Re: Utica Engine Number Prefixes

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2013/2/7 9:15:21

The thief-proof or body dash number of a 55 or 56 will not tell you whether the original body was a Caribbean, or anything else for that matter. As I've stated before, the numbers beginning in 1955 and thru 1956 are just a random jumble. In fact the highest known body number of all is for a very early export 1955 Patrician far higher than any known 56 car. No doubt Caribbeans were made in production campaigns but two Caribbeans with consecutive vehicle numbers have body dash numbers that are widely separated.

Two ways you might be able to spot a true Caribbean convertible from one made from a 400 would be (1) comparison of the frame for the reinforcement plates welded in for the convertible, and (2) presence or absense of the body cushions at the body mounting bolts - the convertible has none. I don't quite see how you could create a 55/56 Caribbean convertible from a 400 without having another 55/56 Caribbean as a donor car - if for no other reason than getting the windshield structure?