Heavily influenced by European sports cars and the succession of exciting dream cars shown by American manufacturers in the early 1950s, Packard commissioned the Pan American concept in 1952 before green-lighting a slightly less radical production version dubbed 'Caribbean.' Featuring the fresh design language of Dick Teague, the Caribbean offered bold two-tone paint schemes, full leather interiors, a striking aircraft-style dash layout, and a host of standard power-assisted amenities. An innovative front and rear torsion-bar suspension with automatic leveling made the Caribbeans some of the smoothest riding and best handling full-size cars of the era. One of the more expensive cars available in 1954 at a retail price of $6,000 " equivalent to over $60,000 today " just 400 examples were built for the model year. Featuring a charming restoration from top to bottom, this example is equipped with power steering, power brakes, a power convertible top, power windows, a four-way power bench seat, and eye-catching Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels. The interior showcases luxury with two-tone leather throughout. Under the large hood is a well-sorted 359 cubic-inch straight-eight engine producing a smooth 212 horsepower paired with an automatic transmission.
