For Sale: 1956 Packard Caribbean 2dr Hardtop Coupe - "Well preserved, Low mileage California Car" - Sonoma, CA - Not Mine

[6T-FinSeeker]

For sale on Facebook: 1956 Packard Caribbean 2-door Hardtop Coupe in Sonoma, CA  -  $45,000  -  Must be a member of Facebook to access Seller's contact information.

 

Link: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/4167697113456912/-1956-Packard-Carribean-Hardtop-Coupe

 

Seller's Description:

1956 Packard Caribbean 2-door Hardtop Coupe

• 2 owners
• Driven 65,000 miles
• Automatic transmission
• Exterior color: White · Interior color: Orange
• Clean title
• This vehicle has no significant damage or problems

1956 Packard Caribbean Coupe. Rare, loaded low mileage example. Serviced, runs well. Well preserved California Car.

 

4/21 Update: Thank you for all of your interest and likes!

Seller also listed: https://youtu.be/6Pn-eAfKllo?si=0rtFhG9GXtNlKffH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 22 by 6T-FinSeeker (see edit history)

[6T-FinSeeker]

 

 

 

[alsancle]

You see so few of the hardtops.   How do I distinguish it from a 400 which are everywhere.

[bryankazmer]

The hardtop Caribbean is 56 only.  Compared to a 400, they have a painted side band instead of the ribbed metal trim, and white padded top ( I think Hypalon originally). Inside, they have reversible seat cushions. Fabric on one side, leather on the other.

[kbeach]

Plus the two fake air scoops in front of the hood.

Nice looking car for the money.

[John_S_in_Penna]

14 hours ago, alsancle said:

You see so few of the hardtops.   How do I distinguish it from a 400 which are everywhere.

13 hours ago, bryankazmer said:

The hardtop Caribbean is 56 only.  

I agree:  They can legitimately be called rare.

This is a good find, and thank you, Fin Seeker!

[alsancle]

I'm assuming the 400 didn't get the dual quad?

[B Jake Moran]

The previous posters have noted most of the differences between a 400 - which is a cool car by itself - and the Caribbean. The Caribbean had the "hood scoops" as noted, different side sculpting, and "should have" a 2x4 engine.  Packard experts can correct me on that one.  

I usually can't stand white, but this looks nice, with that orange/red section which is carried over to the interior.  15 to 25 years ago, during the golden age of collecting and about 200,000 more Packard fans that have since deceased - this would yield $35,000 and go to a Packard specific collection.  Now?   I am not sure.  

As I have said before, folks need to understand that every 1956 Packard was made knowing it was the end.  Sometimes for employees that had been there 45 years, dating back to the teens, and many workers who came on in the depression with the 110's and 120's.  

 

So with this car you likely have a very personal interaction between the workers who knew they were done, assembling with a care a car that is an artifact and has survived all these years, to be enjoyed by the next owner, turning the key to the right, firing up the last Packard, and enjoying life at a pace more reminiscent of 1956 then 2024.  

[kingrudy]

Most assuredly a beautiful car and if you are a fan of these '56 Packard's , you know what you are looking at. I will own a '55, or '56 Packard before I leave this earth. IMO I would rather have the 400 with the cloth interior, as it was very beautifully crafted and really sets the car off. Best of luck in selling this very handsome car. 

[EmTee]

I will say the reversible seat cushions (leather/cloth) was a novel idea.  I agree, though, that the cloth interior on these Packards are exquisite!