1953 Packard Cavalier Convertible for sale

This 1953 Packard Cavalier Convertible is gorgeous 50s cruiser with great options, and rarely seen at the local car show or cruising down the road. Introduced in late November 1952, Packard attempted to return to its roots by once again dividing its product offerings into two primary series, a more entry-level series (the Clipper series) and a higher-end, luxury series (the Packard series). Packard also made a foray back into the limo and executive transportation market as well with its Patrician and Henney models. The Packard series of cars was comprised of the Cavalier, the Mayfair, and the mid-year Caribbean model. While the Mayfair series was comprised solely of the 2 door hardtop body style, the Cavalier series came as a 4 door sedan and a 2 door convertible. While the more upscale Cavalier shared the same wheelbase as the more entry-level Clipper line, the Cavalier looked and felt far more luxurious than the Clippers. The exteriors were outfitted with more sporty-looking chrome side trim and a more ornate front grille design. The interiors were also considered more plush and elegant than what would have come on the standard Clipper models. In addition to the lavish upholstery, Packard touted their new “glare free” dash design for its beauty along with being safer for everyday cruising. Another unique element for the ’53 Packard dash design was the sliding glovebox design that resembled a drawer (as opposed to the glovebox door “cabinet-style” design seen on virtually every other car at the time and in the future). Perhaps the most significant improvements to the 1953 Packards occurred under the hood. For the higher-end non-limousine models, including the Cavalier, the Packard straight 8 was upgraded to 327 cubic inches and also sported 4 barrel carburetors. The other major improvement was the first year of availability of power steering, which is an extremely desirable especially in today’s day and age. In total, Packard produced a mere 1,518 Cavalier Convertibles which makes this particular example quite a rare piece of automotive history. Under the hood on this ’53 Packard Convertible is a 327 Cubic Inch L-Head Inline 8 cylinder engine fed by a single 4 barrel carburetor that together were said to have produced 180 horsepower when new. The 327 Straight 8 is mated to an Ultramatic Automatic transmission that makes this 1953 Packard an easy car for anybody to drive. Exhaust exits this Packard’s 327 inline 8 via a single exhaust setup that is finished with a chrome-tipped tailpipe. This 1953 Packard Convertible comes loaded with options! With “Easeamatic” power brakes, bringing this nearly 4,000 pound convertible to a complete stop is simplified. Power steering makes manuvering this ’53 Cavalier Convertible in and out of a tight parking space at the local car show or drive-in a total breeze as well, and improves the overall driving experience. Further helping the driver squeeze into a tight space is the inclusion of a chrome driver’s side outside mirror, which is always a welcome addition on any 50s classic car. The white vinyl power convertible top is in wonderful condition and it goes up and down with the simple flick of a switch. Riding on a set of wide whitewall radial tires mounted on painted wire wheels and accented with a Packard chrome hubcap, this Packard Convertible has a fantastic look and even better ride. The chrome and brightwork around the exterior of this ’53 Packard looks great too! The exterior of this ’53 Packard Cavalier has been refinished in a beautiful Matador Maroon Metallic paint that completes the upscale look of this convertible. The interior of this 1953 Packard Cavalier Convertible is gorgeous! The front and rear bench seats have been reupholstered in beautiful two-tone Ivory and Maroon vinyl. The matching two-tone upholstered door panels, carpeting, painted dash, sun visors, and steering wheel are all in wonderful condition as well and appear to retain a nice stock appearance. All four power windows go up and down with the simple flick of a switch and are hydraulically powered. The instrument cluster is equipped with a 110 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, fuel gauge, and clock, along with indicator lights for oil pressure and battery charging. The dash is finished with a signal seeking AM radio and speaker, heater controls, ashtrays and a locking glovebox. Whether you’re buying your first classic car or you’re adding to an existing collection of Packards, this 1953 Packard Cavalier Convertible would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson’s a call today at 763-428-7337!