1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible 
One of the finest first-year Caribbeans in existence
Award-winning restoration


Body Style: 2dr Convertible
Engine: 180hp 327 cu.in. L-head inline 8-cylinder engine
Chassis No: 2678-2061
Engine No: L405945
Chassis Model No: 2631
Body No: 2678
Exterior Color: Gulf Green Metallic 
Interior Color: Green/White Leather Upholstery
Transmission: Ultramatic Drive Automatic


History of the 1953 Packard Caribbean:
Packard introduced the Caribbean in 1953. Based on Packard’s non-production 1952 show car, the Pan American convertible, the Caribbean utilized a Cavalier body that was heavily modified by the Mitchell-Bentley Corporation of Ionia, Michigan. The hood featured a full-width scoop, the taillights were horizontal in “fishtail” rear fenders, and the cars were fitted with chrome wire wheels, including a continental spare tire. All side trim was removed, and full rear wheel cutouts further differentiated the car from the rest of the Packard line, and the end result was a truly elegant and striking automobile.

The Caribbean was only available as a convertible, and could be ordered in four colors: Polaris Blue, Gulf Green metallic, Matador Red metallic and Sahara Sand. It was powered by the 180-hp, 327-cid straight-eight motor and at $5,210 was almost $2,000 more than the Cavalier convertible and $1,400 more than a Cadillac convertible. A total of 750 1953 Packard Caribbean convertibles were built.

 
About This Car:
This is the 61st of the 750 1953 Caribbeans built and it was originally delivered to prominent Seattle building supply magnate, philanthropist, and socialite James Hodges. Mr. Hodges drove the Packard for two years, before selling it to a family friend, Mary Christina Nuckols, who had long admired it. Mrs. Nuckols dubbed the Caribbean “my dream boat,” and she enjoyed it for over a decade, before her doctor advised her to give up driving, due to a heart condition.

Mrs. Nuckols followed her doctor’s advice and stopped driving her Packard. While she could not drive her Caribbean, she could also not bear to part with it. It continued to be registered for the road every year from 1968 to 1991, with the license plate renewals tucked carefully into a desk drawer, and it was properly stored up on blocks in her garage. Only in 2004, at the age of 95, was she convinced to sell it to the current owner, a well-known Seattle enthusiast who had been pursuing the car for two decades. Mary Nuckols died in 2009, after 100 happy years.

The car was in good condition as-purchased, and it is an excellent basis for restoration. Its body was properly stripped, repaired, and metal-finished, with no filler, and then it was refinished in the original Caribbean-exclusive color. New upholstery, in the correct grain and color, was installed. New wiring, hoses, seals, and molding were installed throughout. The original engine showed wear, and it was replaced with an original Packard replacement block, which was completed with all NOS components and stamped with the car’s original engine number, L405945. All chassis components were rebuilt to ensure excellent operation.

Mary Christina’s “dream boat” was the winner of class awards at the Steamworks and Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance, and it is one of the nicest restored Caribbeans remaining, and still being driven. She would, no doubt, be thrilled.

 

Asking Price: $ "Sold"
All offers will be considered 
Ready for immediate worldwide delivery




Please contact (+1) 619-777-3659 for more information​




 For sale by www.motorcarcompany.com in San Diego, California.  Motor Car Company specializes in collection management, sales and brokerage of Collector Automobiles. 


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