1956 Packard Caribbean Custom Convertible

Packard introduced its Caribbean Convertible, inspired by the 'Pan American show cars of 1952, for the 1953 season. It was built atop a 122-inch wheelbase platform and powered by a 327 cubic-inch straight-eight engine offering 180 horsepower to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. Production remained exclusive throughout its lifespan with just 750 examples built in 1953 and 400 the following year. The Caribbean received extensive restyling in 1955 and was given a new chassis carrying a modern V-8 engine. The 352 CID V8 was rated at 275 horsepower while the larger, 374 cubic-inch unit delivered 310 horsepower.

The Caribbean's mechanical sophistication and elegant styling were equally matched by its extensive list of standard amenities including an Ultramatic automatic transmission with pushbutton controls, power windows, a Wonderbar radio, and gold-tone 'Caribbean' scripts.

Even with the styling updates and mechanical prowess, the Caribbean remained exclusive with just 276 examples built for 1956, its final year of construction. By the close of the 1956 model year, Packard's Detroit assembly and engineering operations were shut down. The Packard marque would continue for two more years as lightly disguised Indiana-built Studebakers.

This particular 1956 Caribbean is finished in two-tone Corsican Black paint with Camel accents. The well-equipped car has a Camel leather interior, push-button radio, power convertible top, power steering, power seats, power windows, whitewall tires, chrome valve covers, and rear-wheel skirts finished in matching Corsican Black.

This Packard received a restoration several years ago, with the work still presenting nicely as it came to auction in 2022.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2022