1953 was the year that several automakers introduced elegant, full-sized luxury convertibles that featured both low-production and very high-prices. Some had fun and exotic names such as Fiesta, Eldorado, and in Packard’s case, Caribbean. I guess Packard figured that the beautiful Caribbean Sea with its warm tropical islands, sandy beaches, and warm breezes conjured up the perfect mental image location for their flagship convertible. Only a scant 750 were built and priced at over $5,200 dollars (a thousand dollars more than the average U.S. household income), the Caribbean was $1,400 higher than a Cadillac convertible. Here’s one of those 750 that is currently in a state of “stalled restoration.” The seller doesn’t say when the restoration started (and stopped), but the body work’s been done and the Packard will need paint, a new interior, a new top, and new wire wheels. Currently residing in Forest Falls, California in a 19-foot Apache trailer (that is also for sale for $10,000), this Caribbean Convertible project is listed here on craigslist for $35,000. Another shout out to numskal for sending this old proud Packard our way.

Based on their 1952 Pan American convertible show car, Packard’s flagship convertible was basically a Packard Cavalier body that was modified by the Mitchell-Bentley Corporation in Ionia, Michigan. Those visual modifications included a low, full-width hood scoop, horizontal instead of vertical taillights, fishtail rear fenders, all side trim removed (chrome was limited to bands along the car’s bottom and wheel openings), and its distinctive full-rear wheel cutouts. Although a few special-order Caribbeans left the factory in Ivory or Black, the “advertised” paint choices were limited to only four: Polaris Blue, Gulf Green Metallic, Matador Red Metallic and Sahara Sand. Based on the instrument panel, this one appears to be in Matador Red Metallic which, along with a white convertible top, chrome wire wheels and a continental kit, would make for one stunning red ride when restoration is finished.

In the new department, the seller’s list includes a new windshield, rubber, wire harness, and fuel tank. All the chrome has been redone and the Caribbean’s clock and radio have been rebuilt. The car’s motor, a 180-horsepower, 327-cubic inch straight-eight, along with the optional 2-speed Ultramatic automatic transmission, were “rebuilt previously” and the seller states the Packard was running before restoration started.

So, what do you think? The seller says he’s put $95k into the restoration so far, and it’ll still take quite a bit of moolah to get this project over the finish line. I’m hoping the right buyer is out there who is willing to finish this restoration. If you’ve ever seen one of these ’53 Caribbeans up-close-and personal, they’re beautifully elegant automobiles and well worthy of preserving.