1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible - Ellingson Motorcars

1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible Additional Info:

This 1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible is a low production, sensational 50s time capsule that is a sure head-turner. What as once one of the United States' premier auto manufacturers, by 1955, Packard was on its last legs. Having merged with Studebaker, forming the Studebaker-Packard Company a year earlier, America's fourth largest auto maker was in a seriously dire financial situation. Packard, which was actually a smaller company than Studebaker at the time of the acquisition, bit off more than it could chew given Studebaker's significant cash insufficiencies. Moreover, Packard failed to quickly adapt to the changing times in the same way that the Big Three had after the war, both on technological advances (such as the overhead valve V8) and on the race to the bottom on pricing. Nonetheless, Packard trudged forward when it released its new-look automobiles on January 17, 1955. The redesigned Packard line featured new sweeparound windshields and updated rear fin-like fenders with Packard script, wraparound parking lights, and cathedral-shaped taillights. Perhaps the most significant addition to the '55 Packards was the introduction of the brand new Packard V8 overhead valve engines which were a welcome upgrade over the straight 8 that Packard had been using for decades. Of course all of these new revisions came with a substantial sticker price, with the new Caribbean Convertibles costing consumers nearly $6,000 and nearly $1,500 more than the standard Cadillac convertible at the time. This particular '55 Packard Caribbean comes to us from a southern-based Packard collector who kept the car in his double-digit Packard collection for a number of years. Under the hood on this 1955 Caribbean Convertible is a Numbers Matching 352 Cubic Inch V8 engine paired with dual 4 barrel carburetors that are tucked beneath the iconic Batwing Air Cleaner. The 352 V8 is hooked up to an Ultramatic Automatic Transmission, ensuring that anybody can take this Tri-Tone convertible for a spin around the block. Being that Caribbeans were considered Senior Packards, they came loaded with options! With power steering, getting in and out of tight spaces are your local drive-in or car is a breeze. Power brakes makes it easy to bring this '55 Packard to a stop especially considering that the dual-quad 352 V8 pushed out 275 horsepower when it was new. Putting the white vinyl power convertible top up and down is a breeze with the simple flick of a switch. Riding on wide whitewall bias-ply tires that are wrapped around chrome wire wheels with Packard hubcaps, this 1955 Caribbean Convertible has a classic 50s look. The Tri-Tone exterior has been refinished in White Jade, Zicron Light Blue, and Sapphire Blue completing the iconic exterior look of this boulevard cruiser. The front and rear bench seats have been reupholstered in tri-tone White and Blue Leather that matches the exterior look of the car. The dash, door panels and steering wheel all appear to be in their stock configuration. The dash is equipped with a 120 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, amp gauge, and fuel gauge, as well as a clock and AM radio. Whether you're looking to buy your very first classic car or you're looking to add to your existing Packard collection, this 1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible would make an excellent choice. Give us a call today!