Highlights

Attractive example in yellow with a burgundy leather interior
One of only 750 units built
Comprehensive recent maintenance with detailed invoices
Passed rigorous SBAT inspection in Belgium, valid until May 2028
Available for viewing or pickup in Melle, Belgium

The Appeal

While Motor City was pumping out all manner of sleek, curvy, chrome-addled cars, Packard - once one of the most important brands in the US - were beginning to look rather stuffy. Eager to stop the loss of market share, they created the Pan-American, penned by Henney - which directly influenced the Caribbean.

Handsome, sleek, effortlessly modern and loaded with chromework, the Caribbean was also available with all manner of options and a very comfortable leather-swaddled cabin. It was a curious, speedy reinvention for the company's brand image. First year examples only breached 750 units, and have become a scarce collectable. Who couldn't be seduced by that low-profile hood scoop and distinctive grille?

This fine example comes to us in a bright yellow livery that's as striking as it is quintessentially fifties, matched up nicely to a burgundy red leather cabin that's loaded with deco character. It's also accompanied by a valid SBAT until May 2028. What an opportunity!

The History and Paperwork

Registered in 1953
Original US-market car
Passed SBAT inspection in Belgium, valid until May 2028
Comes with invoices amounting to approximately €4,000 for parts alone
Full expert appraisal is reportedly available

The Condition

Bodywork is in good, solid order, with no dents or dings
Striking yellow livery carries only light signs of wear
Soft top in good order and reportedly lifting well
Chassis appears solid with only light signs of wear

The lines of the Caribbean are handsome through-and-through, from the folding top to the tyres, with a rich yellow livery. The bodywork is solid and free of any significant dents or dings, with only light signs of use to the paintwork.

The distinctive roof appears in good order and is lifting as it should - and the underside appears good and solid. We note some areas of patina, but for a car of its venerable years, none of this is of concern.

The car has been subject to some recent welding and a fresh set of tyres.

Interior is generally clean and nicely presented
Handsomely specified
Hydraulic windows are lifting correctly

Beautifully contrasting with its exterior yellow, this handsome cabin is very well-presented in a rich burgundy leather. There are some light signs of wear, with a small tear in the driver's seat and some soft hairline cracking in the distinctive plastic dash, but none of this really discerns from a distinctly '50s cabin.

The instruments are clear and legible, and the car's options - such as the hydraulically operated windows - are in fine working order.

The Mechanics

5.4-Litre L-Head 8-cylinder 'Thunderbolt' engine, offering around 185hp
Automatic transmission with 3 gears
Over €4,000 spent recently, with work including:
- Complete new starter relay system
- Radiator repair
- Servo repair
- Thermostat replacement
- Welding repairs
- All new Delco system
- Alternator repair
- New glass jar for windshield wipers

Released with a distinctive L-Head Straight-8, the Packard Caribbean stood out alongside many of its contemporaries and wouldn't transfer to a V8 until 1955. This example has had plenty of work recently carried out that we understand leaves the car in fine working order, through and through.

The vendor reports a slight oil leak, but other than this it's in fine mechanical order - ready and waiting to hit the road with its lucky new owner.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.