Danbury Mint 1956 Packard Caribbean Convertible - Limited Edition

And then, there were two. It has taken some time but the Danbury boys finally added the convertible version of the 1956 Caribbean to the line up. Precision diecast-wise, this is it for the fifty-six model year. TFM’s Caribbeans (3) are 1955 models. Danbury issued their first Caribbean, a hard top, to screams of joy back in 2007. Speculation was that the drop top would follow shortly. Well, I can tell you, the wait was well worth it.

All of the hard top’s detail finery is found in the convertible and then some. The massive list of functions and features on the former model is represented here but with the addition of an ‘up top’ and boot. Included are opening fuel filler door, extending twin antenna, removable spare, reversible seat cushions, folding front seatbacks and operational sunvisors. The internally sprung door hinges are in place as is the scissors spring hood hinges. The suspension works faultlessly and the engine detail is as abundant as ever. And just wait until you set your eyes on the inside of the ‘up top’; it has incredible detailing and almost overshadows the exquisite detailing of the outer fabric-covered top replete with chrome binder strip and chrome rivets. The fit of both boot and top are exact.

The gold metal foiled scripts are perfectly presented and appear to me to be sealed in place. The undercarriage is immaculately recreated, as if by scaled authentic Packard schematics. And I promise you, the devil is in the details here – metal brake lines and a magnificent miniature spring assembly, fuel lines and terrific steering mechanism with dampener shock. Oh, and since my sample is #666/5000 those devilish details were most certain to surface.

This was a large car for the era and DM got the shape, stance and color combo right. The paint is superb and all body panels line up flawlessly. While the top looks fantastic in place I think I’ll opt to display this piece next to the hard top version with its boot on. It affords a beautiful view of the interior details. If anyone could nail the ’56 Caribbean so well you just knew if would be the DM boys; yes, WELL worth the wait.

-Tony F Perrone