It seems whenever I find a Packard for sale, it’s either beautifully restored and/or in excellently maintained original condition or…pretty much a wreck. Today’s find, courtesy of T.J., is an in-betweeny, it’s a project but it’s not bad as in the major stuff is covered but it will need aesthetics and finishing. This one-of-400 Caribbean convertibles, dating to 1954, calls Grass Valley, California home and I would suggest that it’s worth a closer look.
The exterior, including the two-tone finish, chrome, and stainless trim – the parts that aren’t missing (wheel arches and rocker panels), present well. The metalwork appears to be rust-free but an on-site inspection is always recommended. Perhaps most noticeable is the missing continental spare tire and cover. Another potentially missing item is the centers for the distinctive wire wheels. How difficult it may be to source all of these items is unknown. And, of course, the folding top fabric is lost to the ages though the mechanical frame operation is said to be functioning.
Under the hood is a 212 gross HP, 359 CI, flathead, in-line eight-cylinder engine coupled to a two-speed “Ultramatic” automatic transmission. The engine is non-operative but said to turn free. What’s wrong with it hasn’t been disclosed. Some will say that Packard’s reliance on a flat-head, in-line eight-cylinder engine, well into the ’50s helped with the company’s demise but their woes ultimately extended beyond just engine architecture.
We’re told that the interior needs to be restored but to what extent is again, an unknown. The backward-facing front seat gives some indication of what’s going on but other things such as the upholstery condition, wiring, instrument panel, etc., and potentially missing components are not referenced.
Packard was only four years away from non-existence when this Caribbean rolled off of their Concord Street assembly plant in Detroit. The year 1954 saw Packard’s acquisition of Studebaker and their final 1958 model would be nothing more than a rebadged Studebaker President – an inglorious end to one of Detroit’s most famous and desirable marques. Sure, we want to save them all but that’s not always a viable undertaking. This one, however, seems to have good bones. If you’re interested in learning more about the rare Caribbean convertible, you’ll find it here on craigslist where it’s available for $10,000. The listing is a bit light for what this car is, specifically considering its current condition, so a further inquiry is probably warranted. And, you can always “Ask the man who owns one”, right?
Rare? I have NEVER seen one. I hope some Packard lover saves it.
Well, this IS a toughie! Finding the missing rear bumper and other items for such a rare car could be a huge challenge. I suppose Packard aficionados might have some clues. The sad extinction of massive junk yards doesn’t help. This car will never go out of style – what we can see looks very decent -, and plunking $10K sounds so enticing to begin the slow rebuild. What a machine when finished, and a centerpiece at any show!!
Check out Auto Parts City in Illinois. They have a dozen Packards for sale.
Did we see this one last month ?
No.
JO
Drinks are on me! Beautiful Bahama Baby!
the rarity and the value of this car is obvious without question, but the bigger question is how much will have to be invested to bring this back to show quality ?? Most people will not be able to afford to complete this project- considering what would have to be spent versus just buying a complete running convertible , plus many other factors is the transmission in working order, how about the front end ? Brakes ? electrics? it is scary to buy a vehicle like this because you are really taking a chance for example the Packard transmissions are problematic and expensive to rebuild for just a two speed transmission
I bet our resident Packard expert Bill McCoskey could direct a person to any parts they’d need.
(Although we haven’t heard from him in quite some time)