For Sale: 1953 Packard Caribbean in Saint Louis, Missouri

In the early 1950s, Packard was facing a bit of an image problem. Packard's notoriously conservative board had served the company well during the great depression, but bold moves were needed if they wanted to remain on par with Cadillac. For 1953, General Motors had just announced a trio of 'factory custom' halo models, bringing the glitz and glamor of Motorama to dealer showroom floors. The arrival of the striking Oldsmobile Fiesta, Buick Skylark, and Cadillac Eldorado had put Packard on notice.
In response, Packard introduced the limited-production Caribbean mid-way through 1953. Aimed squarely at the Eldorado, the Caribbean was based on the was based on the 8-cylinder 300 Cavalier chassis, but featured unique sheet metal designed by Dick Teague, inspired by the 1952 Pan American show car. Packard shipped standard bodies to Mitchell-Bentley in Iona, Michigan for transformation into Caribbeans. The slab-sided styling featured fully cut out and subtly flared wheel arches, a leaded-in hood scoop, and a notable lack of excessive chrome trim. Its understated character was the antithesis of the flashy Cadillac, yet it still had a sense of elegance and presence that made it a proper Packard. Leather upholstery, luxury equipment, and the powerful 8-cylinder engine all went to justifying the $5,210 base price - before options. Arriving late in the year, Caribbean production was limited to just 750 cars, ensuring exclusivity for Packard's clients then, and for collectors today.
Finished in the factory offered shade of Maroon Metallic with a white vinyl top, this 1953 Caribbean is a marvelously attractive example of Packard's style-leader. Wearing a nicely maintained older restoration, it is finished to a standard that embodies the elegance and beauty of Packard's rare and sporty halo car. This car is equipped with options including the Ultramatic transmission, factory radio, wire wheels (shod with wide whitewall radials) and a continental rear spare wheel. The body exhibits excellent panel fit and paint finish quality, with chrome and brightwork restored to a similarly high level. The interior is beautifully appointed in factory-correct maroon and white leather, which corresponds to the trim tag code, and is wonderfully presented in excellent condition. Attesting to the quality of the restoration, this car was awarded "Circle of Champions" status at the 2016 Packard International Motor Car Club southern California meet.
Packard's venerable L-head inline eight-cylinder engine displaces 327 cubic inches in the Caribbean. Equipped with the four-barrel carburetor, it was rated at 180 horsepower, with a veritable ocean of torque and the signature refinement of a big Packard straight-eight. This car's engine bay is tidy and well detailed overall, with authentic touches befitting an honest, usable car.
A wonderfully presented example ideal for club events and effortless top-down touring, this beautiful Packard Carribbean is a fine representation of what some consider the 'last true Packard' - offering the sort of exclusivity, engineering excellence, and sophistication that define Packard's enduring legacy.

Offers welcome and trades considered.