1954 Packard Caribbean Convertible in Black & White & Engine Sound - My Car Story with Lou Costabile
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- Опубліковано 17 січ 2020
- If you enjoy the videos and would like to Sponsor me on Patreon, my Creator link is / mycarstorywithlou
On "My Car Story" we're at the Then & Now Car Show in Lake Forest IL on 10-13-19.
We're looking at a 1954 Packard Caribbean Convertible in Black & White Paint. The car comes with the 359 CI straight 8 engine.
The car's Owner is Gary Thomas. Gary’s had this car since 1986. His car is # 399 of the 400 cars produced. He shares that he did the majority of the restoration, and this car looks showroom new.
ENJOY! - Авто та транспорт
The people that own these cars are just as interesting as the cars they have.
Yes, that's what's cool about Lou. It's more than My Car Story. It's really a great review when I can relate to the person who has the car as well as the car. Lou has that ability to bring it out.
Glad you're finding the videos interesting :-)
This has to be one of the most thoroughly documented and well executed classic Packard restorations in existence, well done Mr. Thomas
Hi Edward Emmons
, High praise for this restoration :-) Lou
I'm old enough to remember when Packards ran on the streets and highways and there was always something very stately and formal about them. The craftsmanship, workmanship and styling always seemed first class and unique. The exhaust note of their straight eight engines always sounded like a pipe organ to me and Gary's car with it's straight eight was no exception, a great sounding car. Thanks Gary and Lou for this display of hand worked quality.
Hi customkey, Happy to read your thoughts on this car, and you're welcome, Lou
Caribbean queen, now we're sharing the same dream.......... BTW grand old car and a great story.
Hi Right Lane Hog, Happy to read you enjoy this episode :-) Lou
@@loucostabile Who doesn't like a Straight 8?
Gary's wife sent me the link to the video, proud to say I was part of the restoration. Gary also gave me a copy of the book.
Hi Captain Bondo, Thank you for viewing, sharing, and well done. Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
I think it's 😎 when a classic car owner also has some of the original literature for the car....
I enjoy the documentation too :-)
Gary, a true labor of love. That glove draw was one of the cleverest designs ever. Who hasn't cursed an overflow glovebox emptying onto the floor? 😠. Thanks for finding this gem Lou
Hi X K, Good point on the glove drawer :-) Happy to read you appreciate this "gem" and you're welcome, Lou
Beautiful. Just stunning. One of the greatest American car makers ever. So much better built than any GM or Ford cars of the time. You find the best Lou.
Hi George Mattar, High praise for this car and Maker :-) Appreciate the kind words of the car selection for this Channel. Glad you're along for the ride, Lou
One of the epitomes of automotive history! So glad the owner saved this vehicle and restored it, himself no less. Thanks so much Lou!
Hi Rusty, High praise for this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
Not many people in the US can do this level of restoration. It takes encyclopedic knowledge of the car and the build specs for the year - and superb craftsmanship. It's a prize car and perfectly authentic - - Bravo ...
Hi Alex, Happy to read you enjoy the restoration of this car :-) Lou
Absolutely gorgeous and well built car, ahead of its time.
Hi Jeffery Stackhouse, Happy to read you enjoy the looks & build quality of this car :-) Lou
Packard has a very strong owner’s club and they really support each other. That is one fantastic car that I
would be afraid to drive. Too many irreplaceable parts on such a low production car. Packard built rock solid
great cars. A shame they couldn’t survive.
Hi Craig, Happy to read your knowledge of the Owners Club. Glad to read your thoughts, Lou
Runs so smooth you hardly know it's running.... Smooth as silk!!
You're right :-)
I’d love to spend a couple of hours just reading his book. Incredible story about an incredible car. Just ask a man who owns one!
Hi Dr. Akbar, Happy to read you enjoy this episode :-) Lou
Actually it was “Ask the man who owns one”. Not sure when they discontinued using it, but certainly not after 1956 when their cars became Packardbakers, compliments of moving production to Studebaker’s South Bend plant. 🥺
This is a marvelous presentation. You see more Packards at the shows from the 30's then you see from the 50's. That gas pedal is off the charts. I have never seen a more regally appointed pedal on any car. The book the guy put together is a indication of how meticulous the owner was in restoring the car. Great job !!!
Hi Vincent Basso, Happy to read you enjoy this episode :-) Lou
What a blessing it is to have that.
AMEN!
312 HP in 1954 !!! This car must have owned the road back then.
Hi Mike, Some ride back then, and some ride today too :-) Lou
I think this is a mistake. I heard the number, but I read 212 hp in the book, which is already plenty.
That is not only an absolutely spectacular automobile but also a spectacular restoration and beautiful documentation of the restoration and vehicle itself including its history.
Thank you Lou.
Hi Bruce, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car and the work to restore it too :-) You're welcome, Lou
It's a sad deal that Packard and few others are no longer around making new ones today this is sweet ride
Hi larry, I believe the quote was from Dr. Seuss that sad, "Don't be sad to it's over. Be glad it happened." This quote helps me with things or people that are no longer with me, and I hope it helps you too, Lou
I want to express my respect and admiration to the owner for its work and dedication to produce this jewel. I was too young to drive my father's Packards ( a 49 200, a 51 200 and a 55 Clipper Super), but I certainly know what they were. I am almost one who owned one. You may ask me.
Hi Jose Antonio, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Fathers cars :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
Wow! What dedication to put together a book like that! Just amazing.
Hi mitchlu, Happy to receive a "Wow!" from you, and glad to read you enjoy the book, Lou
Every car has a story. And this story is amazing and the documents is incredible.
Hi William Scott, Happy to read you enjoy this episode & the documentation :-) Lou
One great car for 1954, I remember these very well as a kid, thanks for another story about a great American classic. Take care Lou.
Hi Gerard, High praise :-) You're welcome, Lou
It's my first time seeing one of those 53 Packard but I I think it's the most beautiful and now it's my favorite car
Happy to read this one is a favorite of yours :-)
Power windows and power seats (using the orig labor intensive hydraulic system) on a 1954 Packard hugely impressive considering they were not regular features till 20+ yrs later.. great job Lou!
Hi daniel, Happy to read you enjoy the technology of this car for the time :-) Appreciate the kind words, Lou
This isn't just a "regular car", this is a PACKARD.
Lou, the book, the Packard and the owner's knowledge are all impressive. Thanks for showing it to us. According to the glove box drawer, colors for this car are X and W. X is Black and W is Sahara Sand (not White). White was code L, called Carnation. So this car is painted Black and Sahara Sand.
Hi Jonathan NC
, Happy to read you enjoy this episode, and thank you for sharing your knowledge on "Sahara Sand". You're welcome, Lou
That thing is absolutely gorgeous ❗👍🏻🇺🇸😎
Hi John Banning, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Lou
Another fascinating and glamorous Packard. Some thoughts on those rear non round wheel openings. First, IMO that's bad design to mix round and square. Two, It no doubt cut production costs to trim the regular convertible into becoming a Caribbean, from 53's full round openings. And third, Packard was moving design wise towards skirted wheels in it's future designs 55, 56, 57 and beyond. Bravo to this guy for saving this important historical and rare car.
Hi Neil, Happy to read you enjoy this Packard :-) Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lou
I'm running late today Lou what a beautiful classic car I can imagine if he sold that car at a car show it would probably go for a small Fortune thank you Lou I love this car this is when cars had class and character thanks again
Hi alton wren, Happy to read you "love this car" :-) You're welcome, Lou
It should be in a high-level classic car museum, like Peterson's.
My father worked at a Packard dealership for many years. When I was three years old, I rode with my father to deliver one of the last new Packards sold in our area. It was a beautiful car that I still remember.
Hi THG TCHR, Happy to read this car / video brings back memories of your Father driving you in the Packard :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and I hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you enjoy, Lou
LOU WHAT AN ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL CAR SURE WISH I COULD FIND A SCALE 1 18
IF THIS.ONE OF YOUR BEST ENJOYED VIDEOS YET
Hi Han Schenk, High praise for this episode :-) Thank you for the kind words, and hope you find one 1:18th of this car, Lou
This is a very special restauration. This car is N I C E! really beyond nice. WOW
Hi Kevin, High praise :-) Lou
Not many 50s Packards around... This one's a beauty!!
Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-)
You really need to see these cars in person to appreciate their size - they are taller than they appear. Very impressive presence.
Thank you joe sixpack for sharing your knowledge on this car.
A very beautiful restoration of a very interesting classic
Hi William, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
A very interesting old breed of car, and the owner does good work.
Hi Steel Assault, Happy to read you found this car very interesting, and glad to read you appreciate the restoration, Lou
What a time machine??? I can see Lou opening a can of corn for his wife and giving the electric can opener a couple revs.😎
Hi Tim Holder, Happy to read you enjoy this "time machine". She hates when I use the blender for that exact reason :-) Lou
@@loucostabile Iol
A high quality restoration.. Probably better than it was when it rolled off Packard's assembly line!!
He has done wonderful work.
Just an absolute work of art. Why is old guys yearn for those days. Thanks once again Lou. So glad you’re doing these wonderful videos.
Hi Mountain Climber, High praise for this car :-) Glad you're along for the ride, and thank you for the wonderful comment, Lou
The Packard club, wow. Classy, I wish I had the money and a Caribbean to be a part of that.
Hi Andy Atom Cat, Hope you're part of this Classy Club soon, Lou
Love the '54 convertibles
Hi John, Happy to read you "Love the '54 convertibles" :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
Bugatti came back,
Maybach came back,
Indian and Norton came back...
I hope Packard comes back!
The USA made car that set the standard of ultra high quality!
Hi Pablo Céspedes
, That would be interesting :-) Lou
Smooth as silk!
You're right.
Lou and Gary... a fantastic and history! Lou, thanks for the great video. Gary, thank you for sharing your beautiful Packard and its history and story of its loving restoration.
Hi Scott, Happy to read you enjoy this episode and beautiful car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
Wow , a staight 8 ....betcha its smooth too
You're right. Seems smooth.
We had a '53 and loved it.
Hi wholeNwon, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
Amazing Packard....
Hi Edward, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) Lou
The Caribbean's were beautiful cars. Out of the 400 built that year, I wonder how many were in this color combination. My aunt was married to a man who bought one exactly like this one (white and black) as a used car in the Detroit area back in 1957. He loved that car. In 1973, he gave me 2 pictures of that car that I still have. If this car did not have such great documentation, I would have wondered if this could have been the same car.
Hi Allen, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Aunt's Husbands car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou
What an amazing car and an amazing Car Story. What a find. Great job Lou!
Hi Bill, Happy to read you enjoy this episode :-) Lou
Another winner, Lou. My favorite part of your videos, the part that makes them stand out from the crowd, is your detailed filming of the interiors. I can look at the outside all day at any time, but the intimacy of the interior footage shines for me. Did you notice the "P' rivets on the forward side panel of the passenger door? What a classy classic this Packard is. And how fine it is that it was a family project.
Hi Kenn Love, Happy to read this car is a "Winner" :-) Thank you for sharing you appreciate the interior filming, and did not notice the "P" rivits so thank you for sharing, Lou
The famous curve to the Packard Grille...
:-)
I love orphan brands . I like Packard all the way back to the 20s
Hi Sgt. Dum Dum Dugan, Did you see this one? Lou ua-cam.com/video/WZZzGZgkK3A/v-deo.html
@@loucostabile Wow , I love it ....added to my dream list lol
A very unique and special car Lou!
Hi Joseph, Glad to read you appreciate this car :-) Lou
Hey Lou. Brilliant !! One of the best cars you have shown. Love to have this in my garage. Enjoyed!! Tiger.
Hey Tiger Rogers, High praise for this episode :-) Lou
The care you feature are amazing Lou ! Thankyou so much !
Hi marcus field, Happy to read you appreciate the cars I share :-) You're welcome, Lou
Thank you Lou
You're welcome chris
A rare beauty! Thanks.
Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) You're welcome.
Wow, that engine compartment! The glove drawer is neat......great place to lose stuff. Fabulous restoration. Beautiful car. Thanks Lou and Gary.
Hi rizzle razzleuno, Happy to receive a "Wow" and glad to read the details you enjoy, Lou
Love the color combo!
Hi joe sixpack, Happy to read you appreciate the color combo on this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
Have a nice Week end Lou, awesome car👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Hi Roberto, Happy to read you think this car is "awesome" :-) Thank you for the well wishes on my weekend, and wishing you a nice weekend too, Lou
My thoughts have been covered by the prior posts .
Thanks Lou
You're welcome Gary
WOW, absolutely stunning, love the color combination and the total look of the car is just beyond words Lou, thanks so much for sharing and as always"Howdy from Texas 😁"!!!
Hi Greg from TX, Happy to receive a "WOW" from you :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
I guess Lou did "Ask The Man Who Owns One"!!!
Nice :-)
Beautiful--just terrific.
Hi John, Happy to read you appreciate the looks of this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
What a great car, Old school. great engine too. Gary well done. Thx Lou. Fine post.
Hi D Wnright, Happy to read you enjoy this episode :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
The book with this looks quite interesting...
Fun to see the documentation :-)
Lou, Thanks for documenting this beautiful Packard. I am not as familiar with this car so it was great to see the best Packard I’ve ever seen! Great car and great video!
Hi plestj, Happy to read you enjoy this episode :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
Beautiful!
Hi Clark Kent, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Lou
Beautiful Lou
Hi Paul, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Lou
Stunning automobile.
Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-)
@@loucostabile been wanting a Caribbean since I was in highschool.
Beautiful car!
Hi Jason Smith, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Lou
That car never needed a ‘custom’ hood scoop.
I bet it looked great without one.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Please can i be adopted by your family
Hi touraneindanke
, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-)
The adoption issue should be considered indeed!!
:)
Lovely nice car, love it.
Hi Ollie Nilson
, Happy to read you "love it" :-) Lou
Great car, great story
Win / Win :-)
Another unicorn with interesting technology . Great looking too . Thanks for posting .
Hi Bud Lee, Happy to read you enjoy the uniqueness of this find :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
Nice car !!!
Hi GEEPER, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) Lou
One more time an amazing story from Lou greasts investigation.
Hi DPG2203
, Happy to read you enjoy this episode :-) Lou
1954 and 1955 model, 54 has a nicer styling line and color combination.
Hi boson, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
Power brakes quite an innovation in the mid 50s...
Nice to have.
She's a beauty, Lou!!
Hi Ed B., Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Lou
Very nice! I'd love to own it!
Happy to read this one you'd enjoy owning :-)
Very nice 😀
Hi Michael Coffey, Glad to read you think this car is "Very nice" :-) Lou
@@loucostabile 😀
lindo carro...restauração perfeita......
Hi Aloisio Ferraz De Camargo, Happy to read you appreciate the looks of this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
That’s awesome Lou, absolutely awesome buddy! I love them old Packard’s! I have a Uncle that used to have the tri-5 of Packard’s ( 55, 56, & a 57’) . The 55’ & 56’ he drove everyday too, the 57’ he was working on it, trying to find a part so it would run! All of those Packard’s is what he had back in the 70’s, he had them all the way through till the mid 80’s or something, I don’t know what he did with them after that. Anyway, thanks Lou, I appreciate you showing this Packard, brought back the memories of my Uncle and his Packard’s!
I can relate. Kudos to your uncle for putting in the effort. That trying to find a part issue was a real problem back then. Parts were really hard to find in the '70's and 80's (pre internet days) for anything made before 1960 that wasn't a Ford or Chevy. And when an auto parts located a part a guy needed, they wouldn't order you one unless you paid big money for 12 of them, because they had to buy a case to get the one, and they refused to stock the remaining eleven. Internet has made owning old cars so much easier.
Freedomquest08 - yes sir, I agree with you on the finding parts back in the 70’s & 80’s, especially for the old Packard’s, I remember him telling me and my cousin about not being able to find parts for his, most of the time he made something up himself ( Jerry Rigged basically) but he made it work, whatever it may have been! He had a younger brother, my Uncle Harry, that was really good at rigging stuff up and making it work. My Dad was pretty good at doing that also, I guess it ran in the family! lol! Anyway, thanks for replying, I appreciate it!
Hi Hensley’s Hobbies
, Happy to read you enjoy this episode, and glad to read it brings memories of your Uncles Packards too :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
Lou Costabile - YW Lou and thank you
@@hensleyshobbies-doug7761 My pleasure sharing with you.
Great video Lou love watching your channel. I have a set of center caps like those on the car that say Packard on them. I always wondered what year they were from.
Hi PlymouthDuster 225
, Happy to read you enjoy this episode. Maybe check on eBay and see if you can track down the year, Lou
I've always overlooked the postwar Packards...until now! Hold it's own sitting next to that Eldo' (58?) next to it!
Hi Robert Hoffhines
, High praise for this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and I hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you'll enjoy, Lou
The book was awesome! It should be share online but there can be copyright issues
Hi Mr DIY
, Happy to read you enjoy the book :-) Lou
INTERESTING VEHICLE TKS AGAIN
Happy to read you found this one interesting :-) You're welcome.
Wow, Lou, his car is truly amazing. It's certainly not my Grandpa's Packard.
Hi Steve, Happy to read this car is "truly amazing" :-) Lou
Great car, thanks. I remember my parents car having hydraulic windows and top. Thankfully we don't have to deal with those today..
HI BartRicky, Happy to read this car / video brings back memories of your parent car :-) You're welcome, Lou
When you see oil dripping from the bottom of your door you learn to cuss Packard.
@@srercrcr That was a big problem, people putting oil in these systems. You were supposed to use brake fluid, and Packard was not the only one who used this system.
This fellow has a lot of knowledge about the Packard Company...
Agreed
One of the finest cars you have ever featured and you couldn't find half a minute to lower the roof! The raison d'etre for the cars existence. Are you serious!?... I'm incandescent...
Hi Roman, High praise for the car :-) I was at a "live car show" in the middle of the parking lot with cars passing us, so I did the best I could with the time I had, and this was the result. Lou
@@loucostabile.. Morning Lou. Thanks for your prompt and courteous reply... Granted all of those things, but still.
Unique compared to most of the cars you show. You do not see many Packards!
Hi Jed Clampett, I like to keep the Viewers guessing what might be coming up next :-) Lou
the 600 SEL mercedes for global leaders and such, was a vehicle fitted with hydraulic lines to each door for operation of the windows. i'm not sure if the privacy partition went up and down that way as well. a glove drawer! did not know that.. that museum you make 'my car story' features at sometimes: cars are arranged to watch a drive-in movie screen has an impressive packard sitting there. i'm not sure about stretched and leaded hood. that straight eight is awful quiet when "on." perfect chrome work
Hi Scott, Enjoy read this thoughts and the details you see. Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou
A lot of power for a straight 8..
Just the way we like it :-)
Very nice - I see it has 8.20 x 15 Firestones - any interference problems while turning? The car is stunning!
Hi Crestfield Crestfield, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Not sure of any tuning issues, however maybe a Viewer can share knowledge, Lou
Videos and photos don't do the Packard Caribbean justice. I saw a 1953 once at a car show and these cars were huge! Bigger and more imposing than Cadillac El Dorado's of the same vintage.
Hi sprague49, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge and experience, Lou
Your wife HELPED you? You lucky guy.
Agree.
That must be one of the first cars with fins
I recall a 49 Cadillac seems to have them and here is a link. Enjoy! ua-cam.com/video/k5F4wXU3m3M/v-deo.html
You need a lot of faith in those hinges when you stick your head under 300 lbs. of hood
That's true.
Nobody talks about it cause....no one has survived!!