1956 Packard Caribbean

Until the mid-1950s, Packard used an inline, eight-cylinder engine that was based on a 1929 design. In 1955 they became the last U.S. automaker to introduce a high-compression V-8 engine and retired the reliable and venerable inline eight. The Packard overhead-valve V8 engine was modern, conventional, and physically large. Its design was inspired by other engines of the period, including the first-generation Cadillac, Oldsmobile, and Studebaker Charles Kettering's design features. Displacement sizes included 320- and 352 cubic inches. The engine powering the Caribbean had two four-barrel carburetors and offered 275 horsepower. In 1956, Packard introduced its 374 CID version which was used in the senior cars. The Caribbean, with its two, four-barrel carburetor arrangement, produced 310 horsepower making it the most powerful engine available in an American production car in 1956.

The engines were backed by Packard's 'Ultramatic' automatic transmission with a lockup torque converter with two speeds. When the Ultramatics were introduced, they operated only in 'high' with 'low' having to be selected manually. Near the close of 1954, the transmission had been updated to operate only in 'high' or start in 'low' and automatically shift into 'high.'

The mid-1950s Packards were among the smoothest, most comfortable, best riding, and finest handling full-size rides on the road. The William Allison invented 'Torsion-Level' suspension was an electronically controlled four-wheel torsion bar suspension that balanced the car's height front-to-rear and side-to-side, having electric motors to compensate each torsion bar independently. Several contemporary American competitors unsuccessfully attempted to imitate this suspension concept by employing airbag springs. A Dana-designed 'Twin-Traction' limited-slip differential was introduced by Packard in 1956 and complimented the Torsion-Level suspension.

Packard introduced all-new styling for 1955 that was attractive and modern. The Caribbean was the top-of-the-line model with three-tone paint schemes, two-tone leather interiors, and an ornate dashboard and ornamentation layout. Changes for 1956 were minimal, although a hardtop coupe became available in the Caribbean for the first time. A new feature was the reversible seat cushions with two-tone leather on one side, and cloth and leather on the other.

The 1956 Packard Caribbean was the second most expensive car on the American market, with a base price of $5,995 for the convertible and $5,495 for the hardtop, making them slightly less than the Continental Mark II. The high price tag and shortened production, ending on June 25th of 1956, meant that just 276 convertibles and 263 hardtop coupes were produced. Period Packard advertisements described them as 'the greatest Packards of them all.'

by Dan Vaughan

Custom Convertible

The Caribbean by Packard was one of the signature cars of the 1950s. Built on the Packard 400 chassis, the Caribbean series automobiles were loaded with luxury appointments. The company produced 276 Caribbean convertibles in 1956, along with 263 hardtop coupes.

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 a 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 items for 1956 such as:

- Side marker lights

- Wrap around parking and taillights

- Automatic torsion leveling system for optimum nighttime visibility

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 is 1 of 276 Packard Caribbean Convertibles produced by Packard in 1956. It has a 374 cubic-inch V-8 engine with 310 horsepower and uses 2 Rochester Type 4 GC carburetors.

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 car's ride height via an electric motor.

- First-year electric door locks.

Custom Convertible

The Caribbean caused double takes when it first appeared in 1956, and they continue to amaze today. One of only 276 built, this car has won Best of Class at Meadowbrook and was a Car Collector Magazine feature car.

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.

by Packard

Custom Convertible

This 1956 Packard Caribbean Convertible is one of only 276 convertibles built by Packard Motor Car Company in 1956 and this particular example is one of only 10 equipped with air conditioning from the factory. This is the only car known that was produced with reversible seat cushions. The cloth side was for winter and the leather side was for summer.

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.

The restoration was completed in December 2004 and this is the first time it has been shown. (2005 Amelia Concours).

Custom Convertible

By 1958, Packard was in trouble. Big trouble. Sales were way down and the two-year-old merger with Studebaker was drowning both companies in red ink. As a result, at the end of the 1956 model year, Packard's Detroit assembly and engineering operations were shuttered. The proud American luxury brand was effectively finished, although lightly disguised Studebakers built in South Bend, Indiana would masquerade as Packard's for two more years.

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. The cost new was $6,000.

Custom Convertible

This is an example of the last in the Caribbean series and of the last true Packard. (The 1957 & 1958 Packard were re-labeled Studebakers).

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 that began 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 the last (1956) versions 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-1950s 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 Dan Vaughan

Custom Convertible

The 1956 Packard Caribbean was a milestone car for Packard; the last full-sized Packard built as well as the most luxurious, technically-advanced, and expensive car in the 1956 line-up.

A total of 539 1956 Caribbeans were built - 276 convertibles; the rest were 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 taillights, an 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.

Custom Hardtop Coupe

James Ward Packard once complained to Alexander Winton about his new Winton automobile. Winton, a successful racer and supercilious auto magnate, challenged Packard to build a better car himself if he could. Packard did. He built the first Packard in 1899 and founded the Ohio Automobile Co. in 1902 but soon renamed it Packard Motor Car Company and relocated to Detroit. It became one of the leading luxury marques for years to come. When it opened in 1903 in Detroit, the 3.5 million square foot Packard plant was considered the most modern automobile factory in the world. Designed by Albert Kahn, it employed craftsmen for over 80 trades.

Legend has it that a customer once wrote James Packard requesting information about the dependability of his cars. No sales literature yet existed. And Packard didn't have time to reply personally, so he told his secretary to advise the gentleman, 'Ask the man who owns one.' This spontaneous turn of phrase became a legendary Packard advertising slogan.

The current owner rescued this car from 30 years of storage. It has a push-button transmission along with factory air conditioning, power brakes, steering, and windows along with a 374 CID, 331 horsepower V8. The owner's father had owned an identical Packard in the early 1960s. Early one morning, while parked at home, a drunk driver totaled it.

Custom Convertible

The final year of Packard Caribbean production was 1956. The company was struggling financially and made a huge effort with its final models to re-invigorate its depleted customer base. The top-of-the-line Caribbean Convertible was loaded with special features, including Packard's 'springless' full torsion bar suspension, dual carburetors boosting the V8 engine's horsepower to 310 bhp, and intriguingly, reversible seat cushions that offered the option of either leather or cloth upholstery by simply unsnapping the seat cushions and backrests and reversing them. Only 276 Packard Caribbeans were built before the company discontinued automobile production in Detroit.

Custom Convertible

Introduced mid-season in January 1953, the Caribbean was based on the Pan-American show car and just 750 were sold that first year. The Caribbean returned in 1955, albeit with fresh, new styling (courtesy of designer Dick Teague) which was carried through to the 1956 models. Exclusivity was guaranteed and reflected in Packard's most expensive base price before options of $5,995.

One of the signature cars of the 1950s, the Packard Caribbean was built on the Packard 400 chassis. It featured Packard's own overhead valve V8 engine with dual Rochester 4-barrel carburetors and 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 luxury options and features. From 1953 until 1955 the model was available only as a convertible with a hardtop model being added in 1956, the final year.

For 1956 a total of 276 convertibles were produced (along with 263 coupes). Only 10 exclusive convertible models were equipped with air conditioning from the factory. Features for 1956 also included power windows, an Ultra-Matic automatic transmission with push-button controls, Torsion-Level automatic ride control, a Twin-Traction differential by Dana-Spicer, four-wheel independent torsion bar suspension, and a Wonderbar radio. This car also sports the optional three-tone paint scheme.

Caribbeans included reversible seat cushions - leather on one side, and fabric on the other.

by Dan Vaughan

Custom Convertible
Chassis number: 5699-1093

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 Dan Vaughan

Custom Convertible

Introduced mid-season in January 1953, the Caribbean was based on the Pan-American show car and just 750 were sold that first year. The Caribbean returned in 1955, albeit with fresh, new styling courtesy of designer Dick Teague who later became head of styling at AMC. Exclusivity was guaranteed and reflected in Packard's most expensive base price before options of $5,995.

This is #214 of just 276 convertibles produced in 1956. Another 263 coupes were produced for 1956, the only year a coupe was offered. Included was Packard's 310 horsepower 374 cubic-inch V8 with dual Rochester 4-barrel carburetors along with push button Twin Ultramatic automatic transmission and four-wheel independent torsion bar suspension. Tri-tone paint came standard while inside, reversible seat cushions offered leather or cloth were featured.

Custom Hardtop Coupe

Proclaimed as 'The car that has everything....for those accustomed to owning the finest' the Caribbean Hardtop was a new addition to Packard's 1956 lineup of cars.

Packard boasted of virtually unlimited vision through wrap-around front and rear windows and pillar-less side windows, lighting like takeoff and passing ability, and effortless power-control of windows, seats, steering and brakes.

This Caribbean, the 233rd out of only 263 Hardtops produced, was sold new in New York City. It features an eye-catching three-toned paint scheme of Dover White, Naples Orange, and Corsican Black.

Special Features

Engine refinements: 374 cubic-inch V8 engine with 310 horsepower (the highest production horsepower in the industry at that time). The V8 engine features two 4-barrel carburetors with a 10:1 compression ratio

Transmission refinements: all-new push button transmission and twin traction differential with limited slip, 'designed for the fellow who must drive in all kinds of weather'

Chassis refinements: automatic torsion bar leveling suspension system

Body refinements: side marker lighting, wrap-around parking lights and tail lights, interior padded dash, optional seat belts, dished steering wheel, reversible seat cushions with either leather or boucle' cloth seating

Total production: 263

Base price: $5,495

Custom Hardtop Coupe

This vehicle is number 56 of 263 Caribbean hardtops ever produced and one of only a handful with air conditioning. It features a reversible interior, push-button transmission, and torsion-level suspension.

The 352 cubic-inch V8 engine used dual four-barrel carburetors to produce 275 horsepower and was topped by the iconic 'batwing' air cleaner. The engine was enlarged to 374 cubic inches in 1956 and was rated at 310 horsepower. There was a heavily revised, push-button Ultramatic Drive transmission.

Unique styling elements of the Caribbean included an ultra-deluxe dashboard layout with a gold-tone textured insert, two-tone steering wheel, and three-tone color schemes.

The 1956 Caribbean was the final convertible ever built by Packard before the company entered liquidation during the summer of 1958.

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 versions 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 Dan Vaughan

One of the signature cars of the 1950s, the Caribbean was built on the Packard 400 chassis. It featured Packard's 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 lux options and features. The Caribbean was marketed by the Packard Motor Car Company as a 'halo' vehicle to promote sales for the entire brand. The styling of the Caribbean was inspired by the Pan American Packard show car of the previous year. From 1953 until 1955 the model was available only as a convertible with a hardtop model being added in 1956, the final year.

With its full cutout rear wheel housing and glam side trim, the 1953 Caribbean was a truly eye-catching sight. As part of the Packard Cavalier model range, the model featured a chrome band outline that stretched along the whole length of the vehicle that also helped to define the car's wheel openings. The wheelbase measured at 127 inches, with an overall length of 218.5 inches and a width of 78 inches. Standard on the Caribbean was a sporty steel continental spare tire. A distinctive, low leaded-in hood scoop was featured on the hood.

On the inside of the Caribbean was standard power-assisted steering, which was incredibly rare at this time. The interior of this model featured rich leather upholstery, dual heaters and defrosters, power brakes, power windows and seats, and a three-way radio with an electric antenna. Mitchell-Bentley Corporation of Ionia, Michigan was responsible for the elegant styling of the Caribbean body. Owners could choose from limited colors Maroon Metallic, Sahara Sand, Polaris Blue, and Gulf Green Metallic. A small variety of special-ordered automobiles were built in Black or Ivory.

Optional on the first-year model was the Ultramatic transmission and power windows. For the first year on the market, a total of 750 models were produced. Today these are highly collectible and restored models can go as high as six-figure amounts.

In 1954 the Caribbean rose to senior Packard level. It continued to feature plenty of its own distinctive styling features though the full rear-wheel cutouts were removed. Chrome and stainless trim became a lot more generous and now allowed for two-tone paint combinations. New this year was a four-way power seat. The Caribbean received heavier 'finned' headlight housings, much like the Patrician. This was one of the styling cues that set these senior Packard's from their lower-priced siblings. This year the Caribbean featured the 359 cubic-inch straight-eight senior engine used in the last manifestation of Packard's straight-eight engine. Four hundred of these 1954 models were produced, making this the rarest year for the Caribbean.

For 1955 the Caribbean line received the V8 engine and implemented the Senior Packard line styling completely. The Caribbean was offered in either two or three-tone paint patterns. The old Packard Senior body was transformed into a suave, contemporary design by designer Richard Teague. Packard's torsions level suspension went to the Caribbean and the single hood scoop was split into two units. For this year a total of 500 units were produced.

The final full-sized Packard built, the 1956 Packard Caribbean was built as well as the lushest and modern car in the 1956 lineup. The final year for the Caribbean, 1956 brought about the model being broken into its very own luxury series. A hardtop model was added to the lineup. Only slight updates were made between the two model years to differentiate the models and they included trim updates and grille texture changes. The grille now matched the one found on the concurrent Patricians while the rear treatment that featured Packard's cathedral style taillights resumed.

New this year, the headlights adopted much more exaggerated hoods. For 1956 a total of 263 hardtops and 276 convertibles were produced. Only 10 exclusive convertible models were equipped with air conditioning from the factory. The 1956 model sold new for $5,995, which was the most expensive model Packard produced this year. It was available in the original colors of Dover White, Maltese Gray, and Scottish Heather. New features this year included twin traction differential with limited slip designed for all weather conditions. Additional new safety features included wrap-around parking and taillights, side marker lights, and automatic torsion leveling system for optimal nighttime visibility.

The 1956 model featured a huge 374-cubic inch V8 engine with an impressive 310 horsepower rating. Extravagant standard features included gold-tone 'Caribbean' scripts, power windows, Ultra-Matic automatic transmission with push-button controls, and a Wonderbar radio. Additional features included novel reversible seat cushions with brocade on one side and leather on the other.

Unfortunately, Packard was facing deep financial troubles with drowning sales. Packard's Detroit assembly and engineering operations production ended and the Caribbean model was discontinued. Despite all of the financial troubles surrounding the Packard line, the exquisite Caribbean Convertible has remained the unblemished queen of the marques line.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packard_Caribbean

by Jessican Donaldson