The Caribbean was Packard’s top-of-the-line automobile and served as the company’s “halo car” from 1953 to 1956. Except for the last year, the Caribbean was only offered as a convertible. The 1955 models were heavily restyled and were perhaps some of the best-looking vehicles of the 1950s (IMO). This ’55 edition needs a full restoration and wears black and red paint with a red interior. Located in a garage in Alhambra, California, this once stately automobile is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $20,000.
1955 Caribbeans had an all-new 352 cubic inch OHV V8 that produced 275 hp. The new engine was committed before the Studebaker-Packard merger in 1954, which, ironically, would seal the Caribbean’s fate after 1956. In 1957 and 1958, all Packards were rebadged Studebakers that the dealers and buying public did not take to. The merged company was losing money left and right, so the Packard brand was retired in ’58. Sources indicate that 500 Caribbeans were produced in 1955, while the seller says 220. Either way, it was a small universe.
The seller’s car has been on the market for several months, so the totality of the project may not be attractive to buyers at the asking price. The car has fewer than 45,000 miles, but there’s no indication of authenticity. We’ve seen several 1955-56 Caribbeans here on Barn Finds, but this is the first one in this color combination. Is it complete? We don’t know, but the convertible top material is long gone.
We don’t see an abundance of rust to scare folks away, and the interior will need an extreme makeover. It’s doubtful that the engine is ready to run, and we see that the radiator cap is missing, suggesting the car is void of coolant. This is a rare car that would be impressive once restored, but it will take a lot of time and money to get there. Another great tip from “Zappenduster”!
Someone replaced the original dual quad manifold, or the engine.
Didn’t these models have that funky torsion bar suspension that leveled itself as you were driving along? Felt really weird.
If you go in the FB ad, it shows an underside shot. It does look lie it has the torsion bars.
Rare? This is the 3rd one this week.
These days, there are probably a lot of family decisions being made about the old Packard out back.
You got that right! I sold my mom and dads 55 clipper custom constellation to put a lift in my shed.
I have seen these cars restored and they are beautiful BUT… where is that original manifold/carb? The Packard V8 is a jewel, a very heavy jewel, but beautiful to behold and listen to.
20k to play another 75k at least to get it looking decent. you would really have to want this car to dive that deep. looks pretty hurt for sure.
Facebook Marketplace. That’s funny. This is one strictly for the Packard Owners Club classified section and that’s about the extent of the buyer pool, as a parts car.
Otherwise, the parts you’d need don’t exist.
You’d definitely need someone who knows their way around these, that’s for sure. The pool of those interested is dwindling quickly.
Ain’t no parts car, that’s delusional..
This Packard has good possibilities. It would not take as big a checkbook as the two that were here about 2-3 weeks ago. Again a lot of “if’s”: is the engine free, the frame OK, ETC.
These sellers are on some killer weed.
Great parts car. 1500 max.
Folks were infected with the “any piece of non running junk in my yard is worth 20k.
Hank I believe you to be one of those people who believe the cars you own are valuable but the one someone else owns is junk and without value. Lol
God Bless America
Agree on that…..
My father had a tan ‘55 Packard 400 sedan. I must agree with Hank K. There appears to be little market for these land yachts, and probably equally as few sources for parts. Hard pass.
I’m a bit contrary. I was surprised to see what appears to be an unrestored yet reasonably intact Caribbean surviving. I realize the the time period of the usual antique market, that of empty nesters fixating on the dream cars of their youth has long gone west for this car. However Packard a well respected name and the 55-56 Packards were the last attempt at true post war greatness. In a sense they are the only real postwar Packards. Its Cars and Coffee days are long past but there will always be a market for discerning collectors and investors for this particular car.
Kim, I’d disagree that there will always be a market for this car, but I’m not sure if you mean the car in this ad, or 55-56 Packards in general.
For the car in the ad, I doubt that there is always a market. There may not even be a market for this one, right now. The parts to fix it probably don’t exist or are hard to find if they do.
This car itself is now a parts car and there are only a handful of people who need it and can or want to deal with it. They’d have to get it from where it is to where they are, then store it properly. That alone is a big ask.
The individuals who can deal with a car like this, with the facility, the tools, the expertise, and the desire, are fading out of the active car scene. Their properties are being sold, their tools and inventory liquidated.
For 55-56 Packards in general, it’s a dead nameplate with a diminishing awareness. These were the last of them, and these are not the 12 cylinder classics from the 1930s. These ones are the last gasps.
Well-maintained examples will continue to trade among the Packard Owners Club, and that’s about it. Even there, it might be hard to find buyers who will part with cash money to get one, since the members of the interested buyer pool probably already have one.
At that point, it comes down to family inheritance or gifting them to interested individuals who will keep them running.
Spray ckear and drive to Back to the Fifties in Minnesota next month.
Too bad the intake manifold was swapped. It will very hard to find a 1955 dual quad intake with carbs and the correct air filter assembly.
A running and driving 55 Packard is worth $10k IMHO. Caribbeans are big money in great condition. This Caribbean is one needy ride