Stunning and rare is probably the best way to describe this 1956 Packard Caribbean Custom Convertible. The two-tone Corsican Black and Naples Orange paint is particularly striking - also on offer only for the Caribbean were three-tone paint options.
The Caribbean had a wheelbase of 127" with an overall length of 218.64" and was aimed at the luxury end of the market competing with the likes of Cadillac.
These were well optioned cars with standard features including; power brakes, power steering, twin-speed Cam-O-Matic windshield wipers, electronic push-button Ultramatic, back-up lights, dual ash trays (front and back), Torsion-Level suspension, load levelizer, electic window lifts, fully automatic top, reversible seat and back cushions, zip-on (detachable) cushion upholstery, fresh air heater, defroster and front underseat heater, direction signals, oil bath air cleaner, powered 4-way seats, radio with electric antennas.
It was as if Packard felt the multitude of options available to customers buying a new car caused enough confusion it was better to say, "well here you go - here's everything!"
Stylish rear with twin antennas
One of our favorite features of these cars is the reversible seat upholstery. Leather on one side for ultimate luxury and cloth on the other for a bit more comfort on those really hot days. How's that for a feature you don't see with other cars?
Luxurious leather interior
And here it is with the seating reversed offering a black and white alternative - how cool is that?
Interior now black and white
Power comes from a 374 cubic inch V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors. This is paired with an Ultramatic automatic transmission.
374ci V8 with 2x4bbl producing 310 horsepower
There were only 276 Caribbean Convertibles built by Packard for the 1956 model year, at a base price of $5,995. This was the last year you could buy a Packard Convertible before the company's demise in 1958.
This Packard is currently for sale on eBay. (follow the link for even more photos)