Rare Vintage Antique Car Classic Milestone 1950s Convertible Luxury Auto 88+pics

1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible Additional Info:

OVERVIEW:This 1953 Packard Caribbean in Polaris Blue has been the subject of a complete, professional, no expense spared body-off restoration.The Packard Caribbean was a limited production, factory customized model based on the Pan-American show car, which made its debut at the New York Auto Show in 1952. It was introduced in January 1953 to compete with the 1953 GM Autorama cars, namely the Cadillac Eldorado, the Buick Skylark, and the Olds Fiesta.The custom body modifications were done by Mitchell-Bentley Corp. of Ionia, Michigan.
Only 750 Caribbeans were built in 1953 and the model only ran 4 years, ending in 1956. These cars were the choice of many celebrities of the day, including Charlton Heston, Rocky Marciano, Janet Leigh and other well-to-do buyers, and represented the pinnacle of Packard offerings. In addition to its sleek and sporty styling, the Caribbean of course carried the well known quality and superior engineering that was Packard’s hallmark, causing it to be referred to as the American Rolls Royce.‘Ask the Man Who Owns One!’It is recognized as a Certified Milestone Car by the Milestone Car Society.

Body-off restoration of this car began in 2001 and was completed in 2018, with every piece and component either new or restored to a high level and nicely detailed.With just over 600 miles driven since completion, it remains very fresh and functional in all respects with no notable issues.Upholstered in fine quality leather, the only deviations from factory delivery were the owners preference for a tan canvas top as opposed to white vinyl, and radial tires.

ID tag on the left door hinge pillar gives the serial number as 2678 2536, no paint or trim code is given on the tag, but this was the original color prior to restoration. The car has a correct L-head straight eight 327 ci. Thunderbolt engine, with optional Ultramatic transmission. Also equipped with power steering and brakes, hydraulic power windows, seat, and top, as well as the standard continental kit.

This listing provides many more details as you scroll thru.Near the end of this listing under Payment Terms you will also find a link to a photo album of over 260 pics which include restoration details.

DRIVETRAIN:The 327 ci. straight eight L-head Thunderbolt engine is factory rated at 180 hp. and fueled by Carter’s first 4 bbl. carburetor, both professionally rebuilt. The engine starts well, runs smooth and quiet as Packards do, with no smoke.All other mechanical components on and around the engine are correct, NOS, new or restored, and functional.Fuel and cooling systems fully restored, no overheating issues.The oil has just been changed after its 600 mile trouble free break-in.

The Ultramatic 2 speed automatic transmission was rebuilt by a specialist and former owner of a National Transmission shop, it shifts as it should.The 3.54:1 rear differential was fully restored with all new bearings and seals and runs quiet.There are no signs of any leaks beyond perhaps the usual sweat drop.

CHASSIS:Caribbeans ride on a 122” wheelbase, and with length just over 220 inches, had a shipping weight of 4,265 lbs.Caribbean frames were also beefed up with the addition of 1/4" thick steel plates welded to the undersides of the side frame rails, running from just back of the engine to the forward rear spring hangers.This very solid frame was sandblasted and powder coated semi-gloss black, along with the majority of chassis and suspension parts. Everything properly restored with new or NOS parts, appearing as it should, clean and tidy with only a bit of road dust from its recent miles.Extensive detailing with original specialty fasteners and hardware restored and cadmium or zinc plated.

Both power steering and power brake systems fully and professionally restored. All new lines and hoses throughout, detailed hardware.Complete new aluminized exhaust system.

The tires are a matched set of 5 American Classic 8.00R15 wide white wall radials. They are mounted on 5 new chrome spoke wire wheels sporting new reproduction Packard script center caps.

BODY & PAINT:The Cavalier convertible body was Packard’s choice for the body modifications to be performed by Mitchell-Bentley Corp. in the production of the Caribbean. The extensive modifications, which were based on the non-production 1952 Pan American show car, included the following: - a functional full-width hood scoop - deletion of all side stainless trim- addition of custom chrome trim plates below belt line on doors and quarters with colorful Packard crest emblems - enlarged radius cut out of rear quarter wheel openings for a lower look - the addition of flared chrome wheel opening moldings at all 4 wheels with full length stainless rocker moldings in between- extending quarter panel length by grafting on ‘fishtail’ extensions from senior models, thereby allowing introduction of a continental spare wheel and tire

These mods were much along the lines of similar modifications performed on the 1953 Skylarks and Eldorados, which were the competitive offerings from GM.

The body of this car was mounted on a rotisserie and totally stripped to bare metal, along with all other sheet metal such as hood, fenders, doors and trunk lid.Any and all rust issues were addressed with proper metal replacement, and repair panels were all custom fabricated to match original stampings.The body mounts, rockers, floor and trunk pans are all very solid and clean.All old lead used in the mods on the hood and quarters was melted out, metal cleaned and repaired as required, and new lead paddled back in just as it was done in 1953. This work was photo documented.

This car is painted in its original Polaris Blue color, considered by many to be the most appealing of the five colors offered on the ’53 Caribbean. It was done in quality acrylic enamel in order to display the correct period luster, which is lost with base/clear paint finishes.The finish is smooth and shiny, and befits the car. It is free of any road rash, stone chips or scratches.

Body color was applied only after the Mitchell-Bentley body mods, and since bodies were already chassis mounted, all Caribbean firewalls were painted black from the hood seal down when they left the Packard plant, not body color.

ELECTRICAL & HYDRAULICS:The car retains original 6-volt positive ground electricals.All new original style wiring harnesses from YnZ.All gauges in nice condition and working order, except the clock seems to have changed its mind.Vacuum wipers in working condition.

The original signal seeking AM radio was professionally restored and is in good working order.Equipped with an internally controlled power antenna.

All exterior lights in working order, all lenses in nice condition.Equipped with dual back-up lights and signal lights. The top, all windows, and front seat are hydraulic powered.The hydraulic pump and reservoir are mounted on the driver side firewall in the engine bay, with the control valve mounted under the dash above the steering column.All components rebuilt or new from Hydro-Electric, including all window, seat, and top cylinders. All new hydraulic lines and hoses.

INTERIOR:The interior upholstery complements the car nicely. The seats are finest leather, soft, luxurious and comfortable.Seat belts for 2 front occupants have been installed, matching belts for 3 rear seat passengers are included but not installed.Quality matching vinyl trims the door and side panels, wind lacing and sun visors.The interior and trunk are fully carpeted, and it has new aluminum sill plates.

Nicely painted dash, new glove box liner.Nicely restored steering wheel with no cracks sporting an NOS center button.New molded insulated firewall panel.

All inside chrome and brightwork is beautifully restored and in excellent condition, including the pot metal garnish moldings at the top of the door and rear panels.

The windshield and all side glass on the car is in good condition, and all stainless surrounds are nice.All new rubber items, weather seals, glass channels and sweepers throughout.

CONVERTIBLE TOP:A new Hartz canvas tan convertible top was the owners preference, it was professionally installed and the fit is very good. With the top up it looks right, not too loose, not too tight.Very rare original stainless moldings are found on the front header, the rear bow above the back window, and the belt-line snap molding. These are rarely seen on most Caribbeans as they were damaged or went missing during top replacements, or simply tossed in favor of modern top hidem or wire-on trim.The top has a vinylite rear window, as original.

The top bow assembly was completely disassembled and restored, painted tan to match the top color chosen.All new pivot pins, stepped bolts, and rivets throughout the assembly were machined out of stainless.The lift mechanism is in good working order with proper alignment of all related components, and the top goes up and down as it should.All new side rail and header seals from Steele Rubber.The top boot has a nice fit when snapped into place.

BRIGHTWORK:All chrome and stainless on the car, both exterior and interior, has been re-chromed or polished and is in show condition.Stainless repair and polishing was done by a local specialist, and all chrome items were sent out for plating to 2 of Canada’s top plating companies, Victoria Plating in Victoria, BC, and the Plating House in Concord, Ontario.

The dual door side mirrors are beautiful cast stainless from Don Sommers of American Arrow Corp.Beautifully colored Packard crest emblems on the hood, upper quarters, and trunk lid are in perfect condition.

There is only one very small ding found anywhere on the stainless trim, just to the right of center on the windshield upper right molding, happened during top installation, hardly noticeable.

SUMMARY:Original literature includes car and radio Owner’s Manuals, Service Manual, Parts and Accessories Catalog, Paint Chips, Carter Carb Specs. along with other reference materials.There is also a new quality custom California car cover with duffle bag.

If you are looking to drive or show a 1950’s luxury convertible with distinctive styling and limited production rarity, this Milestone car could be it!Packards have long been known for their quality engineered and long lasting mechanical aspects. The Caribbean was their luxury flagship and is appreciated among collectors as an elegant and striking automobile.

Packard owners are supported by two international clubs and a very large and active group of Packard enthusiasts and parts sources.If you’re not familiar with the engineering of Packards and their appeal in the past and present, there is a wealth of information available online or through the clubs.

The car has yet to be formally shown or judged, however, it has been independently inspected and assessed by a trained National Judge with the VCCC (Vintage Car Club of Canada) under the 1000 point system. It scored 935, losing points primarily due to the change of top color and radial tires, without which he would have scored in over 985.

Of a total first year production of 750 cars, some estimates suggest that only 8% to10% of these cars remain, and less than half of those have been restored.Current USD value estimates for Condition 1 cars are healthy;Hemmings/Hagerty $98.8KNADA Guides $94KCAAARGuide $154.3KCollector Car Market Review $101.5KOld Cars Report Price Guide $120K.Averaging these gives a value of $113,720. USD. This Caribbean will not require the usual restoration resources of time and patience, since significant amounts of those elements have already gone into this Condition #1 car along with many dollars more than the reserve price.New acquisitions have motivated the owner to now pass this special Packard on to its next caretaker.The intent is to sell the car and as such the reserve is far below restoration costs or what you could duplicate it for today. It is also well below published values, and extremely reasonable for a car of this stature and condition.

PAYMENT TERMS:

This fine Packard is being listed on behalf of the owner. Please email ‘carsgoneby@telus.net’ or phone Rick at (403)534-2222 for additional honest and accurate information from a professional auto restorer.Over 265 pics are available for viewing at www.jpegbay.com/gallery/007500337-.html#0 . Additional specific pictures are available upon request. No warranties expressed or implied. Successful bidder to make a minimum payment of 50% of closing bid amount (US funds) within 5 days of auction closing, with the balance payable upon vehicle pick up within 21 days (international) or 14 days (US/Canada).Payment must be in certifiable form such as cash or wire transfer. PayPal for deposit only. Other forms of payment only acceptable with time allowance for instrument to clear bank prior to vehicle being released. Any deviation from, or changes to the preceding terms must be reasonable, and should be requested, discussed, and agreed to prior to bidding and auction closing.

IMPORTANT OTHER:

Please submit all inquiries prior to bidding, and please only bid if you are able and willing to conclude the transaction should you be the winning bidder.This vehicle is being sold with a Bill of Sale and current Alberta Vehicle Registration Certificate.The car is located in Mossleigh, Alberta, Canada, about 2.5 hours north of the Montana border. Please be aware of your shipping costs before bidding, quotes can be provided upon request if necessary. We can help make this a smooth, hassle free experience by arranging all-inclusive international transportation and brokerage for you. References relating to similar transactions are available. Cars Gone By has sold and shipped numerous collector vehicles to the USA and worldwide, the majority through Ebay transactions.Please do not ask us to disclose the reserve price. In fairness to all bidders we will not do so and request that you simply place a bid that is comfortable for you.Thanks for looking!

NOTICE REGARDING BID RETRACTIONS:

Placing a bid to simply uncover the reserve price, or how high another buyer has bid, and then retracting or cancelling the bid is not allowed as it violates Ebay’s Invalid Bid Retraction Policy.Such bids are considered as ‘Unwelcome and Malicious Bidding’ as they contravene the seller requirements stipulated above, that you only bid with the intent to buy, and that you do not bid without the intent of concluding the transaction.Such bids are not in the spirit of a reserve auction. They ruin the experience for serious buyers and sellers, can cast doubt on the process and subject vehicle, and are a nuisance to the seller in general. Ebay rules stipulate, if you retract a bid for reason of ‘entered wrong amount’, you must re-enter your correct bid amount right away, and that changing your mind does not qualify as entering wrong amount.If you retract your bid as ‘wrong amount’ and fail to re-enter your correct amount, your bid will be considered ‘unwelcome and malicious’ and it will be immediately reported to Ebay, and they will investigate, and you will be placed ona blocked bidders list.

On Jul-27-19 at 08:05:29 PDT, seller added the following information:

Some interesting points have been brought to my attention which I was previously unaware of regarding '53 Caribbeans. Many thanks to an astute ebay member for his input as follows:
1.) Packard factory never painted Caribbean firewalls or engine compartments black. The 1953 and 1954 Caribbeans only had their engine compartments and firewalls painted black. However, Mitchell-Bentley did this. It was their idea. All 1953-54 bodies arrived at M-B in red oxide primer with the firewalls likewise. However, 1955-56 Caribbeans indeed originally had engine compartments and firewalls in body color and indeed were painted at the factory.
2.) 1953 Caribbean tops were not vinyl but rather were Orlon fabric... usually white with tan interior.
3.) 1953-54 Caribbeans did not have color-keyed vinyl boots, even though it looks quite nice on this car.