Series 5580. 275 hp, 352 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine with dual Rochester four-barrel carburetors, Twin Ultramatic automatic transmission, front and rear torsion bar suspension, and power-assisted four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 127"

• One of 500 examples from 1955

• Highly equipped, excellent driver with appealing patina

• An undisputed, landmark dream machine

It is truly ironic that by 1955, Packard was slipping into oblivion following its merger with Studebaker, just as its best postwar models debuted. All Packard models now featured an innovative front and rear torsion bar suspension system with automatic leveling, making the 1955 Packards some of the smoothest riding and best handling full-size cars of the era, reportedly forcing Chrysler back to the drawing board to rethink its own “Torsion-Aire” design. A pair of modern OHV V-8 engines also debuted, displacing 320- and 352-cubic inches with 225 and 275 hp, respectively. In addition, the Ultramatic automatic transmission was updated with a locking torque converter, offering the economy and performance of a manual unit.

Stylistically, the entire 1955 Packard model range was fresh and modern with crisp Dick Teague-penned lines. The Caribbean Convertible continued to head the Packard lineup with three-tone paint schemes, full leather interiors, a striking, ultra-deluxe dash layout, and a host of standard power amenities. Standard power for the Caribbean range was provided by the top 275 hp, 352 V-8 with dual four-barrel carburetors topped by the iconic “batwing” air cleaner. Priced from a near-astronomical $5,932, just 500 examples of these highly equipped and very stylish cars were produced for 1955, with another 539 following for 1956.

This “black plate” California car features a charming and irreplaceable patina of remarkable originality, and as offered, it represents an attractive and highly presentable example of this very rare model. With limited ownership from new, the car is now being offered from either its second or third owner. A set of period style whitewall tires, chrome-plated wire wheels, dual exhaust outlets, and synchronized dual radio antennae enhance the grand presence of this very fine Caribbean. In short, its offering presents bidders with an ideal opportunity to acquire one of Packard’s most sophisticated, highly collectible icons.