Re: Was a 1955 Caribbean modified to make a 1956 Caribbean prototype?
Posted by Leeedy On 2024/1/15 20:46:40
Quote:
I have told the story many times in car magazines, Packard Club publications and events and mentioned it online. So, yes, if you are referencing a convertible, certainly this car was absolutely positively built and I rode in it when it was brand new. Still have Polaroid shots of the car sitting in the engineer's garage next to his Patrician. I have been keeping up with these cars since they were new. Some were done at Creative Industries of Detroit (see the book) and some were done at a place called "Modern Engineering"– which I knew quite well.
People today use the term "prototype" often to describe any Packard they feel is unusual or with construction differences. Or uncommon accessories. But this is not what constitutes a factory prototype. One enterprising source a few years ago claimed to be selling a "rare 2-seater Caribbean sports car factory prototype concept." Wow. I inspected this thingy up close in Scottsdale, AZ and it turned out to be a customized 1956 Patrician– with late serial number... with Chevy, VW and other bogus parts including a Costco aftermarket console. In reality, there were precious few 1955 and 1956 Packard genuine factory prototypes. I know one when I see one.
As for the Caribbean at Aldrich Restorations, I presume this reference is to a hand-built "pilot production" press car. I have written an intensive report for Pat Aldrich on this Caribbean some time ago. This vehicle was serial number one 1956 HARDTOP. It did not have a 1955 serial plate, but rather a 1956 serial plate in the door jamb. It was used in numerous press photos and showings all over the country. But it is not a "prototype." It is an early hand-build pilot production vehicle. Even today, such pilot production vehicles are often used as press cars. Ask me how I know...
Caribbeandude wrote:
question, does anyone know if a a 1955 Caribbean was modified in 1955 to make a 1956 Caribbean prototype? heard of a surviving car with 1956 seats and trim with a 1955 Data plate, thanks!
I have told the story many times in car magazines, Packard Club publications and events and mentioned it online. So, yes, if you are referencing a convertible, certainly this car was absolutely positively built and I rode in it when it was brand new. Still have Polaroid shots of the car sitting in the engineer's garage next to his Patrician. I have been keeping up with these cars since they were new. Some were done at Creative Industries of Detroit (see the book) and some were done at a place called "Modern Engineering"– which I knew quite well.
People today use the term "prototype" often to describe any Packard they feel is unusual or with construction differences. Or uncommon accessories. But this is not what constitutes a factory prototype. One enterprising source a few years ago claimed to be selling a "rare 2-seater Caribbean sports car factory prototype concept." Wow. I inspected this thingy up close in Scottsdale, AZ and it turned out to be a customized 1956 Patrician– with late serial number... with Chevy, VW and other bogus parts including a Costco aftermarket console. In reality, there were precious few 1955 and 1956 Packard genuine factory prototypes. I know one when I see one.
As for the Caribbean at Aldrich Restorations, I presume this reference is to a hand-built "pilot production" press car. I have written an intensive report for Pat Aldrich on this Caribbean some time ago. This vehicle was serial number one 1956 HARDTOP. It did not have a 1955 serial plate, but rather a 1956 serial plate in the door jamb. It was used in numerous press photos and showings all over the country. But it is not a "prototype." It is an early hand-build pilot production vehicle. Even today, such pilot production vehicles are often used as press cars. Ask me how I know...
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