Caribbeans did not sell in large numbers because Packard limited production: 750 cars for 1953, 400 for 1954, 500 for 1955, and 276 convertibles for 1956 (that year there was a hardtop coupe version, 263 built).
Surviving Caribbeans can yield decent prices when auctioned.
Examples from each model year are compared below.
Aside from the hood airscoop, frontal styling is the same as upscale Packard Cavaliers and Patricians, as well as Convertibles.
The two most important styling changes for 1954 were the reshaping to the rear wheel opening and the addition of the chrome strip above it that serves as a two-tone paint boundary (see examples below).
Packards were heavily facelifted for 1955 (note the wraparound windshield) and received mechanical upgrades (the inline 8-cylinder motors were replaced by V8s). Again, the main frontal difference from standard Packards is the hood air intakes.
Chrome décor added to the hood air intakes and mesh screen added to the grille opening.
I agree with many other observers that the '53 Caribbean is the most attractive of the lot. A nice, useful touch is the chrome strip on the beltline that widens to accent the transition to the rear fender. Also, it reverse-echoes the traditions pen-nib feature found on hoods and fender sides at various times. On the other hand, I see no aesthetic gain on the part of the exposed spare tire at the rear That was a 1950s American styling/marketing fad.
That two-tone paint scheme was not an improvement over the 1953 design.
Front and rear ends lean outwards to enhance visual length. An impressive design from a marketing point of view.
The two- or three-tone paint scheme transforms the Caribbean from a sporty look to the appearance of a luxury convertible. Which it is.
I suppose the spare tire adds interest to the rear end. And I wonder what else might have been used to that effect.
More of that unfortunate two-tone scheme. Even on the spare tire cover, in this instance.
The spare tire is now located in the trunk. Rear end styling is the same as on other Packards.
That large V on the trunk lid is a visual cliché not needed on a luxury car.
No comments:
Post a Comment