Re: 1956 Carribbean Convertible 5699-1001

Posted by John McCall and Mitch Parker On 2016/6/28 8:35:56

Thanks for your message. My Caribbean was purchased from Bob Harbut of Cragmont Acres Auto Salvage in Madison, CT on November 27, 1970. My partner who flew from Atlanta to get it (despite my pleas to have it transported)purchased it on November 27, 1970. He made it as far as the bridge in West Nyack, NY (the push-button Ultramatic had been rigged with a floor shifter)and had it towed to Ray's Esso Service Center at Rt. 59 and Waldon Ave. They agreed to store the car until Dr. Thomas could make arrangements to have it towed. When we called to do this, the telephone number was disconnected and the station had supposedly gone out of business. We chalked it up to bad luck. Many years later I found a classic auto dealer in Nyack and told my story to them (in 1977). By then, the car had appreciated considerably and they investigated it, even contacting the police for us. The police advised that because of the statute of limitations that there was little we could do and it was purely a civil matter. I was young and not versed in the legalities of such a situation, so I moved on.

After rejoining the Packard Club, I found that an issue had been published listing all Caribbeans (in the Cormorant). To my surprise I found the car listed as being in PA and owned by Les Bowen. I tracked him down in Florida. He had partially restored the car and had sold it to someone in Illinois or Indiana as I recall. I had no luck making any contacts. After that, my detective work took me nowhere and without the finances to really hire legal help, I let it ride.

I have the clear South Carolina title in my name(Dr. Thomas and I moved to Rock Hill, SC after the purchase of the car) and also receipts for a battery he bought at Ray's, his two plane tickets, the original bill of sale, insurance with JC Taylor, etc.

I will certainly try and contact the gentleman you have suggested. I am, of course, very glad that the car was saved. I had been told that it perhaps had gone to the crusher and was led to believe that for a good while.

By the way, I have been a good Kanter customer for many years (with several other Packards who have their hand out).
Thank you for your contributions to keeping these cars on the road.