One Of 263: 1956 Packard Caribbean Hardtop
Packard fans have always been proud of their marque, for good reason; therefore, some will call the 1956 model the last “true” Packard, spurning the “Packardbakers” of 1957 and ’58 as exercises in badge engineering. If you subscribe to their way of thinking, then this 1956 Caribbean Hardtop is the best of the last, with its proud cathedral taillights and interesting (but sometimes flawed) engineering. Would you like to be the man (or woman) who owns one?
There are so many “what ifs?” for Packard that it’s outside of our scope to discuss them here, but the fact remains that this Caribbean represents the last car designed and engineered by Packard itself, and it was quite a way to go out. For one thing, the styling (in my opinion) was improved over the 1951-1954 models, as future AMC styling chief Richard Teague did what he did best: making exactly the right tweaks on a tight budget.
Caribbeans also used a novel “Torsion-Level” suspension system that nearly eliminated dive and squat on acceleration and braking. Unfortunately, the system was anecdotally unreliable, and indeed that system is currently not working on our feature car.
Packard also introduced a big new V8 engine that saw just two years of production. It was designed for tremendous future growth; the bore spacing is five inches, which is just huge. Packard could have theoretically introduced a 500+ cubic-inch V8 had they survived into the 1960s, but as it stands, the ’56 Caribbean engine displaced 374 cubic inches, and with its dual four-barrel carburetors, it produced 310 horsepower.
The Caribbean’s true calling card, however, was its spectacular interior. With reversible seat cushions and an engine-turned dashboard, this has to be one of the most attractive interiors of the 1950s, a decade known for some wild interiors (especially in the second half of the decade).
A product of its time, the Caribbean also had push-button shifting. Unlike Chrysler’s mechanical system, the Packard’s was electronic (like Edsel’s later Teletouch system), and was designed by Autolite. It too was a one-year technical marvel, not to be seen again on the 1957 and 1958 models.
The ’56 Caribbean is a magnificent car, but people in 1956 were just not buying independents, and therefore moneyed individuals were spending it with Cadillac, whose popularity went fundamentally unchallenged for decades. This rare car is currently for sale on Sacramento’s Craigslist for $28,000. The seller claims that it “runs but needs some gaskets replaced,” which is a little vague. The copy makes it sound like the owner purchased the Caribbean from a private collection where it may have spent a significant amount of time parked, so keep that in mind if you’re interested.
Hagerty’s valuation page says that the ’56 Caribbean hardtop values are widely varying, from $15,800 for a #3 car to $40,900 for a #1 car. This one is certainly in there somewhere, so let us know if you make a deal on this last “Detroit” Packard. Thanks to Barn Finds reader numskal for sending this one our way.
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Comments
Truly the last and best Packard 👌. Those famed Cathedral tail lights were created by Dick Teague in a weekend, when J. J. NANCE told him to DO SOMETHING about those damn BULL BALL lights on the pre 55 Packard. LAST DAYS IN THE BUNKER tells of Packards attempts to save the storied Marque. Check out the PREDICTOR for a look at what could have been. And the Packard REQUEST was a one off based on 55 or 56 Packard with traditional Packard grille. Like so many others Packard is now unfortunately Gone With the Winds of change as the world turns to SUVS, crossovers and melted jelly beans masquerading as Luxury vehicles. Someone PLEASE save this MONUMENT to an era unfortunately never to be seen again. 😔
OK…My FELLOW Members of The GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT SOCIETY, time to weigh in on this Caribbean Cruiser! I’ve never owned a Packard, but believe the last 55 and 56 were the best, The Grand Finale for Packard. Angel, did anyone in your family ever own one? And NO, I’m not Cadillac Kidding 😉
@Rick W
Babe, I told you, we’re Italians. Just about everyone in the family drove Cadillacs.
Although, I did have an uncle up the road who I think had a Packard at one time, the ones that remind me of an Elephant, probably from the forties. I do remember he had a 1956 Buick Roadmaster in baby blue. For the life of me, why all Italians cars are either black or Baby blue. My other uncle had a 1956 Cadillac in Baby blue with a white top. Replaced by a medium blue 1959 Cadillac. An aunt had a 1957 Cadillac in blue. At least it wasn’t Baby blue.
Yeah, when we had “family” BBQ the driveway looked like a Cadillac used car lot. No Lincolns or Imperials or Packards, just Cadillacs.
I think I mentioned at one time on here my father was one of 13 kids. That was a lot of Cadillacs in the driveway.
I can only imagine what Packard would have evolved into had it survived. It was the epitome of motordom. Now there are very few cars made only trucks and SUV’s. They are boring. This Caribbean looks magnificent. No 1956 Cadillac, Lincoln or Imperial offered the advanced mechanical sophistication that this Packard featured. The purchase of Studebaker destroyed Packard. James Nance destroyed Packard. Now, Packard has a new owner. Maybe Elon Musk and him could build new Packards and restore the American automobile scene? There is no longer any panache, elegance, or ‘awe’ in American vehicles. Few care what SUV a President or movie star arrives in. We need Packard again!
To Dave Brown…AMEN, my brother! 👍. Celebrities and Heads of State USED to drive or be driven in formal sedans, convertibles or Limos that were as exciting and as grand as the occupants. So sad to see a celebrity emerge from a bland SUV, masquerading as a Luxury symbol!
If you consider yourself a car person and you don’t want this car. Your assumption is wrong, you’re not.
I always loved Packards — my father always drove them. I preferred the 1955 over the 1956, however, in pure styling — the slight changes they made for ’56 did the car no favours. I had forgotten that the Caribbean had come in anything other than a convertible. I always liked the Patrician 400 best (but I am a sedan man who likes dignity more than flair). Packard, Nash, Hudson, and Studebaker, all saw their survival in joining into another combined unit like General Motors: the problem is, that the head of Nash died, snd Romney, who took over, refused to go along with the deal. Packard had bought virtually bankrupt Studebaker, COUNTING on Nash snd Hudson joining forces. Nance should have bought Briggs Coachworks instead. But Chrysker grabbed that prize, ending Packard’s long reliance upon the company for car bodies. And the Studebaker folks in South Bend couldn’t produce the traditional Packard quality. Financial problems combined with quality-control/reliability issues, to sink Packard. And producing badge-engineered Studebakers as “Packards” in ’57 and ’58 was the final ignominious humiliation.
My father had a 1951 Packard and traded it for a 1955 Clipper. I have chased down several Caribbean’s from 53 to 56 and was never able to afford what I found including original 53 an 55’s in Zanesville, Ohio I think that the Classic car organization needs to make a exception for these cars like they did for the last of the Chrysler real wood Town & Country and 1st serie Continental .
Packard almost survived by making 56 taillight lenses for us customized car types but we all got old and got replaced by the younger “I can get it at the local plastic parts place and snap it together” crowd just like all the other “customized cars”. Even if the entire 55-56 Packard wasn’t overly popular those taillights were.
@Terry M
I’ve always liked the ’57 Packard taillights on a custom ’49/’50 Mercury.
Hey Angel, if those lights hit your eye like a big pizza pie, check my post on their creation and previous Packard lights! 😲! 😁 🤣
I love this Packard. My grandfather owned 4 Packards, ’48, ’50, ’52, and ’54. I was born in ’53 and don’t remember models, I have only seen black and white photos. Grandpa’s best friend, (a attorney and bank president) who bought new Packages starting in ’48 and sold them to my grandpa 2 years later. His friend hearing rumors about Packard, didn’t by a ’56 and waited till ’57 and bought a Packbaker Clipper. Sold the ’57 to grandpa in ’59. I was old enough to remember the car when grandpa bought it. It was a beauty. 2 tone copper and white. The friend bought a ’59 Cadillac. Grandpa didn’t but it. For some reason he didn’t like Caddys. He bought a ’64 Impala wagon new, trading the ’57.
This certainly brings back memories of my parents.
Except for about six weeks in the summer, I spent all my time at my grandparents. Those 6 weeks less my travel to Europe, I travelled with my parents. I do not remember how long my parents were in Europe at the time.
I wrote about this back on October 13, 2020 in BF.
My parents had one (Airstream Trailer), a little bigger though, 17′. They towed it all over Europe with Wally Byam Caravan Club, behind a 3-tone (color) 1955 Packard Clipper (It could have been a Caribbean).
They eventually wore out about 5 other cars (and two pickups and an IH Travall). The trailer was towed about 1.2 million miles (I found out recently that was actually 1.8 million miles). I know they replaced the axle twice.
My first car was a 1955 Packard 400, two tone, a dark bronze and cream color Same interior and dashboard,except the auto trany selecter was on the steering wheel. My 1955 had a light gold tint on the dashboard, seller said it was first year of V8, torsen bar suspension, if you parked at a slight angle the suspension would raise one corner to make the car level.
Had a lot of torque and was geared fairly low, made a good stop light racer ! These were big, heavy cars, however they cornered really well.
Like all my exes, I wish I had kept it.
What a beautiful true last year, 56 Packard, Caribbean. That V8 is huge! And take a look at the size of that AC compressor and clutch. The Interior is like candy, but yeah, saying it needs gaskets is concerning. Head gaskets? Or valve cover gaskets? Good luck finding anyone still alive who knows how to repair or adjust this torsion control suspension. Still a beautiful car.
Found a gasket set at the local Studabaker dealer.Same engine.
Engine is not anything special, buy a Hemmings magazine and you will find literature for everything you need.
Wes, just finding a gasket set that may or may not work is one thing, the job and or labor, of tearing its engine down to replace head gaskets and everything else in between is another story entirely
Angel, while doing the Mambo Italiano, LOL 😉 Speak softly Love 🎵 and remember THE GODFATHER movies (can’t get more Italian than that) featured many different vehicles. Granted most were Cadillacs, but the were Lincolns, others and Packards including a 54 Long wheelbase limo. And in one film? related to LA Familia, I seem to recall a dark blue late 80s Town Car much like one I once owned. Can I become an honorary Italiano? 💋 🏰
@Rick W
Let me check with my mafia uncle and I’ll let you know……. hey, Uncle Vito? 😂
Angelina, my favorite niece, Make Him an Offer He Can’t Refuse, including Kissing the ring! 💍 😉 💋 NOTHING else! Don’t you two have anything better to do on a Saturday LIVE from New York!
You’re a very twisted boomer, Rick. And I say that with affection.
Good morning Angel! THANKS! As usual, you’re right on target! But most folks just don’t get it 🤷. I’ve worked hard for my reputation and will continue to do EVERYTHING in my power to keep it. 🤪 Hey, 🎵 Let’s Do The Twist🎶 Or Drive Down the Freeway 🎵 in Arethas PINK Cadillac 🎶. Unless you think Uncle Vito might object. 😉
Sweet !
Let me just say this about that. If one was a real Packard lover, one wouldn’t scoff at the ’57-’58s. They still had the Packard name, and were more than mere Studebakers. If anything, the ’55-’56s were a nightmare, and for some, the ’57-’58s had some sort of normalcy to them. Don’t get me wrong, the ’55-’56 Packards were the zenith of the make. I disagree about the suspension. I read, it was actually complicated, but much more reliable than Caddys air ride. Packard was plagued with many assembly problems, strikes, and some, like this person here, waited almost a year for their cars. Many of which cancelled the orders, resulting in a glut, of sorts, of unsold Packards. I happened to like the ’57-’58s. It was clear smaller cars were on the horizon, and some have the nerve to rip on them, but Studebaker was a darn good car too. Theoretically, with Packard behind them, they should have been the best darn car made. I feel it was. Sadly, Packard will go down in history as a failure, but I look at the bigger picture, Packard was the best American car made. I know, I drove one.
The ’56 Clipper taillights are my favorite.
The 1955 and 56 Packard had the same tail lights, most everything was the same. The years I owned my Packard I never had a problem with the torgue style suspension.Was a very dependable car.
As PACKARD ads quoted ASK THE MAN WHO OWNS ONE! 👍. On a side note, PACKARDS problems began before J J Nance. His predecessor Hugh Ferry and the Packard Board deserve much of the blame.
On a completely unrelated topic, while we enjoy the camaraderie here in the BARN, let us not forget those who have lost their homes, family members, even their own lives in tornadoes, floods, fires, and hurricanes here in this country as well as the devastation that wars have brought around the world. 🙏
@Rick W
I agree with you, Rick. This is why I feel BF should have a chat room where we can not only talk about cars but other non-related subjects. And that way we can keep our verbal affair going.
Here, we are not supposed to be political. Maybe in the chat room we could.
Let’s leave the political chat to the news websites. Thanks!
Angel, I just posted a question (on Imperial site) asking if a chat line number would be removed. Hopefully not, still waiting for an answer in the meantime Check my post about riding in Arethas Pink Cadillac. 😅 🤣
I’m surprised no one mentioned the new Packard automobile company. I think they’re only making the classic depression era cars, replicas or made new from old dies and stampings. In Warren, Ohio.
A funny thought – drive it to a Cars & Coffee. Flip the seats over, and take it to the next C&C. Someone looking in, and asking “You got TWO of these Packards?”
My budget and space allows me my Commodore. Am quite happy, but I’d love to be behind the wheel of this amazing treasure!
I was so lucky to drive my boss’s very similar 1955 Packard Patrician occasionally when I was in high school. His car also had the Torsion-Level suspension system that would emit a slight whining noise when it activated. This was the finest car I have ever driven both in ride and performance. This heavy machine could move! My boss drove it like he was a race car driver.
Angel ,I was born in Messina Sicily, better than you mere Italians HAHAHA. my PaPa drove Ferraris custom made because he was 6′-;10″, But those Packard’s are quite lovely. Especially the dash boards and engines
This has nothing to do with cars but, as a USAF band director, I was in your fair city ca 40 years ago. What a coincidence.
@UDT FROG
What is this rivalry between Italians and Sicilians??? 😄 Never understood two nationalities that basically came from the same but are rivals. I had a Sicilian friend in Brooklyn, New York who was SUPPOSED to take me to Sicily but that never happened.
6’10”, very tall man. Did you inherit any of that? I guess being that tall it is hard to find a comfortable vehicle to drive, hence, the customization.
Love this discussion! My father had a 1932 Packard, then a 1939 Packard, then a 1951 Packard. Before 1932, he had a Peerless and a Pierce Arrow (I’m not sure which years those were). So, the demise of Packard broke his heart. I know that Studebaker was a good car, and that the “Packardbakers” were excellent for what they were. But they were not the grand Packard that made Cadillac look more plebian… let’s just say that Packard, particularly the senior models of the 1930s, were in a class by themselves well above everything else on the road. The Clipper in around 1942 was a fine automobile — but then, in the 1950s, it was re-introduced as a mid-price version of Packard. But it still had the Packard front and Packard quality — it was TOO good for what it was, and thus it hurt the senior Packard, I think. The sides and rears lacked the Packard distinction; but you could essentially buy most of what a Packard was, for an Oldsmobile price. Packard PRESTIGE got lost a bit, after the1930s senior models. 1955 was a noble effort to resurrect Packard as THE standard for America’s finest automobile; but, what with the loss of the Briggs Coachwork, and the burden of Studebsker’s red ink, it was too little and too late. 1955 was a banner year for new car sales, after the slump of 1954, and it was prime for “launching” a finer senior Packard. Though the ONE thing that Packard could NOT afford to lose, unfortunately, was its sterling reputation for QUALITY — and the 1955 production, hastily moved to South Bend, suffered reliability problems, just when Studebaker’s financial woes were becoming glaring public knowledge. It was the “perfect storm” to doom Packard. As for the Warren, Ohio effort: that is great for millionaires who want to own and drive a mechanically-modern early 1930s classic Packard, on special order. But that is NOT the same as resurrecting a viable Packard Motor Car Company. I wish they COULD also front a regular production modern Packard, fully worthy of Packard’s golden years — especially when Cadillac has become simply an up-trim version of G.M.s other divisions. Is it too late, and too much government regulation, to have an American “statement” automobile as our very finest? Wish we still could “Ask the man who owns one”!.
@Harrison Reed
I worked at Hertz RAC at the airport. I drove brand new cars from parking to parking lot, to get washed or maintenance. Ya’ll know I LOVE Cadillacs. But today’s Cadillac is simply a much more expensive Chevrolet. Ask me, I’ve driven both.
I’m not qualified to speak about the CTS-V as Hertz didn’t have any of them. Had plenty of Shelby Mustangs. They were fun to drive.
Resurrecting the Packard Motor Company would probably be a great thing and again give Cadillac a run for its money. Unfortunately, as you pointed out with so much government regulations and interference it just wouldn’t be the same. And it would probably be an EV SUV!!! The horror!
Yes, the company using the Parkard name right now is not for us common folks, but can’t wait for those cars to hit Barn Finds in a few years from now at 1/2 the cost.
These Packard’s 55-56 were very good cars, but had a few flaws in them compared to the more reliable 49-54 models. First the transmissions are problematic which are not interchangeable with other engines except Packard, i just recently sold my 55 Packard because of this could not get it to stay in park- frustrating and expensive most shops don’t know how to work on these transmissions its just a simple two speed automatic. Secondly the suspension with the motors on each side that level the car higher and lower are always problems and are not cheap to fix, besides that they were great luxury cars with many nice features on them, even this car which is for sale the suspension leveling system is not working but considering what else is out there on the market there are many other cars that you will be happy with??
To Angel Cadillac Diva: England has their Rolls Royce (DO they still??); Japan has Lexus; but, where is AMERICA’S full-sized luxury sedan?
@Harrison Reed
I believe it’s passing as the Chevrollac SUV
Harrison and Angel… I am the current USA 🇺🇸 VINTAGE luxury car. As mentioned in other posts, I am now a Vintage Rolls Canardly, Roll down one hill and Can ardly get up the next! BUT still driving my Town Car past those pesky PEASANT vehicles on MY way to VERSAILLES! 🏰 🤣 👍
Rebuilding the cylinder heads and top end clean up is not that difficult, I did it in my parents driveway when I was 16 years old, You send the heads to a machine shop to have then trued,not excessive as then the valves might hit your pistons, and must have correct bore gaskets.
If you know you need bearings that’s another story, Big heavy engine !
Most old cars that won’t start just need fresh fuel (lines,tank,filter).
And a carburator cleaning,dont send your parts off, find someone local to help you.It is a hobby,so have fun.
Wes, I wouldn’t want to spend $28k on this beautiful Packard, only to have to rebuild the top part of its engine, replacing head gaskets. Once you’re into the job, no telling what else pops up and it always does. Most machine shops in my area are booked up for months for machining the heads and replacing valves. Hard pass for me.
So why do you want to have the engine rebuilt ? What is it doing ?
I recently Googled Packard Motors and found out that a watchmaker bought the rights in 2019 and opened in 2023. The first model available is the 1934 Victoria. Of course redesigned with modern engineering. It will be interesting to see if and when they can offer a 1950s model Caribbean like this one on Barnfinds.
@HC
Any photos available?
Angel, if you Google Packard Motors, it shows a picture of the 34 Victoria but didn’t see any others. Too difficult to upload pics on this site.
@HC
Gotcha
Angel and RICK W: “Chevrolac SUV” had me howling with laughter. RICK W: You have your Town Car, and I have my Grand Marquis (a glorified Ford that thinks it’s a Lincoln) — but the Town car, the Grand Marquis, and the Crown Victoria, all are pretty similar, mechanically; AREN’T they?
Harrison,
It may sound funny but it’s true. I know there will be others on here saying it’s just badge engineering, that the Cadillac rides better, has better handling,, has better materials in the interior. Not true. They are the same car.
As for Rick’s Lincoln, your Grand Marquis and the Ford Victoria, I would assume they are pretty much badge engineered and pretty much the same car. All auto manufacturers are doing anything to save money and make money.
I’m worried about the future of the hobby. Kids today will be us in 40 years. Their classics will be badged engineered same everything. A Ford will be a Chevy. And vice versa. That is IF who we have as manufacturers today will be around in 40 years. It doesn’t look good right now.
Angel Cadillac Diva: I am not as pessimistic as you are. That said, however, if what has become of the antique business in more recent years is any indicator, younger generations do not appear to have the same regard for preserving the past, that we have. Yes, my “Panther” Grand Marquis is the same as either a Ford Crown Victoria or a Lincoln Town Car (though the Lincoln is a bit larger). There is no mechanical distinction at all. The main differences are in trim-levels, quality and luxuriousness of upholstery, how many individual seats can be adjusted electrically– things such as that. But they could just as easily have a called all three as Ford cars — just different models and trim-levels. Parts for the Ford or the Lincoln will fit my Mercury. At one time, Cadillac stood alone, but no longer. G.M. might just as well tag all their cars and S.U.V.s as “Chevrolets” and be done with it. The only differences are in trim-levels, and the number of “extras” that come “standard” — that’s about it. Cars used to communicate a “personality” and make some sort of “statement” about their owner. If you looked at G.M., for example, each “division” had its own designers and engineers and priorities: they were assigned a body-shell and a price-range, then were left free to create and build anything within that framework. The smaller body went to Chevy abd Pontiac; the larger one went to Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac; and Oldsmobile and Buick got to build on both the smaller and larger body shells. Only Pontiac developed the “wide track”. Only Oldsmobile had the “rocket” engine. And both Buick and Oldsmobile got to exploit the performance of senior engines in the junior sized models. But there were reasons, beyond simple economics, to choose the one you wanted. A Buick was every bit as good as a Cadillac, but without the ostentation: if you wanted the quality and luxury you could afford, but you didn’t want a ‘status-symbol”, you drove a Buick. These days, you have no such choice: each car is a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all version of each other one. Cars in our day had style and romance, and you had a “relationship” with the vehicle you drove. But now it’s all utiliarian — like choosing a hot water heater or any practical appliance. America has lost her love-affair with the automobile, I’m afraid.