My bad, I made an assumption because it was the top of the line car. It is true what happens when you make an assumption :)
It is the stock 5 main bearing engine.

Frame off resoration 10 years ago. Rebuilt engine. Less than 2000 miles driven since. All hydraulic lines and cylinders replaced (seat, windows and power top). This car has the optional hydralic power windows and seat. Electic antenna that works. Rebuilt vacuum tube radio works. Chrome restored, plastic emblems restored. Steering wheel restored. Rubber, paint and interior restored.
Additions - Aluminum Mopar 727 transmission behind stock 9 main bearing straight 8. Electric fuel pump, Electric fan (six volt),
$50,000
Runs and drives
Title clear
Granada Hills, CA
Contact Dennis 818-360-4751

More pictures on Hemmings
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/packard/caribbean/1935212.html

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You also might be able to find a manual trans out of a 55 Hudson, or a 56 Studebaker Golden Hawk. They also used the Packard motor. But it would be a shame to part out a Golden Hawk.

Isn't the rear end on a 56 a GM rear end? Or from a supplier that made them for GM? I haven't driven mine yet, so I can't say if its a problem on mine or not.

A PVC drastically reduced emissions and it also keeps the inside of the engine cleaner. Its a win-win.

Interesting thread, I will save the info and see once I get mine on the road if it will cool. I'm running a straight 8 radiator, which fits perfectly and is a little longer. It also has a unique cap which is 7lbs pressure. The inlet is on the wrong side for a Pack V8, but I'm running a Cad 472 so it matches up perfectly. When I get it roadworthy I will see if it overheats.

I own a 56 Super Clipper and while it is a nice looking car it just isn't proportioned as well as a 56 Chevy. It looks kind of fat. Now, if you want to talk engineering, I think the Packard suspension takes the cake, but that is secondary to most people, especially in the 50's. I'll also think the 57 Ford is ugly, just like the edsel and I wouldn't want to own one. But the GM cars of the late 50's are all pretty nice. I like the BOP cars as much as the chevies.

Hi all I want to share my story.
I had an BTV failure on my friends restored 53 Caribbean. I was using it for the Christmas parade last Christmas. It hadn't been driven in at least 6 months. I backed it out of the garage, braked a few times, then lost the brakes. I threw it into park. I didn't think to use the Ebrake as I was unfamiliar with the car and panicing since it isn't my car. Luckily the parking pawl on the Chrysler 727 trans slowed the car and bushes on the end of the driveway stopped it.
I restarted the car in park and blue/white smoke blew out the exhaust for a few seconds (we later figured this was the fluid which had leaked past the seal). We checked the reservoir and it was empty. After refilling the reservoir the brakes worked fine and I went on to do the parade. If it had happened during the parade I could have taken out the Chatsworth Cheerleading squad, or killed Bart Simpson. Nancy Cartwright (the voice of Bart Simpson) rode in the Caribbean.
Needless to say I drove slow the rest of the day, but I won't drive it anymore. My friend still drives it even after I told him my story. Some people are so hard headed!

I'm restoring a 56 Super Clipper. Its a budget restoration, so I think the electric power boost is out of the question. I like Craigs setup. I was also thinking about hydraulic power boosters like those used on GM diesel cars in the 80s.

Here is a pic from the prior year with a different ride along.

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So it is a 38? Considering that only 556 were made I'm surprised to see one in Hemmings right now for "only" $158,000.

If it were 2005 I would refinance my house and buy that car just so I could drive it for a few years. :)

I think its one of the most beautiful cars ever built. I think its a 38 Victoria, but I need to know for sure.