James J. Nance attempted to spin off a new company that would focus on junior-level cars and re-establish the Packard name. In 1954, the Clipper cars became de-emphasized with the Packard nameplate. The hand-built Caribbean Custom was placed as one of the top-of-the-line models in regard to price, prestige, and standard equipment. Its factory base price of $6,100 eclipsed all other 1954 Packard models, except for the eight-passenger Patrician custom line.

For 1951, the John Reinhart-designed 'high pockets' styling was introduced and would remain a staple of Packard styling until the 1954 model year, when it received a larger and improved grille with a more imposing appearance. In an effort to re-establish its prestigious status atop the American luxury car market, Packard sent Mitchell-Bentley of Ionia, Michigan, 750 standard Packard convertibles in 1953. They received customizations that set them apart from other Packard models, with nearly every available standard equipment and power item, a full rich leather interior, a three-way radio with power antenna, and five Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels.

1954 Packard Caribbean Custom photo
Custom Convertible
View info and history
Total 1954 Packard Caribbean Convertible production reached just 400 examples and 863 of the 'standard' Packard convertible. While the Packard Caribbean Convertible had a base price of $6,100, the 'standard' convertible was listed for $3,940.


by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 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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1954 Packard Caribbean Custom Vehicle Profiles

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Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

$1,085-$6,105
1954 Caribbean Custom
$6,105-$18,050
1954 Packard Caribbean Custom Base Price : $6,105

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1954 Packard Models
$3,895 - $7,255

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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