THE BRAND

An American marque founded in 1899 by two brothers, Packard specialized from 1925 onward in technologically advanced luxury automobiles, including 12-cylinder models.

Packard began producing V12 engines for Liberty aircraft as early as 1914 and became a major supplier of engines for aviation and naval applications during World War II.

The Caribbean was the last model produced by the brand and also its most powerful, introduced in an effort to avoid bankruptcy. It was presented as the finest example of what the company had ever produced, but it failed to capture the interest of the postwar American public. Packard merged with Studebaker in 1958.

THE VEHICLE

The body paint and upholstery are not original.

The original Caribbean engine has been replaced with a Patrician engine (equipped with a single carburetor and producing approximately 15 horsepower less than the original engine).

At the time, this was the most powerful production engine manufactured by the company.

This convertible model was produced in only 276 units; the museum’s example is the 228th built.

- V8 side-valve engine, 6,132 cc
- Two four-barrel carburetors, 4,600 rpm
- “Ultramatic” 3-speed automatic transmission with electronic push-button gear selection
- Torsion-bar suspension with an electric self-leveling system
- Drum brakes
- Front heater and power steering
- Weight: 2,170 kg (4,784 lb)
- Top speed: approximately 100 mph
- Extensive electrical equipment, including a power-operated convertible top, power windows, power seats, and a power radio antenna (not fitted to this example)
- Dimensions: 5.5 m × 1.98 m (18.0 ft × 6.5 ft)