For Sale: 1955 Packard Caribbean in Fredericksburg, Virginia

1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible: A Rarity

One of only 500 made, all one needs to do is listen (if you can hear it) to this Packard’s engine to know why our ’55 Caribbean convertible was one of America’s premier cars.  Quiet running, smartly styled, elegant interior, smooth to drive:  that’s what made them “the car of choice” of the rich and famous.

Restored and Pampered

This 1955 Caribbean convertible was treated to a frame-off restoration in the ‘90s that had every mechanical part rebuilt; and it looks and drives like it was done yesterday. And its most recent owner (the 3rd since new)  continued to upgrade this classic during her 17 years of ownership:   

• • Rebuild of original engine with a recent timing chain upgrade
  • Replacement of original Rochester carburetors with new Hollys (original carbs will transfer to new owner)
  • Automatic transmission upgraded with rebuilt 1956 unit
  • Upgrade of load leveler to 1956 version
  • Replacement of the convertible top
  • Pertronix ignition installation
  • Recent tires

Excellent from Top to Bottom

• Paint and Body

The re-spray of this Packard in its original tri-color format (white, sapphire, blue) makes it look almost as nice it did when the car was at the Packard dealership in 1955.    The vibrant color combination was unique to these Packard convertibles.

The chrome trim (bumpers, grill, etc.) is all in excellent condition, setting off the stateliness of the car.

The underside of this Packard appears solid and sound.

The recent replacement white convertible top is in excellent condition as is the rear window.  The electric top raising/lowering mechanism works properly.

• Interior

The white leather interior with blue trim is clean with some patina of the front seat as one would expect from 17 years of light use. The dash, door panels and carpeting are in very good condition.

The safety features (lights, wipers, horn, turn signals) all appear to work properly.

• Engine

The 352 Packard V-8 cylinder engine was rebuilt and has had a replacement timing chain recently installed.  The original pair of Rochester 4-barrel carburetors were retired in favor of twin Hollys (but the original carburetors will transfer to the buyer).  At the touch of the starter the engine comes to life and the 275 hp V-8 provides plenty of power to make driving this luxury convertible an enjoyable experience. 

• Transmission

The upgrade to the 1956 version of the Caribbean’s automatic transmission works smoothly and properly.

• Brakes

The power braking system on the Packard brings it to a quick halt without pulling from side to side.

• Luxury and other features

This Packard will please the most discerning buyer:

• Beautiful tri-color [white, light blue, sapphire (dark blue)] paint
• Power convertible top with clear rear window
• White/blue leather interior
• Original working radio
• Power: steering, brakes, windows, seat, antennas
• Upgraded transmission and Load-Leveling system
• Fender skirts
• Wide whitewall tires

• Books, Manuals, Showroom binder

Owned by a true Packard enthusiast, this car also will be sold with hard-to-find extras:

• • An original owner’s manual
  • An original shop manual
  • An original Packard showroom leather ordering binder (very rare)
  • Some pictures of the frame-off restoration in progress
  • Almost 20 years of records/receipts

A Great Example of Packard’s Top-of-the-Line Convertible

There is one word that can best describe this 1955 convertible: WOW! Great paint, very nice upholstery, rebuilt engine and transmission:  all of which make this classic Packard Caribbean an enjoyable car to drive as well as a sound investment.  And with only 500 built in 1955, you’ll be in exclusive company!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT: 540-370-4474