Packard made magnificent automobiles at one time. But their image was such that the cars were stodgy and built for old people. So, they created a “halo” car in 1953 to help change the image, the Caribbean. It was only offered as a convertible, though a hardtop was added in 1956 (the last year). Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, this restored (we think) 1955 Caribbean is a thing of beauty and is being sold out of a Packard collection. This majestic machine is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $69,500. Another fine tip brought to us by “Zappenduster”.
Packard and Studebaker didn’t merge until 1954, so most (if not all) Caribbeans had no Studebaker influence. The Caribbean’s look was based on a 1952 show car, the Pan American Packard. The car was both luxurious and sporty in appearance (as sporty as a big car can be). And they were expensive vehicles for the day ($6,000 then or $75,000 today). Production quantities were never large, and for 1955, just 500 Caribbean convertibles were built. The last Caribbean and non-Studebaker car was assembled in 1956.
The seller misses the boat by not providing a photo of the engine compartment. There should lie a 352 cubic inch OHV V8 there that was rated at 275 hp (it would be outdone in 1956 with 374 CI and 310 hp). A 2-speed Ultramatic transmission should also be part of the package, which we’re told has 60,000 miles. The seller confirms that the big automobile is in excellent condition and sports a brand-new leather interior. That contrasts nicely with the white paint and silver accents.
Since this car is from a collection, it would be interesting to know more about said group. But to some folks, a collection can be anything greater than two in number. Not much else is said about the car other than it’s well-documented. Kind of surprised a car of this caliber isn’t marketed on Hemmings or Hagerty rather than freebie Facebook. But it’s still a thing of beauty!
What a gorgeous car!
This thing just oozes luxury, I’d think anyone would be thrilled to have it, though I’m not sure how many buyers are out there for $70k.
Good luck with the sale and I hope some lucky person buys it.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – the market for these cars continues to shrink each and every single day with “boomers” dying off and interest in this segment of the collector market simply waning. This is a first or second day vehicle at Barrett Jackson if they were serious about selling it or – as you mentioned in your excellent piece – either for sale via Hemings or Hagerty – and not for the average “consumers” on FB Marketplace.
Still a beautiful car from a bygone era that unfortunately will be a difficult sell even if they decide to drop the price. I wish them luck with the sale.
The only reason the seller will have a hard time moving this one is because they are asking more than market value. The ones that we have featured that were priced right sold immediately.