Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Other than top and upholstery I did not see many issues. As a Caribbean owner I am sorry bidding didn't go higher.
Makes me wonder what mine is worth.

Just listed on ebay. Have never seen one with continental kit before. How rare?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Packard-Caribbean-1955-Packard-Caribbean-Convertible-RARE-Ask-Man-Owns-One-/320780773449?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=i

The continental kit is non-authentic, a latter modification made by some owner. The only Caribbeans that came with factory continental kits were those on the shorter wheelbase, the 1953 and 1954.

WRT to the 1955 Caribbean noted by rowdy, the auction listing clearly indentifies the Continental kit as "custom". Personally, I don't find it attractive.

However, this installation reminds me of an illustration of a continental kit that was published in the CNB many years ago, but it may not be the same. IIRC, that kit had been pitched to Packard by a third-party supplier, but rejected. I seem to recall seeing one on a car at the Centennial closer to that design. It was certainly worth a look, yet no more attractive.

I may not have the name exactly correct, but one of the several companies that supplied aftermarket continental kits was Whitebone-Huddleston who I believe was also the supplier to Packard for the 1953-54 assemblies.

I agree with BH in that I also find the kit on the car in question to be ungainly, adding absolutely nothing to the styling package.

EDIT - well, I was close - it's Huddleston-Whitebone, not the reverse.

The Continental is even uglier when looking at the car-toon painted on it. Reminds me of a wart on a frog's butt.