Today we look back in history!
We celebrate old cars at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge!
Yes, today is the day we go shopping for a car we can’t afford! A new Cadillac or a new Lexus? Perhaps a Mercedes? Nope, we are looking for a 1955 Packhard Caribbean!
1955 rag top! It’s on my bucket list!
The 1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible was one of Packard’s top luxury performance cars and is now a highly collectible American classic.
Overview: The 1955 Caribbean was Packard’s flagship convertible, aimed at buyers who wanted a stylish, powerful, limited-production luxury car. It competed with high-end Cadillacs, Lincolns, and Chrysler Imperials of the era.
Engine and performance: The 1955 Caribbean used Packard’s new V8 engine. For 1955, this was a strong performer, especially for a large luxury convertible:
• Engine: 352 cubic-inch V8
• Horsepower: about 275 hp
• Carburetion: dual 4-barrel carburetors
• Transmission: Packard Twin-Ultramatic automatic
• Drive: rear-wheel drive
We can sit together instead of today’s pesky bucket seats!
Styling: It was meant to look special and exclusive, not like a regular Packard convertible. The Caribbean had flashy 1950s styling, including:
• distinctive two-tone or three-tone paint schemes
• chrome side trim
• full leather interior
• power-operated convertible top
• wire wheels or wheel covers depending on equipment
• a very upscale dashboard and trim
Suspension: One of its most notable features was Packard’s Torsion-Level suspension, an advanced system for the time. It used long torsion bars and an electric leveling system to keep the car riding smoothly and sitting level.
Production: The 1955 Caribbean Convertible was rare, with only about 500 produced. That low production number makes it desirable today.
Collectibility: Today, a 1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible is considered one of the most important late Packards. Value depends heavily on originality, condition, color combination, and whether it has its correct engine and trim. Restored examples can bring strong prices at classic car auctions.
In short, the 1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible was Packard’s glamorous, limited-production luxury convertible with big V8 power, advanced suspension, and dramatic 1950s styling.
We arrived around 11:00 am to the rousing music and full parking lot!
We drove to the Santa Ana Elks Lodge in our tiny old Lexus, which I insisted was “practically a classic” because the radio only played one station, it had white sidewall tires, it had no safety belts, and the glove box opened during left turns.
We walked around the entire building before going inside, and during this walk, we found many interesting things that you can see on our website.
At the car show, shiny Chevys, Fords, and Cadillacs sparkled under the Sun.
Mary admired a cherry-red ’57 Chevy. “This baby has original chrome,” said an owner proudly. Paul nodded and replied, “My car has original tires, and the tires are only flat on one side!”
I admired the hot dog stand.
Then the lodge announcer called for contestants in the “Best Engine Roar” contest. Before anyone could stop me, I sprinted to our Lexus, turned the key, and it produced a sad cough, two squeaks, and a noise like a kazoo falling down stairs.
The crowd went silent. Then Mary clapped. “Very rare sound package!” she shouted.
Everyone burst out laughing, and the judges awarded us a special trophy: “Most Likely to Need a Ride Home.”
We admired the owner’s ingenuity! The radiator needed an overflow container, and what better to use?
The radiator water looked just like the real thing!!!
When I saw my new ride, I thought of giving up my Packard Caribbean for a few minutes. I went to the picture to Joe and Zack, telling them I just bought this red speedster, and the replies were hilarious, ranging from :It will fit my trailer” to “I get to drive it first!”
Decisions decisions!
These two items were made the same year! Which one is in better shape? Consider your answer before you say or think anything. How do I know? Check the license plate (on the car)! Mary’s license plate is well hidden!
Nice tan!
We continued our journey, and Mary stopped at George’s car, giving it the Vanna White move. We walked with George for a while before going inside.
It turns out George was the classic; the car was merely his transportation!
Inside, we went for the breakfast burrito, and it was pretty good. Said hello to the three ladies and struck up a conversation.
They were all ex-Rockwell people who worked together at Rockwell’s Newport Beach facility in the 1970s. Rockwell’s Newport Beach facility was primarily a semiconductor and microelectronics operation. They made silicon chips and integrated circuits, including components used in:
• modems and telecommunications equipment
• microprocessors and microcontrollers — including Rockwell versions of the 6502-family chips
• consumer electronics
• industrial and aerospace/defense electronics
That operation later became associated with Rockwell Semiconductor Systems and eventually Conexant.
They all knew Sue Miller as the director of software development for the GPS Manpack, an early military hand-carried GPS system. Sue Miller was my wife’s previous name! They spoke highly of her! That was 52 years ago!
Paula, Linda, and Laurie—ex-Rockwell employees.
We finished our burritos and said goodbye, departing the facility in our classic car! As we left our of the facility, the glove box popped open, launching napkins everywhere. “See?” I told Mary. The real classics had “Air conditioning.” Mary sighed. “Next year, we’re bringing a real classic car.”
Off to home we went! Next stop, the swimming pool.
