1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible $16,950 OBO

[alsancle]

Finally a project car that is priced in the right range.   Yes, you are better off paying 60k for a done nice car,  but there was a time when I would have fallen for this.

How cool would this be with just the mechanics done?

 

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/packard/caribbean/2500597.html

 

The Packard Caribbean was a personal luxury car that was produced from 1953 to 1956. Some of the Packard Caribbean's styling was derived from the Pan American Packard show car of the previous year. These cars were only produced as a convertible from 1953 to 1955, but a hardtop model was added in 1956. The 1953 Caribbean was easily identified because of its full cutout rear wheel housing and side trim. A steel continental kit was standard with these cars. The hood featured a broad, low leaded-in hood scoop. Bodies for the caribbean were modified by Mitchell-Bentley Corporation. The only advertised colors for these cars were polaris blue, gulf green metallic, maroon metallic and sahara sand. History of these cars show that only a handful were special ordered with ivory or black paint. The ultramatic transmission and power windows were options on the first year of these vehicles. There was only 750 1953 Packard Caribbeans made.

1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible. This car has just come out of long term ownership. It is one of only 750 ever made in 1953. From what we can tell this vehicle has its original 327 flathead straight engine with an ultramatic transmission. Believed to be 44,266 original miles. Currently the engine is seized but we have put some lubricant down the cylinders. Was last on the road in 1974. Comes with power assisted brakes and power steering. Soft top frame is there and is all complete. Looks to be the original ivory paint.

From what we see with additional parts and the ones that are installed, the interior is all there. It will need to be completely restored. The dash is all original and has not been cut up. All the gauges are original to the car and it also comes with the original radio. This car comes with power windows and a power front seat. All the glass is there and looks to be in good condition. It does have some rust but overall is a very solid car. Frame on the vehicle is solid. Clean California title. Very rare car that would be a great restoration candidate.

Contact us for more information and to book a time to view this vehicle.

Price: $16,950 obo

 

Edited July 2, 2021 by alsancle (see edit history)

[Gearheadengineer]

Great find.  It does look solid. I like your thought about just doing the mechanics -that would be a lot of fun. Although I’d have to do something with the interior too. 

[RansomEli]

In today's environment, chrome costs would easily run $20-25,000.

 

Otherwise, looks like a great deal for a do-it-yourselfer.

[alsancle]

8 hours ago, RansomEli said:

In today's environment, chrome costs would easily run $20-25,000.

 

Otherwise, looks like a great deal for a do-it-yourselfer.

Agreed. Which is why I say just the mechanics.  The cosmetics would be staggering.

[dbmarkc]

Someone is making a nice profit on this flip. I saw this when it was at the storage yard. It is solid, but in need of total restoration. 

 

[The 55er]

22 minutes ago, dbmarkc said:

Someone is making a nice profit on this flip. I saw this when it was at the storage yard. It is solid, but in need of total restoration. 

 

I'm sure someone thinks there's a lot of money to be made here or they wouldn't be bothering with it. How much is a restored 1953 Caribbean worth today anyway?

[alsancle]

2 hours ago, The 55er said:

I'm sure someone thinks there's a lot of money to be made here or they wouldn't be bothering with it. How much is a restored 1953 Caribbean worth today anyway?

50-75k depending on the quality of the restoration.  To get 75k you probably spent over 100k not counting purchase.

[alsancle]

Asking price on that maroon car is 62,900 with the dealer.   Looks decent in the pictures.   

 

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/packard/caribbean/2449706.html

 

For consignment and based on the Packard Cavalier convertible. A continental kit, extra chrome and stainless, a wonderful leather interior, and a high-output 180 horsepower version of their 327 cubic inch straight-8. These automobiles were hand-built by the Mitchell-Bentley Corp. in Ionia, Michigan and they only made 750 unit's total. So, we have a somewhat rare bird that was more expensive in the day then a Caddy!

Exterior
Leading the way is a large chrome waterfall grille with wide lines and a large bumper below, all nicely preserved and possessing a great sparkle. This is in contrast to the maroon exterior paint, which is definitely the deep end of the pool. Straight steel and well minded gaps abound and plenty of extra trimming for the wheel wells and rockers adds a touch of class. A pristine white convertible top is showing well and has a clear plastic rear window. A continental rear spare tire kit is floating above another large chromed double rear bumper and flanked by round taillights which are inserted in tubular formed steel on each rear quarter. A chromed ''fin'' tops the rear fenders and adds just a bit more richness to an already tasty car. On all 4 corners are beautifully preserved wire wheels and Packard badged center hubs, all wrapped in wide whites. Class amongst the competition who were deeply imbedded in the beginnings of the ''fin era''.

Interior
The two tone maroon and white leather interior is all stitched and presenting very nicely. On the doors we see some power window toggles and nicely preserved handles in a mostly maroon smooth panel. Upfront the dash is definitely Packard with a trio of round gauges and plenty of shiny chromed accessories within a maroon dash front field. More big chrome for the radio surrounds and temp sliders. An ivory bakelite steering wheel shows nicely with no cracking and the horn ring looks original. Aftermarket A/C hangs from the bottom of the dash in the center and an extra Burgess Oil pressure gauge has been neatly inserted into the dash. Deep pile maroon carpeting floods the floors and is in good condition. Also, a shout to the underside of the convertible which is in black and has a shiny frame to support it.

Drivetrain
Smooth and surprisingly powerful 327 cubic inch straight-8 was used in 1953 and is a great runner. A 4 bbl Carter carburetor is feeding this straight 8. Packard's ''UltraMatic'' 2-speed automatic transmission is on back. Gray engine enamel and plenty of shiny black painted add ons abound in this freshly restored Caribbean, looking just showroom in its appearance on our stage. Noted the rear axle is a designated 3.54 designation.

Undercarriage
Underneath this big automobile as it looms above on our lift, we see the chassis is coated in a layer of black undercoating. Some patina but obviously well cared for and rarely driven in bad weather. Independent coil springs for the front, and leaf springs for the rear provide the ride, and drum brakes on all 4's stop this car on a dime.

Drive-Ability
Slipping inside this classy car, we fired it right up and it can best be described as not enough o's in smoooooooth as for the driving experience. Acceleration is snappy for this big piece of iron and the brakes worked well.

A great looker, and definitely a big touch of class that was to give Caddy a run for their money. Nicely restored, and a beautiful performer right out of the Packard play book. Have a look for yourself and you too will be impressed.

PAINT CODE KO-Galahad Green, Orchard Green
TRIM 82-Dark & Light Green Nylon

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

Price: $62,900

[edinmass]

You know too much about post war cars...........