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More accurately, how many 1956 convertibles were made? A friend says 245; I have a vague memory that more were made from extra parts (bu the factory) and that the total is more like 275,

276.

Production values for many of the models are documented in the Model Info pages:

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/modelinfo/viewmodel.php?model=131

Caribbean production for 1956 was intended to be 250 convertibles and 250 of the 2-dr hardtop (new for 1956), matching in total the 1955 Caribbean production of 500 though those were all convertibles. The first 250 of each were produced, and the story goes that when the word of the plant closure went out, some limited orders for more were accepted from influential dealers and stockholders and that surplus parts available permitted the construction of 26 additional convertible and 13 additional hardtops. My own 56 convertible is one of those additional cars (#254). I assume that Caribbean production was capped each year (750 in 1953, 400 in 1954, 500 in 1955) because they were sold at a loss.

because they were sold at a loss.

Yes and no. They were intended to raise the tone of the line/company, which is harder to measure. I think it is hard to see them as loss leaders.....

PatGreen, yes, of course I agree with what you said, re adding some lustre to the line. Like the early Skylarks, Eldorados, etc. I meant only what I said - they sold for less than cost.