1956 Packard Caribbean Convertible Automatic 374ci V8

1956 Packard Caribbean Additional Info:

Style in the 1950s was abundant; a time when real design studio ideas found their way to the end product. The Packard Caribbean was introduced in 1953 as the top-of-the-line convertible model, built exclusively in limited quantities, fully optioned, and expensive! If you passed on a Cadillac Eldorado, it would cost you $1200 more to own the mighty Packard instead. Only 750 were made the first year, with fewer each year thereafter. Late to adopt the V8 architecture under the hood, Packard introduced their 352ci OHV V8 in 1955 fitted with dual 4-barrel carburetion good for 275 horsepower! Again, all power options were standard on the Caribbean with a new electronically controlled, self-leveling front & rear torsion bar suspension system introduced, along with new tri-color exterior paint schemes. Only air conditioning would be optional. For their final year of production in 1956, engine size grew again, now to 374ci to produce 310 horsepower/405 lb. ft. of torque, making it one of the most powerful production cars of that year! Unique to these final year examples also include a combination leather/cloth reversible seat cushions adding a level of adjustable comfort for any climate or just personal preference. We are pleased to offer this final year 1956 Packard Caribbean Convertible finished in Dover White, Naples Orange, and Corsican Black tri-tone exterior with matching White, Black, and Vermillion combination leather & cloth interior! Power comes from its original 374ci 2x4bbl V8 producing 310 horsepower and 405 lb. ft. of torque mated to an electronic pushbutton Ultramatic transmission and 3.31 Twin-Traction rear end! An impressive combination of power that also included a long list of luxury appointments. This included Torsion-Level self-leveling suspension, power windows, power seat, power folding top, power steering, Easomatic power brakes, chrome 15" wire spoke wheels wrapped in wide whitewall radial tires measuring 235/75R15, rear fender skirts, windshield washers, glare proof rearview mirror, all tinted glass, reverse lights, and more! Unique to this model is the reversible seating upholstery. One side is finished in leather for the luxury feel when you want, and the opposite side in cloth for added comfort on hot summer days with the top down. Simply unsnap the cushion and flip them around as you wish. Only 276 Caribbeans would be produced in 1956, marking the final year you could purchase a Packard convertible. Our example has seen a comprehensive frame-up restoration to both interior and exterior cosmetics. This included new professionally applied exterior paint, re-chromed trim, all new weather stripping, all new interior upholstery, carpet, & convertible top with proper headliner with matching boot cover when the top is down. Under former ownership, it received impeccable care with a new, complete engine gasket set installed along with a professional valve job, new motor mounts, fresh timing chain, spark plug/plug wires, and carburetor tuning; new hydraulic rams for the convertible top; and new whitewall tires installed in 2020. This vehicle retains an original December 1st, 1955 date-casted engine block with correct #56991198 ID stamping, matching heads, oil bath oil cleaners, chrome valve covers, and proper GM Rochester 4-Jet carburetors (7009600-front/ 7009601-rear), and original tags on the rear axle. It was restored professionally and continues to operate wonderfully, including the self-leveling suspension. We would only mention the original dash clock & Am radio remain non-functional at this time (one antenna works). It is a stunning car in every respect and equally wonderful driver & show car. We invite any prospective collector to call with questions. Prices of these cars have seen incredible highs in years past and we feel now is the time to act if you are an avid collector of rare & hard to find 1950s luxury cars. These do not come on the market very often. Thanks for looking!

Style in the 1950s was abundant; a time when real design studio ideas found their way to the end product. The Packard Caribbean was introduced in 1953 as the top-of-the-line convertible model, built exclusively in limited quantities, fully optioned, and expensive! If you passed on a Cadillac Eldorado, it would cost you $1200 more to own the mighty Packard instead. Only 750 were made the first year, with fewer each year thereafter. Late to adopt the V8 architecture under the hood, Packard introduced their 352ci OHV V8 in 1955 fitted with dual 4-barrel carburetion good for 275 horsepower! Again, all power options were standard on the Caribbean with a new electronically controlled, self-leveling front & rear torsion bar suspension system introduced, along with new tri-color exterior paint schemes. Only air conditioning would be optional. For their final year of production in 1956, engine size grew again, now to 374ci to produce 310 horsepower/405 lb. ft. of torque, making it one of the most powerful production cars of that year! Unique to these final year examples also include a combination leather/cloth reversible seat cushions adding a level of adjustable comfort for any climate or just personal preference.
We are pleased to offer this final year 1956 Packard Caribbean Convertible finished in Dover White, Naples Orange, and Corsican Black tri-tone exterior with matching White, Black, and Vermillion combination leather & cloth interior! Power comes from its original 374ci 2x4bbl V8 producing 310 horsepower and 405 lb. ft. of torque mated to an electronic pushbutton Ultramatic transmission and 3.31 Twin-Traction rear end! An impressive combination of power that also included a long list of luxury appointments. This included Torsion-Level self-leveling suspension, power windows, power seat, power folding top, power steering, Easomatic power brakes, chrome 15" wire spoke wheels wrapped in wide whitewall radial tires measuring 235/75R15, rear fender skirts, windshield washers, glare proof rearview mirror, all tinted glass, reverse lights, and more! Unique to this model is the reversible seating upholstery. One side is finished in leather for the luxury feel when you want, and the opposite side in cloth for added comfort on hot summer days with the top down. Simply unsnap the cushion and flip them around as you wish. Only 276 Caribbeans would be produced in 1956, marking the final year you could purchase a Packard convertible.
Our example has seen a comprehensive frame-up restoration to both interior and exterior cosmetics. This included new professionally applied exterior paint, re-chromed trim, all new weather stripping, all new interior upholstery, carpet, & convertible top with proper headliner with matching boot cover when the top is down. Under former ownership, it received impeccable care with a new, complete engine gasket set installed along with a professional valve job, new motor mounts, fresh timing chain, spark plug/plug wires, and carburetor tuning; new hydraulic rams for the convertible top; and new whitewall tires installed in 2020.
This vehicle retains an original December 1st, 1955 date-casted engine block with correct #56991198 ID stamping, matching heads, oil bath oil cleaners, chrome valve covers, and proper GM Rochester 4-Jet carburetors (7009600-front/ 7009601-rear), and original tags on the rear axle. It was restored professionally and continues to operate wonderfully, including the self-leveling suspension. We would only mention the original dash clock & Am radio remain non-functional at this time (one antenna works). It is a stunning car in every respect and equally wonderful driver & show car. We invite any prospective collector to call with questions. Prices of these cars have seen incredible highs in years past and we feel now is the time to act if you are an avid collector of rare & hard to find 1950s luxury cars. These do not come on the market very often. Thanks for looking!