Model 2678. 180 bhp, 327 cu. in. L-head inline eight-cylinder engine, Ultramatic automatic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 122 in.

Packard Motor Car Company emerged from World War II with a much-curtailed product line. Gone were the spectacular coachbuilt Senior cars of the 1930s. So were the flamboyant Packard Darrins of 1940 to 1942. After two years of marking time with a short range of carryover Clipper models, the company brought out the radically new 22nd Series cars of 1948. Although streamlined, their style did not appeal to everyone, and worse, even the most prestigious models did not stand out from the entry-level cars. It was 1953 before Packard had another high-profile model available.

With a limited production run of only 750, the exclusive Caribbean was Packard’s “halo vehicle.” Introduced in November 1952, with the rest of the 1953 line, its styling was derived directly from the stunning Packard Pan American show car of 1952. Mitchell-Bentley Corporation modified standard Packard convertible bodies to achieve the sleek, elegant, European appearance of the Caribbean.

As factory customs were used, they were devoid of regular side trim, but the car had special full-wheel cutouts and rocker panels edged in chrome, and a Continental kit was nicely nestled between lengthened rear fenders. A 327-cubic inch, 180 horsepower version of Packard’s legendary straight eight powered the car through Packard’s own Ultramatic transmission.

This 1953 Packard Caribbean is striking in Carolina Cream, a light shade of yellow. The contours and paint are excellent, and the brightwork is all very good. It has a black canvas convertible top with a matching boot cover, pushbutton AM radio, day/night mirror, heater, power brakes, power top, and power windows, and it is outfitted with Kelsey Hayes chrome wire wheels mounted with wide whitewall tires.

The interior is nicely upholstered in red pleated leather and has matching red carpet. The engine compartment is clean, though not extensively detailed, and the underside of the car appears to be largely in driver quality condition.

Packard continued the Caribbean Convertible through to 1956, but it is the 1953 edition that has the purest and most beautiful design, with this specific car being an extremely nice example.