1956 Packard Caribbean in Youngville, North Carolina

It is ironic and unfortunate that Packard slipped into oblivion in 1956, just as the company introduced what were its best post-war models. By this time, all Packards featured the innovative front and rear Torsion-Level suspension system, which automatically leveled the car to suit the road surface, making the company's products some of the smoothest-riding and best-handling full-size automobiles of the era. Under the hood were modern overhead-valve V-8 engines, as well as the Ultramatic transmission, which featured a locking torque converter to approximate the economy and performance of a manual gearbox and had by 1955 been updated with the ability to start in either high or low gear ranges. These mechanical advancements were blended with fresh, modern lines penned by chief stylist Richard Teague.

Leading the Packard lineup was the luxe Caribbean convertible, equipped with a 275-horsepower, 352-cubic-inch V-8 featuring dual four-barrel carburetors and topped by the iconic "batwing" air cleaner. Unique features of the Caribbean included standard three-tone color schemes, a full leather interior, a striking ultra-deluxe dashboard layout with a gold-tone textured insert and two-tone steering wheel. For 1956, the engine was enlarged to 374 cubic inches and was rated at 310 horsepower. Additionally, the cars featured the heavily revised, push-button Ultramatic Drive transmission. Sadly, the 1956 Caribbean was the final convertible ever built by Packard before the company entered liquidation during the summer of 1958.

Offered here is one of the most famous post-war Packards, a factory triple-white Caribbean aptly named "The White Cloud" in Packard Club enthusiast circles. Benefiting from one of the rarest and desirable suites of factory options, The White Cloud was specified new with a push-button automatic transmission, Solex tinted windshield, Power Lock differential, chromium-plated wire wheels, and a Dover White exterior over all-white leather upholstery beneath a black convertible top. This famous Caribbean also features all available power options, including rear-mounted, dual, and synchronized power antennas.

The White Cloud was delivered new to Gulfstream Motors in Palm Beach, Florida, and was owned for many years by the noted Packard enthusiast Edwin Jones. While under his care, this Packard was treated to a complete concours-quality restoration of evidently high quality and authenticity, and afterward it continued a schedule of regular exhibition at Packard Club events.

More recently, The White Cloud's previous owner-a passionate collector of Packard automobiles-exported it to Norway and treated it to the complete restoration which it wears today within his own personal restoration facility. The consignor reports that all the OEM and NOS parts for this monumental undertaking were purchased directly from respected Packard authorities Fred Bruner and Max Merritt, and that absolutely everything on this important post-war Packard was entirely rebuilt and renewed. Wherever possible, original parts were retained, reconditioned, or restored by the owner's team of in-house specialists.

The Caribbean has some of the finest road manners of any full-sized model of its era. This notable and beautifully presented example is due to be highly sought after by collectors of fine, mid-century American automobiles.

"The White Cloud," one of the best-known and widely exhibited post-war Packards
The rarest and most desirable year for the Caribbean; number 84 of only 276 convertibles produced for 1956
Ultra-rare factory color combination of Dover White with all-white leather interior and black convertible top
Wonderfully authentic appearance throughout; benefits from a fantastic restoration to factory specifications
Packard's last great automobile