I just picked up a 1955 Caribbean that needs a new top, so I’ll be following this thread with interest. From what I can tell, no one makes the 1955 original [Orlon] top material, and I believe that even in 1956, replacement 1955 tops were make of the 1956 diamond pinpoint vinyl [Hypalon] material. No one is offering 1956 tops with the color pads and headliner, so the two Caribbean owners in our PAC region have simply bought the raw materials and had the top and liners made from scratch. Prohibitively expensive, but they look stunning!

Edited 2/5/21 to reflect corrections from Leeedy

Yes, 1956 Clipper headlight trim -- I'm guessing to help hide either rust or rust repair. And yes, it has a radio with Clipper buttons on it. Not sure why; I'm guessing the factory ration stopped working and someone swapped it out. I don't believe the steering has been changed. The hood prop rod was removed or missing before I bought the car. I've owned the car about a year now.

1955 Packard Caribbean convertible -- #1190, White Jade / Rose Quartz / Gray Pearl (MUH)

Needs complete restoration. Approximately 72,000 miles, mostly original including original top fabric, with 95% of the parts present. I'm the third owner, buying the car in 2019 after the second owner bought and then stored the car in 1979. Matching numbers engine is original and turns freely, but needs intake manifold and carburetor installed to be able to run. (Intake, single Rochester 4GC four-barrel carburetor, air cleaner, and carburetor linkage from a 1955 Patrician will be included with the car.) Re-cored radiator also included. Starter and three of the four power window motors work when a battery is installed. Equipped with standard steel wheels with wheel covers, and Packard Accessory spotlights with mirrors. Original leather upholstery is intact but would either need reupholstery or heavy conditioning/conservation and repair of some stitching. Original carpeting needs complete replacement. Transmission is not operational and will need a complete rebuild. Known missing pieces include the complete dual carb intake, air cleaners, and linkage; "Packard" rear fender nameplates; "Caribbean" front fender nameplates; belt rail stainless moulding that sits on the body at the base of the convertible top (it has snaps on it for the top boot cover); rear bow moulding; and the fender skirts. One power rear antenna is intact, while the other antenna has a snapped shaft. rust in the typical places in the front fender eyebrows, rocker panels, and rear quarters. The rear body mount locations in the trunk appear to be solid. The driveshaft is currently disconnected; can roll for transport. Has clean Michigan title. Car is located near Lansing, Michigan.

Asking $15,000 for this "highly patinaed" example that still has a lot of its originality still intact.

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Wow, no kidding on the price of that 1955 Patrician. 😳😳😳

I believe it's in Oklahoma City.

Wow, that has to be one of the worst "updates" to a Classic Packard, ever. So sad!

That's what I'm afraid of, too. Someone could take a very doable project like this 1928 six-cylinder coupe and give it the Jegs-Summit-SBC treatment, complete with metalflake paint and flames and air bag suspension. But, you can't tell someone else how to spend their money, so cars like these are probably just going to get turned into "car-icatures."

They last posted on their Facebook page two weeks ago in mid-June and it seemed like they had quite a few cars in process, so I'd say that chances are good that they are still a going concern. I know that it's frustrating when you don't get replies from people, but with the way the year 2020 has been, we have no idea what kind of things people are going through in their lives. I'd say just keep trying to reach out to them.

This is very sad news indeed. I only knew Randy through his posts here on PackardInfo.com, but it was easy to tell that he was someone that you'd really enjoy having a beer (or other beverage of choice) with. Full of knowledge, and so cheerfully ready to share it with others, and a gentle humor. I will miss him and his posts. Godspeed, Randy, and my deepest sympathies to your family and friends.

Here's another one that could be called a body shop refugee. You might have to have a Facebook account to be able to see it. It's a 1956 Patrician, supposedly a monotone Norwegian Forest green with factory air. Not a ton of pictures with the ad. Hopefully someone can save this car. Ad says $4,000 and is located near Elkhart IN.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/342912285774974?view=permalink&id=3109535085779333