Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Caribbean side trim was a popular dealer option back in the day. That being said, I'd like to have the chrome headliner braces from the interior, I'd like to put them in my '48 when I do the headliner.

Pretty sad condition.

The two 1956 400 parts cars that I have did not look that much worse when I got them. One is still pretty much complete. It must be worth $2,500 which is this guy's starting bid price. Uh huh.

Craig

The '55-'56 Caribbean trim was not an option in the conventional sense - never available as an over-the-counter kit. Rather, a dealer had to go to the trouble to look up and order every individual part.

I've personally seen a few '55-'56 Seniors, including Patricians, where Caribbean exterior trim had been added to the rear fenders - even using all the factory original style fasteners.

However, I've seen more than one example of a '55 Caribbean hardtop that had been made from a 400, including the correct interior/exterior trim and three-tone paint, but the serial number still showed the car to be a 400 (5587). I'm sure that helped convince Packard to go ahead and make the factory-built Caribbean Hardtop (5697) for 1956.

Yet, some dealers continued to add Caribbean trim in 1956 (including Fred Waring's '56 Patrician, which I found in the hands of a collector in OH some years ago). One dealer even went so far as to have a custom nameplate made for his conversions - The Esquire.

The subject car doesn't appear to have the Caribbean fender scripts, but was painted in one of the factory tri-tone paint schemes. The interior looks to be stock 400 trim, but may not be salvageable. Though very weathered and requiring a total restoration, it appears to be complete. Barring substantial underbody rot, it could be a nice project for someone.

while not a caribbean....it is still kinda unique to me. if i had the money i would probably try to buy it. it isn't any further along than my car was when i got it, well maybe a bit, but still not unrestorable by any means. i'd like to have that 51 convertible that is on ebay too. ;0)

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<p>I have a complete one about in the same shape that I will sell you cheaper. The only problem is that you have to pick it up in Pahrump, NV. </p>
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Craig
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Hank -

Since that car in VA already has the rear fender trim, it might be worth the extra work to make a full-blown '55 Caribbean hardtop out of it. It just depends on how far you wanna go with it and how much time and money you're willing to invest.

cli55er, did you see the Four Hundred with the Caribbean side trim at Salado this year? While not authentic, it was an attractive car. I think many participants discounted it because it was not original. Still, it is a pretty car and the workmanship was first class. Take care ---

Seems that Packard also omitted the paint code on other cars than mine ...

I'd sure like to see the factory productions records for those cars with no paint code stamped on the ID plate - to see if the papers provide any special notes.

I seem to recall that you could purchase Chevy and GMC trucks finished in primer - typically ordered that way by fleet accounts who wanted to paint them a color that was otherwise not available.

Perhaps Packard did something similar.