Vehicle Description
Style in the 1950s was abundant; a time when real design studio
ideas found their way to the end product. The Packard Caribbean was
introduced in 1953 as the top-of-the-line convertible model, built
exclusively in limited quantities, fully optioned, and expensive!
If you passed on a Cadillac Eldorado, it would cost you $1200 more
to own the mighty Packard instead. Only 750 were made the first
year, with fewer each year thereafter. Late to adopt the V8
architecture under the hood, Packard introduced their 352ci OHV V8
in 1955 fitted with dual 4-barrel carburetion good for 275
horsepower! Again, all power options were standard on the Caribbean
with a new electronically controlled, self-leveling front & rear
torsion bar suspension system introduced, along with new tri-color
exterior paint schemes. Only air conditioning would be optional.
For their final year of production in 1956, engine size grew again,
now to 374ci to produce 310 horsepower/405 lb. ft. of torque,
making it one of the most powerful production cars of that year!
Unique to these final year examples also include a combination
leather/cloth reversible seat cushions adding a level of adjustable
comfort for any climate or just personal preference.
We are pleased to offer this final year 1956 Packard Caribbean
Convertible finished in Dover White, Naples Orange, and Corsican
Black tri-tone exterior with matching White, Black, and Vermillion
combination leather & cloth interior! Power comes from its original
374ci 2x4bbl V8 producing 310 horsepower and 405 lb. ft. of torque
mated to an electronic pushbutton Ultramatic transmission and 3.31
Twin-Traction rear end! An impressive combination of power that
also included a long list of luxury appointments. This included
Torsion-Level self-leveling suspension, power windows, power seat,
power folding top, power steering, Easomatic power brakes, chrome
15" wire spoke wheels wrapped in wide whitewall radial tires
measuring 235/75R15, rear fender skirts, windshield washers, glare
proof rearview mirror, all tinted glass, reverse lights, and more!
Unique to this model is the reversible seating upholstery. One side
is finished in leather for the luxury feel when you want, and the
opposite side in cloth for added comfort on hot summer days with
the top down. Simply unsnap the cushion and flip them around as you
wish. Only 276 Caribbeans would be produced in 1956, marking the
final year you could purchase a Packard convertible.
Our example has seen a comprehensive frame-up restoration to both
interior and exterior cosmetics. This included new professionally
applied exterior paint, re-chromed trim, all new weather stripping,
all new interior upholstery, carpet, & convertible top with proper
headliner with matching boot cover when the top is down. Under
former ownership, it received impeccable care with a new, complete
engine gasket set installed along with a professional valve job,
new motor mounts, fresh timing chain, spark plug/plug wires, and
carburetor tuning; new hydraulic rams for the convertible top; and
new whitewall tires installed in 2020.
This vehicle retains an original December 1st, 1955 date-casted
engine block with correct #56991198 ID stamping, matching heads,
oil bath oil cleaners, chrome valve covers, and proper GM Rochester
4-Jet carburetors (7009600-front/ 7009601-rear), and original tags
on the rear axle. It was restored professionally and continues to
operate wonderfully, including the self-leveling suspension. We
would only mention the original dash clock & Am radio remain
non-functional at this time (one antenna works). It is a stunning
car in every respect and equally wonderful driver & show car. We
invite any prospective collector to call with questions. Prices of
these cars have seen incredible highs in years past and we feel now
is the time to act if you are an avid collector of rare & hard to
find 1950s luxury cars. These do not come on the market very often.
Thanks for looking!
