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A Massachusetts restoration shop, Parker's Packards, is offering a partially completed 1954 Caribbean. Not sure of the exact story here, but the car was in this shop for a frame-off and the owner has apparently abandoned the project. I personally know the shop owner, Parker Roaf, and have done business with his shop in the past. He is also active in North Atlantic Packards. Parker is now listing the car for sale on his shop's Facebook page. He is asking $25K or best offer.

Much work has been completed on this car. All metal work has been done, and the body is in primer, ready for final paint. Interior seats have been redone in green and white leather. Top, carpeting, door panels and rear compartment area still need to be done. The intent was to repaint the car in its original colors of Gulf Green and Sahara Sand. Most of the trim is off the car and is packed into boxes. Not sure what, if any chrome work has been done, but the photos do show a number of trim components which will need restoration. According to the ad, the engine was rebuilt by a prior owner but has not been started recently. I was up at Parker's shop about a year ago and saw this car while it was undergoing restoration. The body work looked excellent, and the shop is known for doing outstanding work. Parker's shop recently completed a full restoration of another 1954 Caribbean, and the result was just stunning. The car has since won multiple awards and is probably the best '54 Caribbean in existence.

Here is a link to Parker's post about the car from Facebook. Reach out to Parker if you would like more information.

facebook.com/parkerspackardsma/posts/pfb ... qVGSLtquczYdMmPrEZcHbKfJ8pTGHHDRfJl

Interesting opportunity.

The cylinder head is painted, so not obvious it is aluminum, but "359" seems to be visible. Were all 359" cylinder heads aluminum?

jack vines

Yes, Jack, all 359 cu. in. engines were originally equipped with aluminum heads. The aluminum heads are easy to distinguish from the cast iron heads due to the aluminum heads having rounded edges while the cast iron edges are sharply squared. Also, the iron heads have slightly raised ridges or bosses running longitudinally along the top of the head, while the aluminum heads are flat. The "359" showing on top of head only appears on the aluminum heads.

Although not visible in photos, the aluminum head is also thicker requiring longer studs.