for the Caribbean Convertible was US$5,210 ($ in dollars ). 1954 Beginning in 1954 the Caribbean was elevated to senior Packard status. The Caribbean continued to have its own unique styling features, however, the full rear-wheel cut-outs were eliminated and the use of chrome/stainless trim became more liberal, and allowed for two-tone paint combinations. A four-way power seat was available. Like the Patrician, the Caribbean also gained heavier "finned" headlight housings, one of the visual cues applied to help differentiate the senior Packards from the lower-priced models. The straight-eight senior engine was used in this final incarnation of Packard's straight eight engine. A total of 400 Caribbeans were produced for the model year, making 1954 the rarest year for the Caribbean. The listed retail price increased to US$6,100 ($ in dollars ) 1955 Model year 1955 saw the Caribbean line, now with an all-new Packard developed V8 engine, fully adopt the Senior Packard line styling; the car was also available in two or three-tone paint patterns. Designer Richard Teague succeeded in restyling the old Packard Senior body into a modern-looking design. The single hood scoop was split into two units, and the car also received Packard's Torsion-Level Torsion bar suspension at all four wheels. Production for 1955 increased substantially at 9,127 units with a listed retail price of $US5,932 ($ in dollars ). 1956 For the 1956 model year, the Caribbean was designated as a separate luxury series and added a hardtop model. Trim differences between the 1955 and 1956 cars were slight. Grille textures changed to match those ones used on concurrent Patricians, and the rear treatment, featuring Packard's cathedral-style taillights was continued. The headlights also received slightly more exaggerated brows. Unique new interiors featured reversible seat cushions with cloth on one side and leather on the other. Total model year production equaled 263 hardtops and 276 convertibles with the convertible listed at US$5,995 ($ in dollars ). The model was discontinued when Packard production ended in Detroit. See also GAZ-13, Soviet Chaika References Sources George, Vance- The Packard Club 53-54 Caribbean Roster Keeper Caribbean Cars introduced in 1953 Rear-wheel-drive vehicles Personal luxury cars