Vehicle Description
1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible
The Packard Caribbean was a personal luxury car produced by the
Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan, during model years
1953 through 1956. Some of the Caribbean's styling was derived from
the Pan American Packard show car of the previous year.
For consignment and based on the Packard Cavalier convertible. A
continental kit, extra chrome and stainless, a wonderful leather
interior, and a high-output 180 horsepower version of their 327
cubic inch straight-8. These automobiles were hand-built by the
Mitchell-Bentley Corp. in Ionia, Michigan and they only made 750
unit's total. So, we have a somewhat rare bird that was more
expensive in the day then a Caddy!
Exterior
Leading the way is a large chrome waterfall grille with wide lines
and a large bumper below, all nicely preserved and possessing a
great sparkle. This is in contrast to the maroon exterior paint,
which is definitely the deep end of the pool. Straight steel and
well minded gaps abound and plenty of extra trimming for the wheel
wells and rockers adds a touch of class. A pristine white
convertible top is showing well and has a clear plastic rear
window. A continental rear spare tire kit is floating above another
large chromed double rear bumper and flanked by round taillights
which are inserted in tubular formed steel on each rear quarter. A
chromed "fin" tops the rear fenders and adds just a bit more
richness to an already tasty car. On all 4 corners are beautifully
preserved wire wheels and Packard badged center hubs, all wrapped
in wide whites. Class amongst the competition who were deeply
imbedded in the beginnings of the "fin era".
Interior
The two tone maroon and white leather interior is all stitched and
presenting very nicely. On the doors we see some power window
toggles and nicely preserved handles in a mostly maroon smooth
panel. Upfront the dash is definitely Packard with a trio of round
gauges and plenty of shiny chromed accessories within a maroon dash
front field. More big chrome for the radio surrounds and temp
sliders. An ivory bakelite steering wheel shows nicely with no
cracking and the horn ring looks original. Aftermarket A/C hangs
from the bottom of the dash in the center and an extra Burgess Oil
pressure gauge has been neatly inserted into the dash. Deep pile
maroon carpeting floods the floors and is in good condition. Also,
a shout to the underside of the convertible which is in black and
has a shiny frame to support it.
Drivetrain
Smooth and surprisingly powerful 327 cubic inch straight-8 was used
in 1953 and is a great runner. A 4 bbl Carter carburetor is feeding
this straight 8. Packard's "UltraMatic" 2-speed automatic
transmission is on back. Gray engine enamel and plenty of shiny
black painted add ons abound in this freshly restored Caribbean,
looking just showroom in its appearance on our stage. Noted the
rear axle is a designated 3.54 designation.
Undercarriage
Underneath this big automobile as it looms above on our lift, we
see the chassis is coated in a layer of black undercoating. Some
patina but obviously well cared for and rarely driven in bad
weather. Independent coil springs for the front, and leaf springs
for the rear provide the ride, and drum brakes on all 4's stop this
car on a dime.
Drive-Ability
Slipping inside this classy car, we fired it right up and it can
best be described as not enough o's in smoooooooth as for the
driving experience. Acceleration is snappy for this big piece of
iron and the brakes worked well.
A great looker, and definitely a big touch of class that was to
give Caddy a run for their money. Nicely restored, and a beautiful
performer right out of the Packard play book. Have a look for
yourself and you too will be impressed.
PAINT CODE KO-Galahad Green, Orchard Green
TRIM 82-Dark & Light Green Nylon
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.