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I've recently acquired a 55th Series Caribbean hardtop. From what I've learned from the seller, these were not standard production models, but converted from 55th Series Four Hundreds, likely done by the dealership. 5587-5314 is the plate number inside the driver door, "PAINT KN TRIM 89".

Can some advise on where this vehicle could have been originally sold and any other details?

Your car was built as a 1955 "400", the 4314th built out of 7206 made. KN paint was Topaz over Agate. Trim #89 for 1955 was tan cloth with white leather. Unless you can locate some documentation from prior owners, finding any prior history, original point of sale, etc., will prove very challenging unless you can obtain the original build slip or shipping order. Some of these still exist for 55/56 Packards and someone more familiar with them will advise, I'm sure. I think the Studebaker Museum is the likely repository for the '55 400 slips, if they exist.

G'day erik813,
to PackardInfo.

I invite you to include your '55 Caribbean Hardtop Coupe(ex Four Hundred Hardtop Coupe) in the Packard Owner's Registry.

Thanks! Any idea how many of these 400 series were converted to 55th series Caribbean hardtops? It has the faux hood scoops and dual rear antennae.

No idea on numbers made, that is well along the lines of what O_D said of: "Unless you can locate some documentation from prior owners, finding any prior history, original point of sale, etc., will prove very challenging unless you can obtain the original build slip or shipping order."

You might be real lucky and find the "build sheet" under the front carpet on top of the transmission hump. I found the remains of the one for my 55 Clipper there.

(o[]o)

And some build slips were taped or wedged on top of the glovebox.

Wasn't there a discussion a few years ago where someone mentioned that a few of the larger dealers kept Caribbean hoods and trim in stock and did build a few modified 400s. Believe Earle C Anthony dealerships was one mentioned that kept 55-6 factory AC kits and other stuff like that on hand.

Thanks for the information.

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That's a pretty car no matter what model you call it.

Quote:

George Hamlin did an article that was published not long ago in The Packard Cormorant magazine about 1955 "Caribbean" hardtop conversions.

Also a 1955 Caribbean hardtop was done nearly identical to this by Creative Industries of Detroit. The company converted several 1955 Four Hundreds into Caribbean hardtops for Packard in 1955. Ed Macauley owned one. Ask me how I know...