Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is this restored 1953 Packard Caribbean convertible. Introduced in 1953, the Caribbean was a semi-custom halo car to help bring attention to the Packard brand, whose reputation had been slipping due to stale styling and lack of V8. Most noticeable were the fully radiused wheel openings and lack of side trim. Power comes from a 327ci “Thunderbolt” straight-eight backed by a two-speed Ultramatic Drive. Features include continental kit, 15-inch wire wheels, power windows, steering, brakes, and top, driver-side mirror, and more. Painted Sahara Sand with a tan top over blue and white interior, this classic chariot is now offered by the selling dealer with a tonneau cover and clear title.
Sahara Beige was one of several limited colors available for the Caribbean. It is complemented by a tan power convertible top. Other features include a continental kit, driver-side mirror, and bright metal wheel openings and belt moldings. Authentic, 15-inch multi-spoke wheels are wrapped in eight-inch American Classic bias-ply wide whitewalls.
The cabin is furnished in blue and white upholstery—Caribbeans had leather, but best to ask the sell how it was reupholstered. Interior features include a column-mounted automatic shifter, power windows, power steering, pushbutton AM radio, and aftermarket under-dash battery shut-off switch.
The instrument panel consists of three dials consisting of a 110-mph speedometer, clock, and gauges for the coolant temperature and fuel. The odometer shows 57,670, though the title reads mileage-exempt.
Powering this classic Packard is an 8.0:1-compression 327ci straight-eight topped by a four-barrel carburetor. Horsepower was originally rated at 180. It is backed by a two-speed Ultramatic Drive transmission.
The undercarriage features power front drum brakes and a single-exit exhaust system.
Packard built only 750 Caribbean convertibles in 1953, quite a respectable number considering the similar Cadillac Eldorado only achieved 532 units. Plus, the ’53 is the only Caribbean that featured radiused rear wheels, which was quite custom and spectacular at the time. Sounds like something that may be hard to resist? Be poised because the AutoHunter auction for this 1953 Packard Caribbean ends on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
