1954 Packard Caribbean Custom Custom Convertible

The Great Depression and World War II had not been kind to the automobile industry and few were able to survive their devastation. The Packard Motor Car Company was a survivor but were in need of an automobile that would re-establish its once-prestigious perch atop the American luxury car market. For 1953, Mitchell-Bentley of Ionia, Michigan, was sent 750 standard Packard convertibles, which they customized into a new, limited edition ragtop that was dubbed the Caribbean. The cars had a distinguished design, standard power everything, full rich leather interior, three-way radio with power antenna five Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels, and fitted with many luxurious appointments.

The Caribbean would continue into 1954 with newly restyled headlamp rims, chrome trim added to the hood scoop, and lowered rear wheel housings, as well as two-tone paint. 'Caribbean' script was added to the rear fenders, and side moldings that/ swept off the beltline and dipped below the crest of the rear fenders into the taillight treatment.

In 1954, around 400 examples of the Caribbean were produced making them one of the hardest to find of the first-generation Caribbeans.

This example was part of the long-term collection of the late Eugene Beardslee. It was given a frame-off restoration by the late Packard expert Robert Turnquist's Hibernia Restoration. It is finished in Gulf Green and Sahara Sand and is equipped with both available options - power windows and seats. The car has been driven fewer than 50 miles since the restoration.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2013