1956 Packard Caribbean Coupe

California Car, 65K Original Miles

Rare 1956 Packard Caribbean Coupe for Sale

Very special 1956 Packard Caribbean Coupe for sale - 1 of 263 ever produced. This mostly original, numbers-matching California preservation car has just 65K original miles. Originally finished in Dover White, Naples Orange, and Corsican Black. Includes various paperwork and registrations showing it first sold in 1956 documenting its ownership to current along with fuel receipts dating back to 1959. I purchased this special Caribbean from a collection after several years in storage and we have serviced it making it mostly ready to drive and enjoy.

EXTERIOR:
The body is straight and solid with no rust or rot to be found. The car was resprayed in its original colors decades ago minus the Corsican Black we are told was originally in the lower area. The chrome, lenses, and glass all appear to be original, the front passenger-side flat glass has a crack, otherwise the rest are good. It even has its immaculate original hypolon top.

INTERIOR:
Inside the cockpit is one of the most well-preserved interiors of any car this age that I have ever seen. The headliner, door panels, cards, etc are in amazing condition along with the steering wheel. More amazing are the reversible seat cushions in their original, soft, and supple three-tone leather on one side and cloth on the opposite. All very nice, even the tabs and snaps are in good condition. I suspect that the carpet may have been replaced though cannot be sure. Current items needing attention: radio does not power up and the clock is inoperable.

MECHANICALS:
The numbers matching 374ci 6.1L, 4-bbl OHV 310 bhp V8 runs smoothly and quietly and shifting is excellent. We have spent a great deal of time and energy getting the car back into roadworthy condition including cleaning out the fuel system, rebuilding the fuel pump, replacing filters, and the sending unit. We also rebuilt the four-barrel Rochester carburetor, installed a new battery and cables, belts, hoses, a new alternator to replace the generator (included), oil change, and a fresh set of valve cover gaskets. Stopping is excellent with rebuilt brake booster, new rear drums and shoes, all-new brake hoses, and wheel cylinders. The car is running nice and cool with a serviced radiator, rebuilt heater core, fresh coolant, thermostat, and temperature sender. In addition, we lubed and serviced all power windows and installed a rebuilt wiper motor. Currently, the load-leveling system needs some new wiring, the motor is good and works when power is put directly to it but the wiring going into it is deteriorated. Also, exhaust leaks are present and tires should be replaced due to age.

HISTORY:
Purchased new in 1956, presumably from Earle C. Anthony Packard in San Francisco. Sold to its second owner in Castro Valley, California on November 29, 1958, by a local Studebaker dealer, 12-14 Motors in Hayward, California. Next, sold by his widow to its third owner, a collector in San Francisco in 1990. I purchased this car into my inventory at Left Coast Classics in May of 2021.

As stated by Hemmings, "The rarity of the 1956 Caribbean and its footnote as being among Packard’s last cars before the Packard-Baker era make these cars highly collectible and among the most valuable in the Packard line."

Call or text Donn with questions. 707-332-8331. For loan pre-approval visit https://www.lightstream.com/apply