1955 Packard Caribbean Custom Convertible

This 1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was estimated to sell for $80,000-$100,000. It is powered by a 352 cubic-inch overhead valve V8 engine capable of producing 275 horsepower. There are an Ultramatic Drive automatic transmission and power-assisted four-wheel drum brakes.

The Packard Caribbean was redesigned for 1955 and given a high output overhead valve V8 engine with twin four-barrel carburetors. The suspension featured a torsion bar setup with automatic leveling which greatly improved the vehicle's ride. The base sticker price set the buyer back nearly $6000. In total, only 500 examples were produced.

The example shown is number 220. It was originally ordered by a physician residing in Nebraska and presented to his wife as a 50th birthday present. It was later sold back to the dealership where it had been purchased. It remained there for 25 years. The car was purchased by its next owner in 1986. It was used for many years as a daily driver. It was sold to its next owner in 2004; the odometer read 62,000 miles.

The car was treated to a complete restoration in the mid-2000s. It was repainted in its correct Packard White Jade, turquoise, and Pearl Gray three-tone color scheme.

At the auction, the car was sold for $88,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2007