1953 Packard Caribbean, Packard sports car

Today on what it’s like 1953 Packard Caribbean late release. I’ll be honest this isn’t the best era of packard but it’s growing on me. This is a cool episode
Enjoy =)
If you’d like to reach me
[e-mail]

[@ahoorakia]

sweet talking woman/electric light orchestra

[@What.its.like.]

Yep damn that was fast congratulations =) your the first one

[@ahoorakia]

@@What.its.like. I was the first one yesterday too,but I was banned from making comment yesterday,so I could only put under live comment😂 I've been a bad boy,so I got time out for a day🤣🤣

[@josephgaviota]

I know this _isn't_ a music vlog, but it seems to me ELO is under appreciated.

[@keplermission4947]

You know it was their age, their thing and we saw it as kids but you know we were just you know, their kids but I suppose some people want these cars for displays and events. But I feel that stuff it's awesome but like a grave or a cemetery. I don't really like their time, their stuff.

[@carlmontney7916]

Such a beautiful and stylish automobile. Especially in that color. Every single line just flows smoothly into the next. My choices are this car all the way. I've always been a big fan of Packards. So many great automakers have gone by the wayside. Packard, Hudson, Nash, Studebaker, just to name a few. All were great cars that were made by proud workers.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree =) all the other models had chrome/stainless accent trim where this one didn’t but the trim was on the wheel wells so clean are the lines

[@josephgaviota]

_... Every single line just flows smoothly into the next. ..._ I remember as a kid, hearing my dad and grandfather talking about cars ... oh, that one has nice lines.

[@ROXSTARCorvette4371]

A truly stunning car. It's amazing how Packard's fortunes changed by the early 50s. It's sad that a merger with Huson and Nash did not occur.

[@What.its.like.]

Hindsight is always 2020 I wish that peerless Packard and Pierce arrow merged.. that would have been cool

[@JamesAllmond]

Actually, some fiscal truth between companies, that is required nowadays, may have saved all 4 companies! The 4 together may have stood a chance.

[@ROXSTARCorvette4371]

@@What.its.like. I agree

[@richardrice8076]

Hudson needed to merge with Nash so I doubt that would've worked. Nash in turn had to grab a life preserver from Rambler( forming American motors) so that wasn't a good idea either. 1, Packard stayed with their vaunted straight 8 too long 2 it went from being a prestige car to one in every driveway. Packard tried to address this by introducing the Patrician but it was too late. 3 the merger with Studebaker. This might have worked but inexplicably they moved their operation to South Bend. They then realized that they couldn't build those big beautiful Caribbean's and badging a Studebaker as a Packard didn't fool anybody. In the end just another in a long line of independents that couldn't make the swim up stream.

[@anthonypopola5773]

After WW 2, Cadillac and a little later, Lincoln both knocked the shit out of Packard, a stodgy old company that rested on its laurels….

[@hcombs0104]

Beautiful car. It's so beautiful I would choose it for both scenarios. I really like the sides of this car...the front wheelwells...the protruding rear panel. Gorgeous.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree

[@johnboydTx]

Love the interior

[@What.its.like.]

Me too back seat was a bit weird

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I liked the Caribbean, owned a 300 in near mint condition. A true barn find , but not stored. Driven to go shopping and church by a wealthy, elderly, farmer and his wife. Bought in 1972. 50k original miles. The interior had the clear embossed plastic seat and floor covers... zero wear or defects any where. The color was a muted turquois green, interior grey mouse fuzz. Sold when the first gas crisis hit. Purchased for $700, sold for $1100. Buyer was a US Army soldier at Ft Ord Calif, He drove it to Virginia his new post. Had zero trouble on the trip.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome story thank you so much for sharing those memories =)

[@waynep343]

My friend just had a 55 or 56 model in his shop for service in Hollywood ca.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome I’m a huge fan of the 55 and 56

[@waynep343]

@@What.its.like. not high resolution. Video call screen grabs in a crowded shop. Cream white with a pastel green stripe. Dual quads with the dual traingulal hanging air filter set up. Im spoiled on old cars. Worked in a cadillac resto shop in the late 80s. 1950 to 1962 cadillacs . One day the shop owner left for lunch. Frantic banging on the shop door. I answered. I demand to see my car. Come back when the boss is here. I want to see it. What is it. 59 Eldorado Biarritz convertable. I ask what color. He said persian sand. I said that narrows it to three. We had 6 in the shop. His was still at the body shop. So we had 7 actually. Because i never throw out a parts catalog. While i was there. We used to sell ac delco voltage regulators to a local cadillac dealer.

[@josephpiskac2781]

I was born in 1953 and never had contact with Packard. I feel this car the 1953 style is beautiful and would love to have one today.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome =) I love the colors of this one

[@kipbrown1549]

Me to same year !!

[@bobdillaber1195]

I fell in love with those 53-55 Packards! I was in my first two years of high school then. I love the 30's Packards the best, but my next absolute favorite was that tri-colored 55! I still feel that way today, almost 70 years later! That green 53 is fantastic, tho!

[@georges7340]

Loved both body styles ........ But the '55 and '56 with the "tri-color" exteriors were stunning!! I always thought they resembled the Lincoln's of that era! 😉

[@triode1]

I want all of these special edition convertibles-the '53 Eldorado was magnificent, as was the '53 Skylark-but the Packard Caribbean was subtly elegant.

[@What.its.like.]

I think the term was quasi custom cars I’m going to try and cover all of them already did the 53 Buick Great choices

[@halhenryg]

Beautiful rolling art! Almost looks like Ghia had a hand in design. Thanks for this posting Nice!

[@AndrewHeller-jn7dx]

*Ghia

[@halhenryg]

@@AndrewHeller-jn7dx Thanks..

[@AndrewHeller-jn7dx]

@@halhenryg You're so welcome!!

[@derrickrees8895]

According to ' The Packard Story ' - all Packards made after 1951 were capable of achieving 100 mph ... ( remember that the Ultramatic was the first to feature a Lockup clutch ). The 56 Caribbean V8 was tested by an English magazine at 113 m.p.h.

[@8176morgan]

I would have to respectably disagree with that statement. The higher priced Packards which featured a Super 8 straight 8 engine and came equipped with a 180 hp did have a top speed of a little over 100mph, but the lower priced models like the Packard Clipper which had 150 hp I once read had a top speed of only about 90mph, and the 1952 Packard 200 that had only 135hp probably could go not much faster than 85mph. Once they got their new V-8 engines in 1955 though their speed picked up considerably. I remember reading an article about testing the 1955 Packard Custom Clipper I think it was in Road and Track magazine at the time when they first hit the market and chief car tester Tom Cahill said that although the speedometer claimed the car was travelling at a top speed of 119mph its official time by the speed clock was actually only 108mph. A common practice back then to make the driver think that the car was travelling faster than it really was. Still not bad for its era and those cars had some real muscle to them with 245 hp under the hood. That's what I was led to believe at any rate about those early to mid 50's Packard cars.

[@davidpowell3347]

@@8176morgan I think even the pitiful Dodge and Plymouth L head sixes could hit 80 mph--but not much more --but quiet and didn't burn as much fuel (and oil !) as the Straight Eights

[@8176morgan]

@@davidpowell3347 Yes, I think you are right on with that statement. I once read about a guy who had an early 50's Packard and said that it was a gas guzzler, and not a particularly good car overall. It's reputation was definitely going down hill by that time.

[@billharden7127]

Beautiful 👍1953 Packard Carabin.

[@alanolson6913]

Nothing else looked like it on the road. There were two Packards in our part of town where I grew up in Southern California. One was a ‘53 Mayfair, the other was a’55 Clipper. No one around us could ever purchase a Caribbean, it was far too expensive for anyone around us to buy. Beautiful car, thank you for posting.

[@What.its.like.]

Caribbean was an expensive car when I saw the price I was like WOW but was cheaper than the olds fiesta

[@josephgaviota]

7:40 That whole front grille and bumper and hood scoop treatment really is phenomenal. The chrome work on this car is _par excellence._

[@Jerry-ok8gj]

1953 Oldsmobile for me. Thanks for another great video!

[@automatedelectronics6062]

Loved the video! Packards have special place in my heart. The 1st generation Ultramatic operated like a Buick DynaFlow, when in the "D" or "H" position the transmission was in the "Hi" range and used the torque converters to do all the work. On both transmissions, "L" was mainly meant for engine-braking or could be used for a quicker getaway. True, the main difference was that the Ultramatic had a lock-up clutch in it's torque converter, giving it a true direct-drive. It's too bad that you weren't able to lift the hood. Even if it was unlatched, most people would have a difficult time lifting it, as it was very, very heavy. The springs just made it possible to lift the hood at all. The reason? The hood scoop was formed from lead. Even the double hood scoops on the '55 and '56's were formed from lead. Steel hoods of this vintage were very heavy also. For '53, I'd take the Cadillac. With a Senior Packard, I'd prefer a '56, which had the most power of any Packard and was right up there in the most advanced technology.

[@dicksanders8206]

My 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Warner, had a Packard and gave me a ride home from school one day, so I actually got to ride in one. I remember it was fancier and more substantial than the 1954 Ford we had at the time.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome story thank you for sharing those memories =)

[@TigerRogers0660]

Stunning car!! One of 4 truly special upmarket cars from 1953!! Love the colour of this one.

[@What.its.like.]

I’ve done the Buick all I got left to do is find the Eldorado convertible and the Oldsmobile fiesta which was the most expensive one Quasi custom

[@TigerRogers0660]

@@What.its.like. So the Fiesta was the most expensive of the four??

[@What.its.like.]

The Packard $5,210 The Buick $ 5,000 The Cadillac $ 7,750 The Oldsmobile $5,715 The Cadillac was the most I was under the impression the Cadillac was 5000 just like the Packard that’s crazy how expensive that car was...

[@charlesgall7829]

That is one beautiful car! Not one new car today has such a visceral effect .Including the exotics.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree New cars are appliances these are machines

[@a.leemorrisjr.9255]

Hey, now you're talkin' Jay! Beautiful paint, fit, finish, & detailing! A big improvement over the prior "bathtub" Packards.

[@What.its.like.]

I remember that car it was an incredible color in person

[@howardgreenman2908]

I’m 70 years old and I’ve never seen power windows upfront and manuals in rear. Makes me think maybe an owner installed the powers up front as it also appears to have modern air conditioning so the owner is more concerned with comfort than authenticity. Regardless its a stunning car. I would choose this over the other 53’s but i like the 55 Caribbean better than any of them.

[@alanblanes2876]

Peugeot sedans had this in many models.

[@What.its.like.]

Me either I’ve seen them advertised but never in the flesh

[@STEVENSCOTTFERGUSON]

I love Packards. This one is really beautiful. Packard is both my pick for the survey. Thanks for the vid!

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices glad you dig this episode

[@jasonnaimie5465]

in that color green. I think that is the best looking car of the all from early 1950's to 1960 bar none.

[@What.its.like.]

To be honest this isn’t my favorite era of packard BUT it’s growing on me the car was awesome in person

[@DSP1968]

What a beautiful car! FYI, front only power windows were optional on some European market cars -- in 1993, I rented a Rover 214i (think Honda Civic) in the UK that was so equipped.

[@ernielaw]

I recall seeing something about Honda Civics being sold under the Rover name back then, but only in Europe.

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Hi Jay!: What a BEAUTIFUL Packard! This car might just be the best looking Packard of the 1950's and I gotta say I'm a REAL fan of the '55-'56 model as well. But this one. . .is just WOW! In my opinion this car should be able to reach at least 100 mph. It's not a TON of horsepower, but it's not bad either! A three speed with overdrive should probably exceed 100 by a little, I would think. The color is GREAT! WYR's, gonna be Packard for both! When you see the Caddy, which is a nice looking car, and then the picture of the Caribbean pops up, the Packard is so much CLEANER in design. The Lincoln is ok too. On the second, again the Packard styling just does it for me!!

[@What.its.like.]

The color was so much better in person and it was deep great choices =)

[@ramonlevine8012]

The power window switches on the front doors look like G M units. Very common conversions on older cars that came with crank windows.

[@alanblanes2876]

Thanks for such an excellent review, Jay. Peugeots in the 1970s often had power front windows and manual rear windows.

[@What.its.like.]

You bet Have you dig this episode? I can’t wait to find a Packard Caribbean from the second generation this year that’s my favorite with the torsion bar suspension but I’ve been waiting for that one to maybe find out a car show so we can show how the suspension works. =)

[@23727bgk]

The Buick and the Packard are my favorites here...

[@MrJoeybabe25]

ELO I can't choose which car. I want them all! Or any one of them! Great video. Thanks!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you glad you dig this episode =)

[@soco13466]

You mentioned Mitchell Bentley. When I worked at Keiper-Recaro in the late 80's, there was a taumel type seat recliner called the Mitchell Bentley recliner. This type usually comes in pairs, one on either side of a bucket seat, connected by an axial tube, and was adjusted by rotating a handwheel on one side, or by a motor. The Mitchell had a tapered eccentric, spring loaded to bottom the taper in the matching tapered hole, to eliminate radial play in the seat back. One of a pair would have the tapered eccentric, the other without the tapered but then... some cost cutting genius decided to just hinge the other side of the seat, and use the MB as a single sided recliner. If you ever drove a Astro van or Suburban with the manual handwheel recliner, you know, the seat back popping back, due to the eccentric popping outward, or creeping back to a certain position, with bumps in the road, that was the MB in action. We called the Suburban seat the Lawn Chair, due to it consisting of tubular steel, probably one of the crappiest seats ever made. The ASTRO had a Johnson Controls seat, a better seat than Mitchell Corp made, but those also had that single sided, umbrella springed tapered eccentric. How do I know? I was the life & reliability test lab technician (You make 'em, I'll break 'em), at Keiper-Recaro, Battle Creek, Mi. We made recliners of various types, OEM and aftermarket conversion van customers.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share all that information

[@stephensmith2937]

I have always thought the 56 Packard was better looking than either Cadillac or Lincoln.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man what a beautiful car !👌😍👍I definitely would take the 53, no doubt about it!

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree the design is growing on me

[@mrluckyuncle]

What a beauty!

[@retrobilly1719]

What a Work of Art!

[@What.its.like.]

💯% agree =)

[@NeedtoSpeak]

An Outstanding report. So much so, that you got me appreciating the lines and design of this car! It really is something, especially the look of the rear. Surprised at just how hefty the price tag was. Both the 53 and the later model were on point with where the look was headed in autos. Well done!

[@What.its.like.]

Glad you you dig this episode =)

[@leightonfarms4962]

Absolutely stunning

[@What.its.like.]

It was Absolutely stunning car at $200,000 tho I can think of other Packards that I would buy at that price.. I guess to think of it as a different way this car cost as much is the 110 woodie wagon a couple episodes back

[@leightonfarms4962]

@@What.its.like. yep !

[@michaelwhalen2469]

Fantastic and beautiful automobile!! Wish the Packard brand had survived and was still with us today!😥 A bit of fun useless trivia, the actor Charlton Heston owned a 1953 Packard Caribbean in the Matador Red colour ( Dark Burgundy) This was when he was playing Moses in the movie “Ten Commandments “ There are actually photos still on the internet of him with the car. Even one of him sitting in the car at the movie studio, with actor Yul Brynner standing next to car chatting with Heston. Yul of course was also in Ten Commandments playing the Pharaoh!

[@What.its.like.]

I totally agree. Packard is one of my favorite brands. There's nothing like them way better Build quality than a Rolls-Royce from the era in my opinion Rolls-Royce are very dainty. Packards are solid. I really want to get a packard and join the club great group of guys and girls. I make these videos because I can't be the only person my age that likes these. I want to see them on the road more. It breaks my heart that a lot of them get trailered everywhere and I can kind of see why because people drive like complete lunatics I see these cars on the road, they were intended to be Thank you so much for sharing all of that insight and information. Greatly appreciate it.

[@oscarblom4885]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for watching =)

[@amonwirthiem5762]

What an awesome car! I'll take the Caribbean over the rest. Almost the end of an Automobile era (straight eight & 6V). Last Packard years (1957-1958) were a shed of past glory with the "Packardbaker" line clone Studebaker's.

[@What.its.like.]

Definitely an end of an era I’ve been looking for a 55-56 Caribbean but that’s a car I’d love to show everything one the suspension, get video of it driving those are hard to find

[@ronfisher5259]

Great video, and I think I like the over-all looks of the 55 better.

[@What.its.like.]

I totally agree I will take a 55 or 56 over the 54 or 53 any day but they are growing on me.. but would still rather have a 55 or 56 the 56 has the powerhouse engine the most powerful Packard V8 that was ever made

[@josephgaviota]

10:48 I kind of like the term "seafoam green." And, I agree, that's a good name for this color.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid, really enjoyed!! 👍👍

[@What.its.like.]

=)

[@dicksanders8206]

Yes, more sea foam green than teal. In any case, a gorgeous car. Thanks for showing it, Jay. Appreciate your videos.

[@What.its.like.]

Glad you dig this video =)

[@aldenconsolver3428]

first - 53 Packard Second 53 Skylark love how those sides roll inward.

[@jimhollenbeck4488]

The Packard flathead was probably the best flathead on the market, very quiet and smooth

[@What.its.like.]

And very refined by that point. I’m a huge Packard fan I’m just not a huge white 40s early 50s Packard fan but they are growing on me in this car was absolutely incredible =)

[@jimhollenbeck4488]

I'd say, the ugliest Packard was still built to a higher standard, they might be ugly but they were overbuilt @@What.its.like.

[@vikingstorm885]

Very nice! Another great job.

[@What.its.like.]

Glad you dig this episode =)

[@danielimpastato3466]

Amazing car, Jay and again a fantastic review. NO ONE in my family could ever go near the price of a Packard in the 1950s. I'd stick with teal as the descriptor color of choice; GM's sea foam green was several shades lighter . Never saw that combo of power and manual windows available either❗Thanks Jay for bringing us such unique cars. Happy 4th of July🇺🇸 to you and your family.

[@jeffreyfelder7981]

Very great Video, I own a 2 door 53 Clipper.... straight 8... smooth running engine.

[@What.its.like.]

How do you like your clipper A friend of mine has one in a garage I’m not sure the model it’s a four door and I’ve rode in it once seats are gone like riding on a bean bag chair lol but at that point (this was 15 at least 15 years ago) it fired up with some either. And at that point wasn’t on the road since the 80s

[@josephgaviota]

14:40 Very interesting; power windows in front, crank in back. I agree with Jay, I don't know that I've ever seen _that_ before.

[@jonathanmorrisey5771]

First time I've seen this window arrangement during this era of cars. With that being said, Mother MoPar used this arrangement on the 4dr Dodge/Plymouth Neons 1995-2005.

[@charlesdalton985]

53 Packard for both choices (because it’s always the Packard). Thank you for sharing - absolutely stunning car. ~ Chuck

[@What.its.like.]

I’m a huge Packard fan as well I think it’s my favorite premium brand I’d take a twinsix Over a duesenberg.. I think I might be the only automotive journalist to take a Packard over a Duesenberg.. I heard that they’re like driving trucks plus they’re super expensive.. but twinsix packard is an expensive car as well Great choices =) want to cover more packards

[@timothysotelo3868]

The photos and video does not do this car justice. When you see in real life it is truly impressive it just plain out owns the room

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree it’s the best looking packard from early 50s

[@josephgaviota]

5:45 I think a 100-mph car was a pretty hot ride in 1953. (yes, I know 98, but DANG that's close to 100 mph!)

[@MrJoeybabe25]

I DIG! Great channel. What it is!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much =)

[@billolsen4360]

Like the '53 dash just a little better. You can call it old & stodgy or conservative & understated...just like the exterior. The rear fender bulge gives this car a real classic character, a reference to the 20's and 30's. 14:40 '67 Eldorados came standard with power windows in front and manual ones in the rear but you could get power windows in the rear for about $43 extra & most buyers ordered that, so the manual rear window models are really rare! WYR: 1. 53 Packard Caribbean 2. That's too hard to decided, dude!

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah I’ve seen in ads that one could order it that way but never saw it until that day. I wonder when they stopped making all the accessories Hot as in the key wasn’t on when I pushed the window button just wanted to see if it worked and it did 54 mercury windows worked too without the key my guess would be early to mid 60s but not sure Cool choices

[@tomholley4725]

Packard all the way it's a sweet car

[@richardrice8076]

Ask the man who owns one...........

[@Radiowild]

Makes you wonder how many of the 750 1953 Caribbeans are still around. Of the "would you rather" choices - I'd take the Caddy and the Buick. I do like the 55 Packards though. Great find of a rare ride!

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah I couldn’t find that information of how many are still around because I was very curious of that as well..

[@johntrotter7889]

Nice car. I have a '54 Caribbean and it shares the body style for the most part but it has a two color scheme which looks very similar to a '57 Chevy. Also, the rear fenders have more of a 'skirt' to them but all four wheel openings have the chrome trim. My car has 4 power windows; Packard used hydraulics for the power windows and top - I think the seat was hydraulic as well, else it was electric. The '54 also was the last year for the straight 8 and it was a 359 CID engine with 212 HP, an improvement over the '53 327 CID with its 180 HP. There were only 400 built in '54 and mine is #17.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome thank you so much fir sharing those corrections and insight =) Packard and Pontiac was the last to give up the straight eight... Just curious where are you located 54 Caribbean’s are rare

[@johntrotter7889]

@@What.its.like. I'm located near Knoxville, TN but found the car up in New York.

[@What.its.like.]

Do you still have the car? Send me an email [e-mail]

[@johnstauffer9175]

I hope yours is that lovely cream and that especially beautiful green rear color, I wish they had kept the '53 rear wheel openings. I drove a 120-C Dietrich 4 dr. conv., a '41 180 Learn Sport Brougham , a two tone '49 Custom 8 sedanette ( my first Packard and near new, when I was 16 years old!), another '48 Custom 8 and a few others. The last was a very clean '51 400 sedan.

[@a.leemorrisjr.9255]

Tough call, the Packard Caribbean convertible or the Buick convertible😊.

[@tigre7739]

I always thought the other Packard models from the early 50'were nice, but this has started to grow on me. This one, especially in this color is stunning!🤩 These, as well as the '53 Riviera, always looked so 'Phat and Pimpin, to me.😁 I've always really liked the '55,&'56 Packard convertibles, but I would totally take one of these!😎🎉

[@draggonsgate]

1) Lincoln 2) Buick. Interesting car. Much prefer the 55/56. That str8 8 must have been a hoot n a half to work on!

[@darylkik6204]

When Packard was a young company advertising dollars were hard to find. They said that is how the great slogan began: Packard: Ask the man who ones one.

[@What.its.like.]

One of the best slogans ever =)

[@slicksnewonenow]

Jeff Lynne is a Genius musician... E.L.O. was great! As far as the cars go, I'd LOVE a '53 Skylark. The Eldorado and the Fiesta are great, but the Skylark was just totally unique to itself. I'm pretty sure that the Fiesta is probably the rarest of the three Anniversary cars, though. And that '53 Lincoln! Absolutely the most futuristic looking rig on the road back then! Okay... I'll take one of each. Make my Caribbean Sahara Gold. I'll take my Eldo in White, the Fiesta 98 in two tone blue and the Skylark in maroon. The Lincoln HAS TO BE dark grey. I'll expect those to be delivered by July 4th, please 🤣 Oh! The idea behind only having power windows in the front doors, was probably because there wasn't enough room in the custom rear quarters of the Caribbean... There were several convertibles in the late Forties and early Fifties that came that way. Even the 1967 Eldorado coupe had El Crankos in the back at first... I think they forgot to design the motor and corresponding track to operate them before the car was released... CHEERS! Your channel is getting better and better as time goes on... Great content!

[@What.its.like.]

Haha nice all those Quasi customs were expensive

[@johnboydTx]

1953 Oldsmobile fiesta 😉❤️ great looking car and the rocket 88 👍

[@What.its.like.]

Groovy choices =)

[@richardrice8076]

and a great name. one of GM's motorama cars.

[@jimhollenbeck4488]

The Buick and the Packard shared some design que's IMO, I always thought Packard was the best American auto maker of that era, their top of the line cars like the Caribbean had a better build quality than anything Cadillac was making. We lived in the Palm Springs area and there were a lot of what today we think of as rare cars running around town. My first job was working at a gas station "pumping ethyl" as we used to say, AKA grease monkey, so I got to see a lot of cool cars. My choice would be the Caribbean

[@What.its.like.]

Early Packards late 40s early 50s Packers aren’t really my cup of tea but they are growing on me I was blown away by this Caribbean. One day I would really like to compare first generation to the second generation the second generation Caribbean is something that I really wanna drive torsion bar suspension I heard it was the best riding car or one of the best riding cars of the 50s

[@jimhollenbeck4488]

The Packard Clipper I worked on back 50 years ago had the torsion bar and it was adjustable from the drivers seat. It wasn't uncommon back in the 50s to see sedans pulling camping trailers, Airstreams and the like, Trucks were not as popular as they are now. @@What.its.like.

[@johnandersonjjr]

That car is identical to one I did (body and paint) in late 80s early 90s ish .I still have a couple of gallon paint cans of cracked and blistering lead I removed from the hood and quarters (they were regular panels that were sectioned into the hood scoop/ radiused wheel wells.The one I did had the V8 from a later model.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome information thank you so much for sharing that =)

[@nealsidor1323]

Packard luxury, performance & innovation were a cut above the big three until '56. The merger with Studebaker in '57 yielded less than stellar results but I'd still be interested in seeing an episode on the '58 two door hardtop someday. As for the comparison, Packard beats them all. Build quality, style and exclusivity takes the trophy in my humble opinion. I must give props to that gorgeous Buick for second place... Thanks for the work you put into these episodes. Always little tidbits of information even we die hard car guys didn't know...

[@What.its.like.]

One day I want to cover them all =) and different body options tomorrow’s episode is on 1936 Buick special that is the most in depth one and I’d like to start doing more like that some information is easy to find others super hard Thank you so much for noticing all the work put in =) it means a lot

[@flashesofblack4128]

I think for my money as far as styling goes I like the '53 over the '55. The only thing I thought was half the weight of the '53 was that huge chrome grill. The '55 front end styling seems a little pedestrian and rather odd, but that is just my opinion. Its too bad the '53 didn't have an engine with larger displacement.

[@bluwng]

I like that 55.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet

[@jeffgreen7499]

Packard President James Nance and Chief Designer Dick Teague pronounced it as Care-ib-bee-in. I met both men back in the 1980s.

[@What.its.like.]

That’s awesome you got to meet both of those guys =)

[@JohnCBurzynski]

53 Caddy, but I like them all.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@joeseeking3572]

Would be a hard choice between these 4 special edition 1953 cars. I'd probably take the Caribbean on stregth of styling, though I suspect the Eldroado is worth more today and was more 'custom' vs. its standard sibling than the others. I;ve been to a couple museums that had the GM trifecta, but only one that had all 4 - the somewhat hit or miss collection @ Deer Park in Escondido.

[@robertdryburgh1457]

There weren't a lot of packards in Winnipeg to begin with however there was a 53 or 54 red Caribbean. It apparently belonged to the owner of a large driving school here in Winnipeg that featured dual controlled cars. 1962 Ford Galaxies, all white. All gone years ago. I wonder where that Packard is today?

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices =) I have no idea where all the packards went what has been on my mind is where did all the pullmans go they built 23,300 not sure exactly how many it was 23,000 only 27 are known to survive I wonder how many are out there to be found I’m sure there are more out there than that, always reading stories of car being found that haven’t been registered since the 70s 60s 50s some may have never been registered. we sold a car last year 1976 corvette that was never titled story was guy bought the car and didn’t get the title for one reason or another he bought the car before going on a trip the next day he went and never came back got into accident were ever he went and the car never got titled this car had 14 miles on it that’s how far he drove it home There has to be more stories like that the world is a big place

[@8176morgan]

In regards to the choices, for the first one since a 1953 Lincoln Capri convertible is just about my favorite car of all time I would have to go with that, although the color on it is not too appealing - but for a car like that you take what you can get. Second would be the Packard Caribbean, and third unfortunately would be the Cadillac Eldorado with one reason being that it is just too big. I have always like small cars over big ones. In the second selection, I would have to flip a coin as to whether I would chose that Packard Caribbean which I do like quiet a lot and the even more rarer Oldsmobile Fiesta. They made only 458 of them and they sold for around $5,700.00, which was about 700 dollars more than the Packard. I have never been much of a Buick fan so the Skylark would come in a distant third. Those kinds of cars are the kind that make my mouth water, all five of them are beautiful to gaze upon and admire the great design work that went into making them.

[@slicksnewonenow]

Yes! That '53 Lincoln design was hard to beat... And it was more "modern looking" to me than anything else on the road until about '56-57...

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choices =)

[@johannjohann6523]

I'd say '55. Though I'm really enjoying the design and looks of this car in both years.

[@What.its.like.]

The 53 has grown on me I’d still take a 55 or 56 over this but would still be a cool car, That flies under most everybody’s radar to have

[@joebutchko2223]

If you were surprised by the power window situation, try this: t he trucking company that i work for has some Freightliner Columbia tractors that have a power window on the right and crankers on the left.

[@anthonypopola5773]

So the driver doesn’t have to attempt to try to open the right side window

[@josephgaviota]

3:40 I kind of like BOTH models! I really like the hood scoop on the '53, and I like the headlight treatment on the '55. I guess I'm no help =:-0

[@What.its.like.]

=)

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

The '55 almost has a Lincoln Futura nose on it. I want a 1951 in Gloss Black.

[@ernielaw]

The Batmobile also looks like the Futura.

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

@@ernielaw That's because...spolier alert....IT IS! :P

[@What.its.like.]

=) black and some lining with custom bubble top

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

@@What.its.like. They has to take the center section glass out of the Futura because the passengers were baking in it. - I have a model of that car.

[@joesixpack7551]

Actually, '54 Caribbean had the largest straight 8 at 359 CID and the HP was bumped to 212.

[@josephcrafa2694]

What a beauty to be sure . Although my favorite was always the 56 or 55 for Caribbean models. It looks like the car next to it is a 54 Mercury . Another interesting vehicle . Maybe someday you’ll show one of those .

[@What.its.like.]

That one I did as well might be my favorite mercury =)

[@josephcrafa2694]

@@What.its.like. sorry must have missed the one on the 54 Merc .

[@What.its.like.]

I haven’t done that episode yet maybe this week

[@josephcrafa2694]

@@What.its.like. my God mother had. ‘53 which was similar to the ‘54 in what I called “ Chinese red “ with a black top . I would have to say that my favorite merc has always been a ‘55 or ‘56 . Loved the Mercs.

[@aaronwilliams6989]

I like the 1953 dashboard, but the 1955 body style.

[@ernielaw]

The yearly production figures kept dropping during the 4 year run for the Caribbean, though it did outsell the Eldorado in its first year. The Caribbean was available as a hardtop in its final year 1956. I would pick pick the Caribbean as favourite from either scenario.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choice those are so rare

[@anthonypopola5773]

The Eldorado at about 7500$ was far more than the Caribbean

[@drakbar5957]

I’d go for the Eldorado ‘cause it can only be pronounced one way. Now if the choice was between the first and second gen Caribbean, that would be tougher.

[@What.its.like.]

Hahaha yeah I can’t believe how much the price jumped on these

[@richardrice8076]

go with the 2nd. that tri tone was unmistakable Packard.

[@sableminer8133]

I also got a Pontiac vibe from those taillights! The 1st Caribbean ( Carry being 😅) design is classiest if you dug the more baroque style! The 1955 redo was also awesome, so awesome that the Russians almost verbatim copied for their top officials! Good job, ma 🎉

[@mdleweight]

Caddy Caddy Caddy

[@stevejarred6484]

A Caribbean doesn't have to be fast, just fast enough. How are people suppose to admire the car if you're driving it like a blue streak?

[@kipbrown1549]

I would tke the Packard !!!

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choice

[@jamesmcgowen1769]

I prefer carry-beyan over carribean if I was actually able to spell it as how I mean to pronounce the islands correctly. The ‘53 Packard is beautiful in my eye over the 58. Sweet talking woman….

[@What.its.like.]

=)

[@davidpowell3347]

The 53' looks a lot better. I think the 53' could be had with 3 speed+overdrive and performance rear end ratio the 55' had an exciting new V8 but I think the pitiful automatic transmission had trouble staying on the road. I wonder if the awful automatic became mandatory? (53' automatic not as bad but operated like a one speed bus transmission.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree or at the very least put a blower on the straight eight that would have been epic

[@aaronwilliams6989]

#1; the Cadillac. #2; The Oldsmobile.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choices

[@sallyb3]

Then the Caribbean ❤

[@joshuas8258]

The 67 Eldorado has power windows in the front and crank in back 1) Eldorado 2) Buick

[@What.its.like.]

Cool choices =) I’ve seen it offered like that in ads but I’ve never saw a real example of one

[@montymatilda]

1953 Lincoln and the Buick. Sorry, but my fascination with Packard came in '55 and '56 after it was already to late, although this is a pretty example.

[@What.its.like.]

I can totally relate this one is growing on me my biggest problem is the price point because that’s equivalent the a nice super eight from 1935-39 bodies very hell you could probably get a 12 sedan for that money

[@datsun210]

(I'll take the Caribbean over all the options, except maybe the Buick Skylark). Aside from drab styling post WW2, Packard's' Straight 8 engine was a big reason why the car maker fell out of favor and eventually went bankrupt. Compared to other automakers like Cadillac who had V-8's, Packards' engine was seen as 'old fashioned', much like its styling. Beautiful as it was, the Caribbean was too little too late, sad to say.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree imagine if they would’ve put a blower on the straight eight that could have changed things maybe

[@mejurgensen]

'53 Packard for both

[@RevPaulBern]

In either case, I'll take the 53 Packard

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@peterruddick1952]

I thought the Caribbean was superior to the GM specialty cars, the '53 Olds Fiesta, the Caddy Eldorado and even the Buick Skylark... of course, under the hood it was a different story... if the Packard V8 had debuted in the '53 Caribbean, that would have been awesome. I have to mention the '54 Monterey ragtop parked next to the Packard, also a beautiful specimen

[@What.its.like.]

That 54 mercury is coming =)

The '53 outlooked the '55 by a long shot !!!!!!!!.

[@danielcheatham3400]

Cadillac and Packard What happened to your glovebox test? Loved this car.. but I prefer the burgundy

[@What.its.like.]

I didn’t do the glovebox tests and this one I think this was the last car that I shot I think I had a problem trying to open the glove box there was a reason I didn’t do it I just don’t remember why Sweet choices =)

[@alanblanes2876]

@@What.its.like. You've reviewed similar Packards and I wonder how they did.

[@What.its.like.]

This is the first early 50s packard reviewed

[@Frank-sf1wh]

Really nice car but, I still prefer the pre-war models of packard. Just my preference

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree and at the price these are I’d rather have a classy 34-39 super eight or even a 12