Essentially Packard’s answer to competitor Cadillac’s Eldorado and Buick’s Skylark, this limited production convertible was styled by Dick Teague who took his inspiration from Packard’s Henney-built Pan American show car of 1952. Appearing in January 1953, the new convertible drew raves from the automotive press. Interestingly, Caribbeans were not built by either Packard or Henney. Instead, standard convertibles were shipped to Mitchell-Bentley, a specialty machine sheetmetal fabricating shop in Iona, Michigan. There, the chassis were lowered and the bodies reworked into Caribbeans. Powered by the company’s 327-cid, 180-hp straight-eight engine equipped with four-barrel carburetor, they were priced at a lofty $5,210.00 and just 750 were produced for the 1953 model year. The six-passenger model featured a special low hood with a wide faux scoop, exclusive rocker and wheel opening moldings, and rear-mounted Continental spare tire. Production of the unique model continued through 1957.

Sporting an older restoration, this driver-quality example is perfect for local shows and tours. It is painted a lovely yellow with a black and white interior and tan canvas convertible top. In addition, it is equipped with automatic transmission, power steering, radio, spotlights and whitewall tires on Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels.