Re: 53 Caribbean

Posted by Mike Grimes On 2011/7/16 8:58:33

As with any item, a buyer and a seller decide the price.

In the 1960's many of our Packards were just cars with no dealer network to support their operation and maintenance. Therefore many received superior attention and well, many didn't.

Things to look for on a 53 Caribbean...check the engine number to make sure it is a 327 cu inch and in the series that were assigned to the 53 Caribbean. The engine number chart found on this website is a great tool for this question. For many people, these Packards were just transportation, so if there was an engine issue, the engine was replaced because there were lots of 288 cu in engines available. So I've seen several senior/Caribbean cars with 288's instead of the 327.

For the Caribbeans with power windows, brake fluid was used as the working medium in many cars. Brake fluid is corrosive to metal and over time many of the window lift cylinders leaked inside the doors. So check carefully the lower door panel and the rear quarter just behind the trailing edge of the front door for evidence of paint bubbles or poor repairs.

Check the interior material. The cars were originally equipped with leather seat covering. However, many were recovered with Naugahyde in the 1970's.

Check the condition of the top. A new first class top can cost $2,000 to $3,000.

There is a very large difference in the quality of the body work and the paint on many of the cars you mentioned. A body off restoration with a $25,000 paint system is clearly different that a car with a 1970's applied enamel.

The 53 Caribbean is a beautiful car and had few systemic issues. If you can find one without the hydraulic windows and seat, you will have fewer opportunities to spend $$$ on maintenance. These Caribbeans can be driven and enjoyed. I hope you can make a good home for one.

Good luck.