It is truly ironic that by 1955 Packard was slipping towards oblivion just as its best post-war 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, best-handling full-size cars of their era and reportedly forcing Chrysler back to the drawing board to rethink its own Torsion-Aire design. A pair of modern overhead-valve V-8 engines also debuted, displacing 320 and 352 cubic inches with 225 and 275 horsepower, respectively. In addition, the Ultramatic automatic transmission was updated with a locking torque converter, so that it could offer the economy and performance of a manual unit. Stylistically, the model range was fresh and modern, with crisp lines penned by the legendary Richard Teague.

Continuing to lead Packard’s lineup was the Caribbean Convertible, with its standard tri-tone paint scheme, full leather interior, striking deluxe Space Age dashboard layout, and a host of standard amenities, as well as the top 275-horsepower, 352-cubic inch V-8 with dual four-barrel carburetors, which was topped with the iconic “batwing” air cleaner. These highly equipped and very stylish cars were priced at a near-astronomical $5,932, resulting in only 500 examples being produced in 1955. They were owned by a who’s who of socialites and business leaders all over the United States.

The example offered here, finished in the attractive colors of Dover White, Zircon Blue, and Grey Pearl, was acquired by the late Jack Nichols while he was attending a show in New Jersey. Until his passing, it remained a favorite of Mr. Nichols, and it is now proudly offered from his estate for a new caretaker to enjoy.

In preparation for sale, a close friend of the late Jack Nichols volunteered his restoration facility to ensure that the car was mechanically sorted, which included dismantling and cleaning the carburetors, adding new paint to the air cleaner, and replating the rear bumper. The torsion bar suspension system was no longer functioning properly, but after being debugged, it now works perfectly, and the car is described as running, driving, and functioning well in all respects. A battery cut-off switch has been installed for safety. The engine now sends its 275 horsepower to the rear axle through a Chrysler Torqueflite automatic transmission, chosen as a more durable alternative to the original Ultramatic. Mileage on the car is recorded at 86,958, which may well be the actual reading since new.

This car would make a superb addition to any Packard collection as an ideal highway cruiser.