Introduced in 1953 as a replacement for the Packard 300, the Cavalier was initially offered in a variety of body styles with a sub-series naming scheme denoting each one. The convertible body introduced the revered Caribbean nameplate while the coupe was designated the Mayfair.

In 1954, Packard consolidated the Cavalier line to a single sedan body style as the Caribbean moved upmarket. The Cavalier featured minor stylistic changes, including a revised chrome side spear and additional chrome strakes ahead of the rear wheel wells. The body contours retained elements from the popular Pan-American concept car from 1952. Under the hood, Packard’s straight-eight displaced 327 cubic inches and produced 185 horsepower, fed by a four-barrel carburetor. Occupying the top end of the middle market, the Cavalier Touring Sedan proved popular at launch, selling 10,799 units in 1953, but would not attract nearly as many buyers the following year, with just 2,580 examples produced.

This 1954 Packard Cavalier Touring Sedan is remarkable in that it appears to be unrestored, an enticing proposition for fans of the preservation class. Finished in two-tone Meridian Blue Metallic and Polaris Blue, the exterior is decorated with a selection of remarkable period accessories, including an exterior sun visor, curb feelers, half-moon headlight covers, a spotlight, amber fog lamps, shady vents, radio antennae, and decorated splash guards.

The blue color scheme carries through to the interior upholstery, while the patterned fabric of the front seat back contrasts nicely in a shade of coral. The cabin is just as full-featured as the exterior, the dashboard is fitted with a traffic-light viewer, AM radio, and tissue dispenser. An oil-change sticker dated 1963 with a mileage log of 75,406 implies that the 78,978 miles on the odometer could be original, though this has not been verified. A State of Nebraska registration decal affixed to the windshield indicates that the car was registered there in 1970. A new replacement windshield and corresponding rubber gasket are included in the sale.

An enticing and rare Packard Cavalier Touring Sedan, this example will undoubtedly provide much enjoyment, whether treated to a sympathetic restoration or preserved as is for touring.