1955 Packard Caribbean - Jay Leno’s Garage
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- The self-levelling suspension is a really fun feature but that's just the beginning of innovations on this American-made convertible!
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1955 Packard Caribbean - Jay Leno’s Garage
• 1955 Packard Caribbean...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage
Jay, you can stop apologizing for the "poor" quality of the pandemic episodes. I, and many many other viewers, love this format. I put the video in full screen, full 1080p resolution.....and it seems like I am in the garage with you and you are talking directly to me about your car. Just one car guy showing off his beloved 55 Packard to another car guy who has never seen the 55 Caribbean before. I look forward to each week's "personal" car chat with you.
here here.
I agree. I love the "Pandemic" videos.
I couldn't agree more. I've said basically the same thing in his other videos, and I really do like this format better. I also feel like it's more of a one on one experience, plus on some of the other episodes, it seems like the guest or owner of a car he's spotlighting are a little uncomfortable in front of a camera.
@@sped6954 I agree. If it's just Jay Leno himself, so much the better.
Jay you did a great job walking us thru the torsion bar system. Really enjoyed relaxed feel to this piece, of course I loved your interactions with the crew but this will not last forever and within a few months they will all be back. Really good work this one though. George
When I was in high school (late '50s) one of the guys had a '55 Caribbean just like yours except the stripe and interior were a beautiful blue. One afternoon, as we were walking toward our car, The Carrib came rolling out of a side street with the guy's girlfriend at the wheel. I don't know if she misjudged the car's length or didn't put enough muscle on the brake pedal, but she came out into the main street and sideswiped a spotless '57 Chevy 4 door sedan as it drove by. The Packard's front bumper split that Chevy open from stem to stern. Bent up the Packard's bumper a bit, but not too bad. The girl jumps out of the car and she's beside herself. The Chevy driver gets out of his car, walks around to the passenger side, & just shakes his head. The girl's crying and asking, "What should i do? What should I do?" The Chevy driver says, "Well missy, for starters, you can go to Hell..."
Gooood story!
😂
Was the guy upset that the girl driving the Packard split his Chevy down the side OR more upset that she was driving a Packard and his car was a cheap Chevy?
ua-cam.com/video/7xJG_Ik1vOUy/v-deo.htmle
Great story! And... props for actually using proper grammer! Most "kids" these days cannot spell, or even write (or type) a basic sentence to save their lives! lol
My Dad was a Packard salesman in 1952-53 and one day in early 53 he brought home a special Packard, a 53 Caribbean. If I remember it had the straight 8, it was a beautiful light green and had the reversible cushions leather on one side and a brocade on the other. Dad gave me a ride in it and I still remember that day.
lucky boy!
George Potter thanks for commenting.......could use more Cogent Comment#....interestingly all i and my Famiky could afford was Fords/ cheaper CHE ROLETS, ETC..Though,I did get a low miles “ very nice”, Florida 1956 4:Door/TBIRD engine FORD: hoped to keep,and OEM OUT, BUT totally wrecked accident quickly...
@@opera93 I only owned Datsuns all my life ..
@@fidelcatsro6948 - I do hope you were able to upgrade to the Infinity as time passed, but then, you couldn't likely keep up your proletariat illusions, could you?
@@alanhardman2447 i scrapped my last datsun in 1999 and kept up my proletariat show of disobedience to the bureaucratic policies of my country which made cars unaffordable to masses by riding a bike since then...a lousy new 1 litre car here costs about 60,000 usd and only usable for 10yrs
I love this “pandemic” format. No producers pushing a format, just Jay talking about cars. Absolute gem of a guy!
Jay, I expect these “pandemic edition” videos are harder for you to make, but they are great fun to watch. I really enjoy your friendly style, like you are just hanging out with a buddy sharing your car experience. Thanks so much.
He is hanging out with his buddies all 3.41 million of us..
(Some guy in his 90's watching this video)
SO HE'S THE ONE WHO KEPT KILLING THE BATTERY ON MY CAR???!!!
LOL
Or even older. You could almost buy a house for that money in the 1950s.
You could sit on the fenders. - without denting them. Now you can't breathe on them without denting them.
@@Matt_from_Florida Easily in the plains states....
Thank you!!!
You made me laugh!
I appreciate your comment: BUT,
if your buttery was "always" dead then it really wasn't that funny.
BUT; thank anyway! ! ! .......
jay: this is not a show car
the car: completely original and in amazing condition and would probably win most shows for rareness and originality
For sure!! Amazing!!!!
He say that cuz he drives it bro thats all
@@bighomietank3384 all cars should be driven, my show car is driven all the time
We are used to produce some Beautiful automobiles have a chrome beautiful paint and the paint would last for years not like the Japanese junk we invest in now but American car dealers got greedy they wanted to buy something real cheap and sell it real high so we went with the Japanese market it was all about money that’s all it every is
She's a beauty, so innovative, and built during an era where the phrase "built to last" wasn't a marketing ploy. 👍
Built to rot you mean
Lend me your rose tinted spectacles
But about that time...It was becoming a marketing ploy. Just a few years later.
And then there's the phrase...''They Don't Build Em Like THAT Anymore !!!''
It went from brass, to solid steel, to tin, to rubber and fiberglass, to American plastic. To Chinese plastic.
Yea built to last..No one hardly makes this quality anymore but Toyota or Honda.
Every time I watch a JLG episode I always come away extremely impressed with Leno’s deep knowledge of car technology and auto history. Awesome! Thanks, Jay. 😎👍
In October of 1955 I ordered two brand new Packards. My wife chose a beautiful three tone red, white and black Clipper. I ordered a Caribbean hardtop. Wonderful cars. I kept that car until I traded it on a new 1963 Imperial Crown sedan.
That hydraulic suspension... I remember when I was a kid in Omaha, we had a painter come out to do the inside of our house, and he had a '56 Packard Clipper four door, light blue and white, and it when it was sitting in front of our house when I discovered the wonders of the suspension... I sat on the right rear fender, heard a slight hum, and felt it rising up under me.. I was so amazed that I jumped on and off, to experience it again and again!.. About the other thing that caught my attention were the taillights that were different than the '55's.. bigger than the'55's, more curvy and swoopy, and a popular choice among customizers who wanted the coolest looking taillights on some other models like Chevys Ford's and Mercs.. I always liked the '56 taillights over the '55 but looking back now, I'm not so sure... But customizers never used the '55s, as far as I know anyway...
Impressed to no end Sal. You've got SERIOUS CLASS! You should have kept all three of those masterpieces! I have just one friend, that remembers them from new. He would ride to the dealer each evening on his bicycle, to admire the 56 car in the window. He now owns two 56 cars, a "400" and a Caribbean. (His retirement presents to himself)
@@coadmiller5010 amazingly enough, the suspension was NOT hydraulic, but all electromechanical.
I love these episodes, just Jay talking about the car as if he was chatting to a mate down the pub.
The bit about the “ Sportscar “ ad was hilarious. Bentley called their Mk6 the silent sportscar back in the late 40s. In Standard Steel Saloon format, it was anything but!
Pretty car. Worth saving.
I always find myself thinking what will become if this amazing collection. My hope is Jay endows a museum . Priceless .
Me too! I understand he already has the Worlds most extensive collection that’s valued at over $300 Million (according to one of those “Richest” videos). Quite a few of his cars have soared in value since his purchase. Better than buying stock and so much more fun too! I’ll bet he has things set where the collection must stay complete. Jay will live another 35 years so we are all excited to see what else he acquires.
@@badapple65 wow! Didn't know it was that huge! Hope he has it all set up legally. He is very wealthy. I understand he saved every penny of the Tonight Show salary. so he could endow it forever. He hints at that sometimes when he talks about the importance of saving them. I hope so.
@@badapple65 it's a weird set up right now where I guess he has it in a bunch of airport hangars /space. Convenient for him because his jet us right there to fly to his gigs. But it seems impossible to stay that way forever.
He is so close with the Peterson museum I would be surprised if a lot of his cars didn’t end up there.
As Jay says, he isn't an "owner" as much as he's a "caretaker" of his kids, er... cars.
“Packard, Ask the Man Who Owns One” 😎👍
I did, and he told me to get lost. Go figure!
I kind of regret them not doing a "For the Level Headed Driver" campaign for it, but I guess they were trying to go more for the younger approach :P
@@wolfdog7265 aka Any Car show,etc. The car Guy That Owns Them All But Never EVER even Drives them. I Hate that type of "car guy". .Now Jay. He Drives Anything and Everything
My father who retired from Ford Motor always raved about Packard's. Thanks so much for the memories. Your videos are the best thing on u tube
The day he shot the video for this , he gave me a Jumpstart on my cheapass car , humble guy
Don't apologize! I love these pandemic episodes.
The fact that this 70+ old man is hanging from a car , just to show us those bars, should get major respect.
@@opera93 wtf is this an advertisement
@@kingbones2620 Just an example of activity, that's what keeps you alive.....
@@charlesangell_bulmtl no it looks like a bot wrote that message, I reported it for
'
Unwanted commercial content or spam'
@@kingbones2620 Sounded like the ramblings of an old man to me...how would you determine if it were a bot?
@@charlesangell_bulmtl I think it was just his general over use of brand name pharmaceuticals, endorsements, and other businesses. Like honestly it feels fake af.
With the way the country is headed, love to see you're appreciation for our country's automotive history and preservation.
Thank you Sir.
I’m going back watching these videos that you’ve made by yourself, I enjoy these the most.
Love this episode since it brings back some great memories. My grandfather was a Packard man and had a 1955 Packard Clipper. It was an awesome car; it had power windows, the leveling suspension and the first radio I ever saw that would search for a radio station
Keep JLG coming Jay. In these times of chaos, this is refreshing.
mhmm
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Just wait till the crazy rioters start making their way towards Leno's Garage 😨
@John Barber October 14th, 2020.
I voted on the 8th.
That ain't no guarantee of avoiding trouble at home
.
But with 3 weeks to United States election of the Prez?
I'm not gonna risk my wellbeing without retaliation I'll be sorry for.
I just want to say thank you Jay. These pandemic videos make these dark times a little brighter. THANK YOU
Such a beautiful car, I love the fact it’s unrestored.
Psckard came so close to surviving... the cars were up to date... if they could have just got costs down...
It didn't help Packard merged with Studebaker, as many enthusiasts say 1956 was the last true Packard and what came afterwards was a studebaker with the Packard logo.
I almost prefer these Pandemic Editions; they’re very intimate, and it feels like I’m getting a personal tour, just you and me in the garage and in the cars, oblivious to the couple million other viewers. Thank you!!
The "TORSION BAR TWIST" sounds like an awesome 50s dance.
Seeing this my dad and watched your show for years and everytime he seen this he said everything you showed and I loved this, he wanted me to find one after I bought him the 34' airflow desoto, Packard is so hard to find. He has now passed away two years ago, My goal is to ride or own a Packard.
I'm sorry you lost your dad. Glad you shared a passion for cars with him, like I did with my dad.
He owned one years ago
He saw, he didn't "seen".
I think it's wonderful that he kept his old faithful Packard. Hard to imagine that when he got it he couldn't afford to restore it!
This is a beautiful car. I love American cars of this period. We don't see anything like this in the UK. Many thanks for the channel. Your reviews are detailed and very interesting.
Phil As an American, I think some of the Rootes cars of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, like the Minx, Rapier, and Gazelle, were fairly flamboyant and colorful compared to most British cars of the time. I read somewhere that their styling was patterned after the 1953-56 Studebaker Starlght design.
@@judethaddaeus9742 Hello, I agree they were eye catching. Ford and Vauxhall also had scaled down American cars, but did not have the gadgets like the trick suspension and power windows. Some UK cars looked the part but were pretty basic compared to American cars.
@@phil8437 yeah but you guys had the E type Jag, which is off the CHARTS IN COOL! PLUS DOZENS OF OTHER ROADSTERS AND FUN TO Drive smaller cars. Lotus especially comes to mind. Oh how I wish I could have a Europa or a Cortina. (Sorry my caps got stuck on. I. wasn't yelling at you. Lol)
This is one of the reasons I love your show Jay, I had no idea Packard even made that car. great job putting the camera on the far back end, I think we got a feel of how nice the ride is.
Thanks for showing this car. I was walking my daughter home from school one day and Jay drove by in this car, he waved and we waved back. Awesome car it was quiet and smooth
No apologies needed, Jay. It’s great that you’re doing this during the crisis. 👍🏻👍🏻
The Detroit Historical Society posted a video on You Tube entitled “Out of the Future(1954)” offers a period explanation of the torsion bar suspension on these fine cars. Certainly worth watching, just as much as Jay !!
ua-cam.com/video/8Sz0RZUySk0/v-deo.html
Any odds of a 2 wheel drive 2 door work truck ever happening? I was a big fan of the S10 and I wish that someone still made a rear wheel drive truck that didn't require ladders or steps or lifts just to get to the bed.
@@jnzkngs empty over engine area , fill with plastic cladding of the ever increasing height of '' modern '' pick-up truck , gift this old paccard a sense of a more modern engeneering '' packcardging '' .
@@JoelShprentz thanks
I just watched it and it was very interesting, thanks for the tip. UA-camrs helping each other, thanks.
I love the pandemic episodes. They are like taking to a friend about a car. There are plenty more behind you Jay, please just keep going down the row.
Jay, You’re the best thing on wheels. This episode reminds me of my father, who loved Packard.
Mr. Leno, I want to thankyou for an excellent review of the Packard Caribbean.I live in the Detriot area and to this day the Packard factory as massive as it is, is still standing. The reason you have been so successful in your career and life is you are a very down to earth person. It is sad that many talk show hosts that have tried to go forth after you are so alienating in their views. I had no idea what your political views were and are and I didn't care. Much success to you sir. Lance
I remember as a kid getting up bright and early in the mid 1950’s just so I could listen to our neighbor start his up Packard to go to work, it was quite a distinctive sound. They sure don’t build anything that sounds as good as those old Packard’s today.
I have an entirely different childhood memory. An Indian doctor lived across the street snd he bought a new (red, what else) Ferrari 308 and used to warm the damn thing up in the 'cold' California mornings (brr, might have got down to 60!) - it used to whine like a wounded banshee on high idle. Guy was such a tool he'd regularly back it into the middle of the street and stall it.
My mom used to talk about how her parents had a Packard in the 1940's and was supposed to be better than a Cadillac. Really enjoyed Jay's Packard demo.
In those days Packards were for the rich folks in the big house on the hill. Cadillacs were for characters from the wrong side of the tracks who struck it rich. Unfortunately for Packard, after the war there were a lot more of the latter than the former.
Packards were for "old money" people, people on the social register, people who attended Harvard and Yale, people who could trace their lineage to the Mayflower. Packard made a car called "The Patrician" and that described the people who owned them.
Cadillacs were for "nouveau riche"; self-made businessmen, well-paid executives, show business types, athletes, and gangsters. The "old money" looked down on these people, but they were modern and their cars reflected that.
In the 1950s people aspired to this modern image instead of the old, stuffy Establishment. The 1955 Packards chased after that market, but by then it was too late. They really needed to go there in 1940 and compete with the Cadillac Sixty Special and the original Lincoln Continental which were cutting-edge modern and stylish for their time.
@@s.sestric9929 In the old days a lot of people who could afford Cadillacs would not be seen in one. Especially in small towns. Packard was willing to conceded Broadway and Hollywood to Cadillac, if they could have the rest of the country. In the fifties this did not prove to be a winning strategy and by the time they came out with their own V8 glamor barge it was too late. But I remember when a lot of people who could well afford a Cadillac, drove Buicks and Chrysler New Yorkers because the Caddy was too ostentatious. Have been told the same by people in other parts of the country.
@@mrdanforth3744 Indeed, Buicks were called "doctor's cars" because they were bought by people who wanted to look successful but not like they were prospering from your misfortune.
There was that whole Seinfeld episode where Jerry bought his father a Cadillac, and all his friends thought he was putting on airs for driving it. I thought, he should have traded it for a Buick.
Jay, I love it when you said everyone smoked back then. Gosh I remember even the marionettes on the kid show the Thunderbirds smoking. I love your informative/entertaining videos.
Gosh. Just when I think I've found a favorite he brings out another one. I really really love this one.
I love the engineering of this car, well ahead of the times. That torsion bar suspension is amazing!
GM had pneumatic and they had to replace them with coil springs because they were so problematic.
The first time I saw a Caribbean, I was in awe. It was a beautiful, clean example. I called my dad (a car guy) and asked him if he was familiar with the model. He said, "What year? Is it a two tone or a three tone?"
Me: "'56. Three tone."
Dad tells me all about the car in detail.
Me: "You wanted one, didn't you?"
Dad: "Yeeeaahhh..."
His father, also a car guy, had a Packard (don't recall which model), and an Indian Chief motorcycle.
I've been a Jay Leno's Garage fan ever since before he was even on UA-cam. I've been waiting for Jay to do the Caribbean for a long time! I remember it from the original website but haven't seen it since.
"The torsion-bar twist"...sounds like a bad dance from the 50's. LMAO, Jay. Awesome
I love how Jay drives his cars. Keep going strong!
I like that Jay mentioned lead in the hood. My dad was a fender and body man in the 50's on. He knew how to lead the cars, Bondo was a dirty word in our house! This beauty and I are the same age, but she carried the years better than I do.....
Someone needs to mention to General Motors that its really called General Engines. :-) Jay's such a great guy. Greetings from Arizona.
I'm pretty sure that EMD makes motors.
That's hilarious, LOL. Nice!!!
I wonder how many people realize that the electric powered is motors and combustion power is engines?
That would make General Electric annoyed
It was quite common in the early days of _motorcars_ to refer to them as just "Motors"----the way they still do in Daffeye Olde Englande. Mike Brewer, on "Wheeler Dealers" does it all the time and so do other Brits. (Back during the slot-car craze of the '60s, I had to bite my tongue to keep from correcting the kids when they talked about installing a new _"engine"_ in a slot car. I also had a kid ask me, "Did you win at the Austin-Healey Sprite?") "To-may-to," or "to-mah-to," it still goes good with bacon and lettuce, right? Stay safe.
ua-cam.com/video/7xJG_Ik1vOU5/v-deo.htmlw
Jay. don't ever change back from this format!
Also happy to see you can pronounce Caribbean.
My Dad had a Packard when I was a young lad. He would put the top down and take us to the drive-in movie. My brother and I would sit in the rumble seat,King's of the World.
didnt know americans used the word lad. learn something everyday
Wow! A car with as much style and cool as Jay himself. Thanks, Jay. Very nice to watch.
What a beautiful car. Thanks, Jay for bringing us into your garage and giving us a look at your collection. I always look forward to what you'll show us next.
in the early 80's there was a car lot in Monterey CA, that had a 55 packard on the lot. Bone stock, low miles, perfect condition except for sun faded fabric upholstery. (there was a line where the sun fade stopped, so it was parked in the same place for a long time) outside of new belts, hoses and such, it was completely factor. Not a Carrib, but it did have the self leveling feature. It kinda looked like a 55 chevy that had been over eating a bit. Coulda had it for 5500 bucks. Of course I didn't have the 5500. In the eighties that was a lot more scratch than it is today. Same lot had a Dellahaye, a Pantera, and a dozen other not often seen.
“Welcome to another episode of Jay Leno’s garage - pandemic edition” has become my favourite sentence to hear
last i heard, he was paying them. But they do need to get back to work. I mean, how many weeks can Jay go before he runs out of cars??
'nother episode
More like "wecomnuthaepisoda Jay Leno's garage"
Jay that ride is frigging awesome!!
It’s become my favourite UA-cam series
Love it '' The torsion bar twist'' sounds like a fifties dance. Those torsion bar motors must draw some amps The Morris 1000 had torsion bar suspension so did the 70's Morris Marina here in UK. They had a fixed bars that were manually adjustable via splines don't ever remember having to touch them.
Gotta love the engineering behind torsion bar suspension. I had a '65 International pickup with torsion bar suspension and drove it cross country in early '90's, rode like a dream. Three speed on the column, brings a year to my eye just remembering it. Love your show and your enthusiasm for old cars and the engineering and design behind them. Thanks from a big fan of you and your shows.
Oh please Jay!! Have owned a 61 Lincoln convertible for 36 yrs.
Parked it on hills and uneven ground and never experienced body issues or door issues from the body twisting.
Urban legend!!
I’ve never been a huge fan of ‘50s car but this one is beautiful, not a bad line on it, the interior is stunning, the dash is pure class and those twin aerials look absolutely fantastic! Being English I grew up saying “Cari-bean” but now I live in Canada I’ve learned to question my mother tongue, 95% of the time Queen Elizabeth is correct but every now & then I have to agree with you North Americans, with two B’s in the middle it definitely has to be “Carib-bean”!
Jay is such a top bloke, he’s achieved much greatness in life but he still remains a very humble and down to earth guy, he could easily take a year off but no, he does these “pandemic editions” for his fans just to keep us sane in these crazy times.
I’m loving this format, it’s different but it really works, it’s like Old Skool TV from when I was a kid, just one presenter, one subject, no nonsense, just education 👍
This is a beauty. 56 was the best year.
What gorgeous car, thank you for keeping alive. I wish some of these old companies would come back.
There were 2 of these('56 hardtops) beauties within a stones throw of my house when I was growing up in
Sunbury, PA. One was owned by a Swiss Engineer recently relocated from Switzerland and the other one was owned by a cookie distributor. Mr. Packard was a very respected Engineer and built beautiful cars way back into the 30's. My Grandfather had a mid 30's Touring Packard that was actually beautiful. They were the cat's pajamas back then. My Mom learned to drive in that behemoth. She weighed about 100 lbs then as a teen and this car did not have power steering. She said she was able to toss that big car around very well.
They were known for their superb engineering. I actually saw a 1940(?) sedan going down the road yesterday. Restored in a cream color -very nice. These were great cars. I think Mr.Packard founded Lehigh University. I think Roger Penske went to Lehigh.
Jay, I was 21/1955 when I saw this beautiful car at the beach in Misquamicut, RI. The driver
was male with a bird /dish in the front seat. Never forgot how much I wanted one. My Dad had 1939, 1948 Packards. Thanks !!!
Such a lovely vehicle. Impressive engineering of its time. Thank you for sharing. As always, we all appreciate very much your time and knowledge of these beautiful classics and the wonderful stories.
You really can "see" how smooth it rides. The back camera shot makes it look like it's floating on air.
Awesome. The machining on those switches is crazy. Beautiful car.
Very cool looking dashboard...
The suspension reminds me of when I was in Paris many, many years ago and sat on the rear bumper of a Citroen to rest my tired feet. After about 45 seconds, the car started to level itself, something I had never heard of before! I jumped up off the car as I actually thought someone was in the car doing something!! As i stood there, it re leveled itself back down again!! SHOCKING,!! Thanks for another great episode Jay!! Greetings From Atascadero, the proposed home of the Doble Steam Car!!
I remember visiting a Packard dealer with my dad as a kid, and the salesman demonstrated the torsion bar by having my and and me sit on the back of the car. I wanted my dad to buy that car, but my dad instead bought a specially appointed 1956 Lincoln from the niece of Edsel Ford. I also visited the Packard Factory a few times with my dad as he made sales calls there. What a car that Packard was! Thank you, Jay, for sharing it! It brought back some great memories, even though my dad never owned a Packard. All we could do is "ask the man who owns one!"
This Packard is a beautiful car
Thanks for the show and tell.
From my understanding Packard had a very unique torsion bar suspension compared to Chrysler's that just substituted a torsion bar for a spring. Packards actually had an anti-roll bar type of situation but positioned an extra set of them front-to-rear real-time resistance to dive and squat. On top of that and independent of it was the electric leveling system that Jay demonstrated which was more for taking care of loads in the trunk so reacted a lot slower
Really enjoy these episodes thank you for the time you put in these shows
Out of all the cars you've shown us, I think this one might be my favorite. Absolutely beautiful.
Torsion-Level Packard's are so addicting, that I've known three different enthusiasts that have owned dozens AT ONE TIME. This is going back roughly 30 to 50 years ago. In fact the son, of a large Packard dealer, in South Jersey, bought back most every Torsion Packard that the dealership sold. I hope someone has the guts to chime in, and tell how many these legendary three people REALLY had. Once people couldn't get the (simple) level control to function, or the (almost as simple) electric-pushbutton shift to work, they were afraid to continue driving them. Thus many became available in the sixties.
Interesting about Packard: ua-cam.com/video/GtnWvueu8_0/v-deo.html
Always loved Packard, Thankfully Jay has all these amazing classics and keeps Americana Alive Today
Too bad you don't own the 53 version, I still love that 55 though, gorgeous car. I am shocked you didn't do a disc brake conversion. I hate to say it, but these pandemic version videos are far better, you have been showing cars normally you never shown and I never knew you had a Packard Caribbean. Oh I believe up until 56 the hardtop version of the Caribbean was called the Packard Panama.
Original condition is cruel standard. But in collecting, original is the gold standard.
Yeah Jay, not sure why, but to bad you don't have a 1953. 🙄
Elizabeth Cherry thanks for informations..
"The Torsion Bar Twist -- sounds like a bad dance from the '50s." Jay-bomb, I really, I mean REALLY, appreciate these Pandemic Episodes, thanks for all the hard work that goes into each and every one. Personally, while I love earlier shows with other cars and their owners, I love getting to know your personal collection even more. Damn, dude, you've got some amazing stuff there. Gratitude for you sharing what you've always loved about these special cars of yours.
Can I borrow $20?
My graduation present was a 1952 Pontiac (in 1967) with a straight eight. It was so smooth you could not feel it running. And the Indian Chief on the hood lit up.
One of the first cars I remember growing up was a 1951 Packard Clipper that was our family car. It instantly made me a fan of Packards. I recall a 55 hardtop that a friend in high school had that was turquoise and white. In our town there was a traffic circle that became the scene one night of this friend's Packard being driven round and round in an attempt to see how far this car would lean over. He went so far as to cause sparks to fly from the rocker panels scraping the pavement due to the torsion bar suspension. It was quite a sight. Years later I found a 55 Caribbean that was for sale at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, it would have cost way more money than I had to restore it. The owner told me at the time that he would have little trouble finding a buyer due to how few of these beauties were around.
The “Pandemic Editions” are the best.
A very personal one on one experience 👍 (that’s what she said 🤣)
Thank you Jay for what you do for us “CAR GUYS”!
I love how the dual exhaust system is laid out!! Unfortunately, a lot of "Gen Xers" and "Millennials", don't know what a Packard is!! Nice ride Jay!!
Used to work at a garage that had about 50 Packards from the 50s parked out back. Fell in love with them.
Always a pleasure to watch you Jay , love the way you describe the vehicle of that particular day ,,,,, and btw ,,,,,, My wife and myself still miss seeing you at night on the tonight show , it's never been the same without you , thanks so very much for sharing your cars with us and for all the great years on television , you're truly loved .
We used to have a packard that we pulled from the mud. It was real fun
Thank you Jay! Always a great time to see you, and this car is just beautiful. Stay healthy and keep posting.
I wanna see a collaboration of Jay Leno's Garage and Vice Grip Garage.
Hey Jay. I also grew up in New Rochelle, NY. After going swimming at Glen Island
our mom would often take us to eat Hamburgers at a place on Pelham Road ( AKA Shore Road )
called " Leno's Clam Bar " . I believe it was owned by your uncles.
Of course NO ONE who lived in New Rochelle called it Leno's Clam Bar. Haha, we all knew it as " Greasy Nick's ".
They served fried clams but we always got the great Cheeseburger on a buttered Poppy Seed Kaiser Roll
with grilled onions. They did not serve Fries but we always the corn on the cob drowned in melted butter.
The only place I recall that sold PIELS canned beer.
Did you know it was not called Greasy Nick's because the Burgers were greasy? It was known as Greasy Nick's
because the previous owner was a retired NRPD Detective named Nick. Nick walked around the place with
a perpetually greasy apron and that is where he got the nickname Greasy Nick.
Well that is what my uncle Johnny told me and that is the story I am sticking with.
Greasy Nick's is still there . Owned by your cousin i think.
Oh, I grew up on Second Street just down the hill from Union Ave. Yeah we called that part of town " The West ".
It was the Italian part of town.
Bill
He doesn’t read this.
Thanks, Jay, for preserving automotive history and allowing us to be privy to it.
I enjoy the content, but I also enjoy how clearly you enjoy it too. Thank you for brightening my life.
I used to be a Renault 16 addict, back in the day, and they also used torsion bar s, and perhaps not coincidentally, they also had a lovely ride ... supple over bumps yet good handling. They, too, were height-adjustable but as I recall, it required a large wrench being applied to a large nut or bolt under the front seat area.
That was a really interesting episode. That was one hell of a car! Thank you.
I rather see a Jay Leno Garage video (Pandemic Edition), than Jimmy Fallon with his tricks and dancing (as cool as he is). Big mistake NBC. Keep it up Jay; you’re awesome!
He was tired of the tonight show.
Never heard jimmy fallon and cool in the same sentence just doesn't seem right
@@batty46 Because it's not right.
I never understood why Fallon was even offered The Tonight Show. He wasn't funny on SNL. I mean, he thought he was funny. He always laughed at his own jokes to show you how truly funny they were. But he was never actually funny.
Any day
I really appreciate your video's Jay!
Love how you have a passion for all sorts of cars and engineering. Also, despite your wealth you are still a really humble man. I'm thankful you share your cars with us/the world!
Truly hope to meet you one day
Hey Jay, I'm Patrick , & I Love ALL your car Totorial's/Videos !! Especially during this whole Covid Thingy ! And Really love that your putting the cars on the Lift for a different perspective I'd say keep it up... But Already know that you will..Thank You very very much Hope you and your Wife stay well ! Ha I My Grandfather owned A 1955 Packard Caribbean when he Sadly passed, I Inherited his home & The Packard in the garage back in 91' it was a 4 door solid original clean running Daily driver and fast forward 4 year's I Bought my 1963 Impala 2 door hardtop.The Love of my life... Next to my Wife & 5 kid's Became my part & Full-time Project.... Aside from Project of Raising my Family ! Anyways I sold the Packard to a good home in 95' But year's later during a Massive Garage Deep cleaning I found an old toolbox with a lock on it belonging to my Grandfather I had to cut the lock off for I couldn't find the key... sorry the long story to Get to this But In the toolbox were my Grandpa's Barely used Tools & the owners Manual for the 55' Packard Nearby Mint condition ! I no longer have the car and when I watched This video I Think I have found a Good Home for this 1955 Packard Caribbean Owners Manual I Would like Very Much for You to have It !! But have Not an Idea how to Get it to Ya It's A Give for you not for sale for free I know you would take good care of it and would be what my Grandfather would want. it would have a Wonderful time spending it's remaining year's in your Beautiful Packard Caribbean Convertible I just need to know if you're interested I watch All your car videos Religiously so you can give me a yes or no to let me know if you're Interested and could tell me how to get it to you ? Thanks Again Jay !😀😁
Such a beautiful car and a great video. My grandfather worked at Studebaker in South Bend IN and he bought a new 1955 Packard Patrician. Seeing yours brings back memories. I remember the self leveling torsion bar suspension and riding in it as a kid. My brother and I pushed on the car or would get i and out of it to make the suspension leveling run. I really miss my grandfather and his amazing Packard.
That was a interesting video and I learned something by watching this I had no idea that Packard had a torsion bar suspension and I also did not know that they came out with a V8 with two four-barrel carburetors very interesting thank you for this video.
Ah the old Cathedral Taillights. Probably the best Packard Richard Teague ever designed.
10:10..."This (hood) hits you in the head, you're a dead man."
That explains the tombstone grills on Pakards.
Brake fade is just a real treat!! I experienced it many times on my '56 Buick until I upgraded the brakes.
Jay is the, "Man of Wheels"! He loves Cars and Motorcycles and shares them with us. Thank you Jay. You really help us to appreciate all of these because of how well you show them to us. I am a 73 year old retired Aircraft and Helicopter Mechanic and I love all of the technical information you share with us.
I love it- we coulda had Chubby Checker and the Torsion Bar Twist 😂
This Jay Leno guy is pretty good at presenting things...
"Brakes are not... Brakes are ok, Brakes are good!" Well that was a good save!
He looks rough... sorry Jay, I’ll still look for you when I cross into Long Beach.
Maybe a comb?
@@ashleelarsen9430 Who cares. It's about the cars my friend! I look like holy hell in my dirty old body shop. : )
You're worried about what he looks like while he's working on cars?
@@rhull3939 it's a girl thing
@@ashleelarsen9430 I'm 73 myself and I find that the older you get the less you're concerned about neatness and personal hygien. Sometimes I don't brush my teeth until noon. That's just the way it is.
Jay, what a great show JLG is. You not only describe the cars but your fill in a lot of color from the times. Your enthusiasm for the cars and the history is contagious!
A chiropractor who lived next to my grandmother had one; a hardtop. What a big car it was. Dad's dad, whom I never met (deceased before I was born) was a Packard fan. Dad said their ads said: Ask the MAN who owns one. Ever heard that? That would not go over so well these days. As always, thanks for this and so many great memories. Note: late night tv ended for me once you were gone!
If I recall...wasn't their mantra, "ask the man who owns one?" I would be surprised if you do not now receive a 1955 Packard owners manual in the mail shortly.
Didn't the President of Packard say that to some auto journalist back when the company had to advertising budget?
@@billolsen4360 That was a slogan on their sales brochures at the time. Watch Jay Lenos Packard video/
Thanks Jay! I just love American cars of the 50’s & 60’s and given current world events it’s nice to be able to take a break from the never ending headlines of COVID-19, Brexit, Russia....