This 1953 Packard Caribbean convertible is one of 750 examples
produced for the model year and underwent a refurbishment prior to
being purchased in 2019 by its previous owner, who then
commissioned a mechanical refresh. Finished in Matador Maroon over
maroon and white leather, the car is powered by a 327ci
inline-eight that breathes through a Carter four-barrel carburetor
and is mated to a two-speed Ultramatic automatic transmission.
Additional features include power-assisted drum brakes, power
steering, a Continental-style spare tire, a hydraulically assisted
white convertible top, and a push-button AM radio. This Caribbean
was purchased by its current owner in 2022 and is now offered on
consignment on behalf of the owners estate, with owners manuals,
invoices dating back to 2019, a custom car cover, and a clean
Tennessee title. The Caribbean was based on the Pan-American
concept car of 1952. Packard 2631 Series bodies were sent from
Detroit to the Mitchell-Bentley Corporation of Ionia, Michigan, for
modifications including a hood scoop, chrome beltline and rocker
trim, quad horizontal taillights with fishtail rear fender
treatments, a Continental-style spare wheel in a body-color cover,
and enlarged wheel openings with chrome trim and
1953-model-year-only radiused rear wheel arches. This example is
finished in maroon and was refurbished under previous ownership.
Features include chrome bumpers, a fender-mounted antenna, dual
side mirrors, and a white convertible top that is operated via a
hydraulic pump that was replaced during a refresh performed in
preparation for the sale. The selling dealer notes that the
driver-side window drops down over time, and the
spare-wheel-carrier release button is not installed. The 15 chrome
wire wheels wear Packard center caps and are mounted with General
wide-whitewall tires, while a matching spare is mounted under a
steel body-color cover at the rear of the car. Stopping is handled
by power-assisted Easamatic four-wheel drum brakes that were
refreshed between 2019 and 2020 with work including a rebuild of
the Treadlvac unit and replacement of the rear wheel cylinders. The
cabin is trimmed in maroon and white leather over front and rear
bench seats with matching trim over the door panels and rear side
panels. Additional features include maroon carpeting, hydraulically
operated power windows, a lockable glovebox, a heater, and a
push-button radio. The heater control valve was replaced in 2021.
Scratches are noted in the finish near the instrument cluster. The
ivory-color two-spoke steering wheel frames an engine-turned
instrument panel housing a 110-mph speedometer, gauges for fuel
level and coolant temperature, and a clock. The five-digit odometer
shows 53k miles, approximately 50 of which were added under current
ownership. The speedometer was rebuilt in 2020, at which time the
clock was repaired. The 327ci Thunderbolt straight-eight features a
Carter four-barrel carburetor and was factory rated at 180
horsepower. The carburetor was rebuilt during the refresh performed
between 2019 and 2020, which also included the replacement of the
fuel pump. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a two-speed
Ultramatic automatic transmission that was overhauled in 2020. The
coil-sprung independent suspension and steering system were
refreshed between 2019 and 2020. For more information and details,
please call or text Harry Clark at 1.602.245.7200 or email us at
[email protected]. The Packard is available for inspection
at our showroom in Phoenix. We are pleased to coordinate
inspections, and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also
have financing partners if you are interested in financing.
