The 1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible reproduced by then Franklin Mint in Jade White, Emerald and Jade Green debuted at Pebble Beach Concours D' Elegance on August 27-29, 1999. This was to be crowned the Pebble Beach replica for 1999 limited to approximately 3000 pieces worldwide.

Now you may ask what in this writers view makes this model so special? Originally Packard manufactured approximately 500 of these cars that in it self makes this a special model. Next is the color combination says it all as it truly captures the looks of the tropics perfectly. Can't you invision this car crusing around Havana going from casino to casino, I can?

Here are some little known facts on this model, Rick Hanmore built the concept model for the Pebble Beach Packard. Franklin Mint was undecided over which model would carry the title Pebble Beach at the 1999 event? Since the car show theme was a 100 years of Packard, this model became a shoe in once the concept car was replicated. Rick recreated the model with eloquence and grace truly depicting the best of Packard. As an added bonus golf clubs were included to symbolize Pebble beach rounding out what was already a classic replica.

All editions were supposed to have period correct clubs but that died after the first year. Little known trivia: the first 100 models shipped from The Franklin Mint had painted pewter clubs, while the rest of the run had painted diecast clubs. Rick's original model (pictured below) had a green top to match the interior.

Now lets really look at this model in more detail, opening up the hood reveals one of the most detailed engine compartments I have ever seen on any Franklin Mint model. The hood opens fully allowing one to admire the work put forth to accomplish such a detailed engine compartment there are all the goodies we have come to expect such as spark plug wires, hoses, master cylinder and even battery cables. However, there is only one battery cable that is attached to the battery the ground cable is missing from the battery it was reported upon the release of this model that the ground cable was simply forgotten. Not a tough fix, I choose not to repair mine since it doesn't bother me at all.

Looking at the interior leaves one with a sense of awe, as you wish you could get behind the wheel to take it for a spin. It is beautifully appointed with all the right trim and once again the color is perfectly done to capture the décor of the era, the interior color being Jade Green and White.

Opening the trunk you will find a period correct trunk sporting a spare tire too. Also, located in the trunk is the plate that denotes this model as a limited edition with the sequence of the particular model such as 0001/3000.

This model is now discontinued/sold out and occasionally they cross on auction. The price this model commands on the secondary market is all over the map. I have checked my records and have viewed trades as low as $135.00 and as high as $250.00. Reviewing this model I feel this classic is worth $300.00 to $350.00 as it truly is a well-executed model.

If you weren't lucky enough to obtain one of these beautiful models upon its release don’t miss the boat now. If you see one on auction it deserves a place in your collection in my opinion it is one of the best Franklin Mint models ever created.