1955 Packard Caribbean - Jay Leno’s Garage
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 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
“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 RUclips series
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?
ruclips.net/video/7xJG_Ik1vOUy/видео.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
I’m going back watching these videos that you’ve made by yourself, I enjoy these the most.
I love this “pandemic” format. No producers pushing a format, just Jay talking about cars. Absolute gem of a guy!
(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! ! ! .......
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
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
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.
The day he shot the video for this , he gave me a Jumpstart on my cheapass car , humble guy
“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
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.
Don't apologize! I love these pandemic episodes.
Thanks Jay. With all the politics , pandemic and me just getting old, I get a level headed gentleman showing us his love for old machines. Thanks for taking the time to put together these vids.
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
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.
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!
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.
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..
If you're a car guy like me and trying to stay safe during the pandemic these videos are a great escape. The Caribbean and the '58 DeSoto Fireswep are my favorite cars ever made. The last car we had with torsion bar suspension was a '72 Valiant Scamp purchased new with the 318 V8 and we got 130k trouble-free miles out of it. The suspensions were indeed wonderful and, while I love our '18 Challenger Scat Pack, you can drive over a cigarette and identify the brand. I miss smoother riding cars. I guess I'm getting old...
"You saw the torsion bar twist... that sounds like a bad dance move from the 50's"
🕺💃
Chubby checker's tune I believe
@@V8_screw_electric_cars
Which would be the 60's, not the 50"s.
@@Ransomhandsome 60s mopars had torsion bar suspension too
@@V8_screw_electric_cars
My reference was to the chubby checker comment only. He released The Twist in 1960.
I just want to say thank you Jay. These pandemic videos make these dark times a little brighter. THANK YOU
Thanks Jay I enjoy these pandemic videos especially because you feature your own cars.
Be worried when he runs out
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’ve always loved the ‘55 and ‘56 Packards - especially the Caribbean - and am very grateful to see this segment. Also glad to see the emphasis on its torsion bar suspension, which is a very much under-appreciated piece of technology.
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!
I've never seen before how Packard did the suspension before - amazing stuff for the time!
Jay has to be one of the coolest, nicest celebrity around and he really knows cars! Thanks Jay for the great videos and being so cool and unpretentious!
Not sure Conan would agree
Seems like a really good guy.
@@patricaomas8750 If you look past that, he seems to be a good fella.
I wasn't a big fan of Jay until he started doing these.
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.....
Thanks, Jay, for preserving automotive history and allowing us to be privy to it.
With the way the country is headed, love to see you're appreciation for our country's automotive history and preservation.
Thank you Sir.
Thank you Jay, if there's one silver lining to this pandemic it's that Jay is apparently going to video document his entire collection.
Works for me!
That would be amazing! Good idea.
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.
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
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.
Every episode of Jay Leno's garage I'm like "Ok this is my new dream car now"
I’ve always preferred the Clipper from this generation. They look great and are relatively affordable
I know, right?
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 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, 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 !!!
I don't know any guy that doesn't dream of being friends with Jay. Always kind and always fun!
That's simply a beautiful machine.
No apologies needed, Jay. It’s great that you’re doing this during the crisis. 👍🏻👍🏻
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.
Used to work at a garage that had about 50 Packards from the 50s parked out back. Fell in love with them.
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!!
There’s a snapshot of why you are one of America’s greatest treasures wrapped up in that short phrase, “I hope I did a good job.” Thanks again for sharing your time, knowledge and automobiles with us.
Oh Jay . . . "I know the top works, I haven't put the top up or down in 20 years" -- That's some faith
The rough life of dealing with rain in SoCal.
LOL I had a 1976 Harley FLH that had electric start and kick start. I knew the electric worked but it started so easy off the pedal that I hadn't used it for years. I rebuilt the motor after it finally wore out, just was never "right" after that!
Mostly I’ve seen his convertibles with top up, “I haven’t put the top down since restoration. Too risky.”
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
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: ruclips.net/video/GtnWvueu8_0/видео.html
I remember working for my dad and doing lube and oil changes. We had one of these come in and I went to the big blue book that showed all of the lube points. Wow, there were a ton of them on this car. It also was one of the longest. We had the old "railroad rail" lifts, single piston in the middle. I was in awe of this car then and seeing one again brings back great memories. Thanks. Love this program.
Even with the grease fitting schematic, some fitting would have to get missed. There's that many. Thank God for modern synthetic lubes, as they might lasts tens of thousands of miles, in these Torsion-Level Masterpieces.
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.
ruclips.net/video/7xJG_Ik1vOU5/видео.htmlw
"No clackity-clack" .... Don't come back? Thanks, Jay. As always. Very easy to listen to you yackity-yack about pieces of automobile history.
Yackity-yack...don't talk back!! [Thank you Coasters] lolol
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 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.
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!"
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".
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)
Most people wouldn’t sit on the fender to “not scratch the paint” gotta love Jay
Nowadays with these new cars, if you sit on the fender it collapses. I know I dented a modern car door once by closing it with my hip.
It is his car after all
Not like he has to worry about a scratch... He could afford to fix anything lol
@@samholdsworth3957 But this is original paint. It can only be original once.
@@woodyofp8574 That's just sad. But despite you sit between tin foil, the steal frame is pretty rigid and will save your life though.
Gosh. Just when I think I've found a favorite he brings out another one. I really really love this one.
Little did I know when I started watching Jay's videos that I would start to drool ~ I mean seriously who else has a collection like this!!!!
This is a beauty. 56 was the best year.
"The torsion-bar twist"...sounds like a bad dance from the 50's. LMAO, Jay. Awesome
I've been a Jay Leno's Garage fan ever since before he was even on RUclips. 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.
Veo este Caribbean desde Argentina ... ¡ una hermosura ! Ojalá sigan cuidándolo por Arizona. ❤
Went to school with a guy who was still driving the last 55 Packard from his dad's dealership in 1970. It had options like power windows and locks which virtually no cars had in '55. Neat car. I wonder if he regrets selling it.
Jay. don't ever change back from this format!
Also happy to see you can pronounce Caribbean.
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 !!
ruclips.net/video/8Sz0RZUySk0/видео.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. RUclipsrs helping each other, thanks.
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.
Beautiful 55 Packard Jay! Love watching your show, especially when you feature one of 5he classics between 1950 to 1970. These classics like this beautiful Packard have so much style compared to anything have built n the last 20 years. Now a days you can't always tell the new cars apart, but back in the day you could, because the cars back then had so much style to them!
ah jay,gone are the days.i was born in 48 and remember the cars back then,the glory years.
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.
The interior reminds of dining booths at Howard Johnsons.
quite so, but which came first, the chicken or the egg??
EXACTLY !
Ah, fried clams and chips.
Ahh the good old days!!!
Reminds me of the old Hot Shoppe restaurant booths.
Wow! A car with as much style and cool as Jay himself. Thanks, Jay. Very nice to watch.
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!!
Yes Jay your one man shows were a bit rough in the beginning, But they are as polished as any of your full crew shows of the past you have nothing to apologize for. It does show how much you care about what you do and how much you care about us the viewers .Thanks for keeping the show going and a BIG thumbs up from all of us old car guys with old cars.
The "TORSION BAR TWIST" sounds like an awesome 50s dance.
I died at the, "no matter how many dead bodies in the trunk" line at 2:45! haha
shut up
Frank - Go back under the bridge.
That's Jay's Italian coming out again!! lolol
I love the pandemic version of Jay Leno's garage. It's so nostalgic and refreshing to hear J just talked about his vehicles, history and any fun stories he may share
Always took my '65 GTO to Mech.that owned one back in mid 70's. Wasnt my thing then, but knew it was special. TY for the memories.
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.
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.
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!!
I was so hoping when Jay opened the trunk we'd find Jimmy Hoffa.
I expected to see a bound and
gagged Conan O'Brien in the trunk.
Jay, doin this stuff solo. I like him even more as a car guy to keep his passion on point.
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 👍
Totally fascinating Jay! I had a chance to see one of these in an old barn in western NY in 1973 when I was a lad. A friend of my father, a lady in her 80s then, kept it after her husband died. It was dusty, but just like this car. And the top was down. I had no idea about the wild suspension, but I was still in awe of the fact it was a Packard, and a CONVERTIBLE.
Jay, You’re the best thing on wheels. This episode reminds me of my father, who loved Packard.
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
Always loved Packard, Thankfully Jay has all these amazing classics and keeps Americana Alive Today
I love Packards. I had the privilege of working on a couple 1926's, a sedan and a roadster. Though the old 6 cyl. flatheads were common, what was not common was the roller cams they had.
I would have left the TorqueFlite in it and the only upgrade I would have made was upgrading it to a 4-speed overdrive TorqueFlite. These had the locking torque converter like the Packard's had in their Ultramatics. Two speeds forward doesn't get it.
Now, the Caribbean Packard existed before 1955 during the straight-eight years. Back in the 1990's, I happened on a Packard show at Fashion Island in Newport Beach and a fellow had a 1954 Caribbean. Although Packard didn't do twin airscoops on the hood, it did have one that went across the front of the hood. Still leaded in, the owner let me pick up the hood and, believe me, it was heavy.
Also in 1954 was the first year of the 'gear-start' Ultramatics which were the first to be fully automatic and not remaining like a 'flush and go' Buick Dynaflow.
It was the merger with Studebaker that killed Packard. Studebaker gave away the opportunity to get a foothold in the luxury car area. A Packard Hawk, derived from a Studebaker Hawk, with a Studebaker 289 V8 just didn't get it. Putting the Packard 352 V8 in a Studebaker Golden Hawk, with an Ultramatic, didn't get it either. Selling Nash the 352 V8 and ultramatic was good for Nash but only increased the competition in a field in which both Studebaker and Nash were already competing.
No, when the merger occurred, each company had assumed that the other had more capital than they actually did. That was the nail in Packard's coffin. Studebaker floundered on for a few more years, but made mistake after mistake. It never had a new body style which didn't have it's roots in Studebakers of the 1950's. About the only exception was the fiberglass-bodied Avanti, built on a Lark chassis. Then, they stopped making it in 1964. History showed their mistake. Avanti was ressurrected by some investors and continued for another couple of decades.
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. 😎👍
All the things I never knew about. A self leveling car in the '50's. Thanks for all the interesting info, Jay.
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 .
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.
Again Jay, don't apologise for the pandemic editions. We're getting far more in depth looks at far more interesting cars.
Plus a lot of us really enjoy Jay as much as we do the cars.
A decent man sharing his passion in a dignified, intelligent manner. This is a rare treat in 2020.
Indeed. While I do miss the other kind of episode, I will miss these if he stops doing them entirely when he can start doing the other kind again. I think there's room for both kinds, and these are very good.
I love how Jay drives his cars. Keep going strong!
What gorgeous car, thank you for keeping alive. I wish some of these old companies would come back.
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!
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 !😀😁
Jay, thank you for bringing us this amazing and gorgeous luxury car of the last Mid-Century. Your videos are always so interesting as well as informative. This vehicle is truly just an amazing feat of engineering in so many ways... such striking beauty, absolutely the epitome of luxury for the time. I can’t imagine being the “baller” that bought one of these new... back in the day... because you’d truly have to be a very high roller to have bought one of these new at the time. They were extremely pricey... in the same range as an Eldorado Biarritz convertible.
I really admire the fact that you always try to make your cars “stock” and don’t put glass-pack mufflers on them, even though some people think they are cool and acceptable. You even put resonator mufflers back on the cars....usually the first things to go! You do a tremendous job with your cars, and like you always say... the best are the “unrestored originals”. I agree. Thanks for continuing these through a worldwide Pandemic as well. You do a great service to your (many) fans to keep some sense of normalcy, by keeping these coming. . Thanks.