Talk:Packard Caribbean

The Caribbean had always "Senior" status as it was derived from the convertible which had it, too.

Confusion occurs because some of the "seniors" used the longer chassis with 127 in wheelbase (Patrician and Cavalier) and the others shared the shorter 122 in wheelbase with the "Junior" Clippers.

What distinguishes "Juniors" and "Seniors" is the "ribbed" center bar in the grille, side trim and more lavish interiors inside. Ttechnical difference is that Clippers used 288 or 327 ci Straights with mechanical valve train adjustment while "Senior" Packard had either a 327 or a 359 ci (the ladder only for 1954) with hydraulic valve train adjustment

The problem was solved for 1955/56 when Caribbeans moved to the 127 in wheelbase.

The Cavalier (former model 300) was a one-model-line in the "Senior" range, combining the longer wheelbase (127 in) of the top model Patrician with the 327 ci Eight with 5 main bearings (Patricians had 9) of the convertible / Mayfair. So, the Caribbean is not part of a "Packard Cavalier model range". In fact, the Cavalier was even downgraded for 1954: When all other "Seniors" got the new 359 straight eight with 9 main bearings, Cavaliers stayed with the old 327.

As there were only four model years for the Caribbean anyway, and the 1954 and 1955 are very different cars, I suggest a separate chapter for each year.