Packard Forum Index » Studebaker Built Packards (1957 - 58)

In an effort to "stir the pot" on this particular forum, I have attached my rendering of a conceptual 1958 Packard Caribbean that could have easily been based on the tooling of the companion Starlight hardtop. I personally think the hardtop was a good try on the part of Duncan McRae--faced with no money and little time. If there had been more of both, S-P might have done well with something like this...at least to get buyers into the showrooms.

The most disliked feature on the 58 line, with the exception of the Hawk, was the "pod like" dual headlamps. In my concept, I have made the fender bulge extend past the front door, tapering and finally fading into the sheetmetal. I think this would have really improved the move to dual headlamps, giving the headlamps a more purposeful styling cue.

What do you think?

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Not bad. I like the 56 grille treatment on that rendering better than the square mesh Stude used on the production Packard. That 56 based look has dignity fit for a Packard, the square mesh has cheap. It is amazing what money can do.

Too bad the actual C series HT frame they had would never have supported a convertible or they could have done that and a Stude convertible too. IMO, a convertible on the longer wheelbase would have looked better than the stubby Lark convertibles -- but those did sell so what do I know.

Thanks, Howard for your comment. I agree with you about the "beefier" 1956-based grille. That would have been an easy improvement, I believe. It is fun to play "what if". I am curiously drawn to these 58's, probably because few are!

Very nicely done, I like it!
Could have been a 1959 Packard!

extending the headlight bulge rearwards does help it look less tacked on. The hardtop's basic shape isn't bad for the era.

The folks who put Caribbean hoods on their 55-56 Packards could have added the headlights to their Studebakers!

I like what you did to an ugly situation, although IMHO switching back to a single head light would make it sleeker looking.
With that said, and hoping I didn't upset you, can I have permission to use your art work in the Badger Wheels newsletter? As the editor I'm always looking for something to write about. Thanks, Fleet's 54

G'day Fleet's 54,
to PackardInfo.

I invite you to include your '54 Clipper Deluxe in the Packard Owner's Registry.

By all means, please help yourself, and send me a copy:

aoutherngentleman@gmail.com

Happy Packarding,

John McCall

Never got a copy of your publication featuring my 1958 Packard "Starlight Caribbean." Did you use it?

It never made it into the newsletter cuz I forgot about it. I will be assembling my next news letter soon, and will try earnestly to include it in the publication. Thanks again for permission to do so. Fleet B.