While the Caribbean debuted in the 1953 Packard line-up as limited production special sports convertible, the factory offered it in a Hardtop version for one year only - 1956. This is #135 of just 263 examples built that year.
Originally delivered to a dealer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the car somehow made its way to Arizona in the late 1950s, where it remained in the hands of its new (second?) owner for over three decades - though it spent most of its time after 1977 under a tarp. In the late 1980s, the owner decided to relocate to his home state of Pennsylvania, but when he couldn't get his asking price for the car, it got trailed back east, with hopes of restoration. While I had always dreamed of having a Caribbean, I wasn't even aware of this car's existence, right in my own hometown, but it sort of "found" me (which is a whole 'nother story) in 1991. Six months later, in 1992, I bought it - without haggling on price.
This '56 Caribbean Hardtop is an unmolested, unrestored, rust-free original - still sporting its Dover White, Scottish Heather and Maltese Gray factory finish (though a bit weathered now). Above and beyond the standard complement of power accessories that were optional on other Senior Packard models (including pushbutton shift for 1956), the V8 Caribbeans sported dual 4-bbl. carbs (boosting output of the 374-cid mill to 310HP), and the '56 models got unique reversible seat cushions - upholstered in leather on one side and cloth on the other.
A lot of buffing, cleaning and detailing made this car presentable, and a little mechanical work made it roadable, for awhile, but I decided to retire the car to long-term storage after 1997. After I complete work on one of my two '56 Patricians, which I hope to use as a fair weather driver, I plan on restoring this car.