Vehicle Description
1958 Buick Special Series 40 Riviera
1958 marked the end of the Harley Earl era, as the legendary
designer retired after many years of managing General Motors'
styling department. There were some great looking redesigned 1959
GM models on the horizon, but there were also some excellent models
in the 1958 model year. The 1958 Buicks hit showrooms across the
country in October of 1957. Edward Ragsdale, general manager of
Buick, described the 1958 models as "dazzling" with chrome and
stainless steel, which many drivers admired and enjoyed. The 1958
Buicks are reminiscent of the space age designs of the Buck Rogers
comics. The advertising for the 1958 Buick line included messaging
like "The Airborne B-58 Buick," "It's like a miracle in motion" and
"It's the his and her car." Despite this advertising, the economy
caused calendar year production for Buick in 1958 to tumble down to
257,124 units, and the brand fell to fifth place in sales
nationally.
Presented for consignment, bumper to bumper over 17' of chrome and
fins exude everything about the late 1950's that we've come to know
and love. Always a rust-free car and the beneficiary of 1 respray
this car is loaded with many standard options that cost hundreds of
dollars more on other cars. Gleaming chrome, a very 1950's interior
both in color and chrome usage, the optional Dynaflow automatic
transmission and some wide whitewall rubber we present to you the
1958 Buick Special Series 40 Riviera. Let's go cruisin'.
Exterior
Bathed in 1 respray of its original colors, Reef Coral for the body
and Glacier White for the roof, this car's steel shaped and formed
slab sides are nicely preserved and rust free. Gaps are well
minded, and a close inspection of the paint reveals only a few
flaws in the form of small chips and imperfections. The chrome and
trimmings are fabulous and are used plentifully. Dual headlights
float above and outboard of a large chrome front bumper with, count
them 160, yes 160 chrome squares and outer signal lights. Vee
emblems in chrome circles top each fender, the same Vee and circle
is seen on the front of the hood, trimmed with more chrome above
and BUICK in chrome block lettering below. More chrome trim above
the headlights swoop down the sides of the car and end just at the
rear wheel. Large trim spears and other rear quarter accenting as
well as tail fin chrome fin toppers show off the beautiful design
lines of this car. Wrap around glass both front and rear give an
airy look to the roofline and provide ample visibility while
driving. Huge chrome tailfin caps hold the integrated taillights
and in between and below is a shiny chrome bumper with the fuel
filler door top dead center. A shout out to the restored cavernous
trunk which has more square footage than my college dorm room. Wide
whites adorn all 4 corners along with shiny Buick wheel covers and
finish out the look nicely.
Interior
Oozing mid 50's, multicolor and multi surface interaction with each
other, this interior is in a word, stunning. A split bench upfront
and a long rear bench have gold broadcloth woven inserts and smooth
white vinyl bolsters with a gold tuck and roll vinyl inlays on the
seatbacks. This is all complimented with white piping between the
corresponding surfaces, all of which appear to be original. The
same holds true on the doors with a vinyl panel in both gold and
white with a gold door pull/armrest and the shiny door actuating
lever. Window cranks are here as well. These panels melt into the
dash when closed and frame the seats with a wraparound white dash
front and metal rounded over dash top in gold. Instruments are all
GM originals as are the dials, slides, and pulls for various
functions, all space age and all looking great. The steering wheel
is original and near perfect in ivory surrounding plastic and a
chrome horn ring and a Buick crest in the center. A factory AM
radio is neatly and seamlessly installed. All this floats above
gold carpeting that presents with minor fading and soiling and an
original gold vinyl headliner.
Drivetrain
Within the fully restored engine bay sits a correct 1958 364ci V8,
and it just gleams! This is presented clean and beautifully with a
turquoise painted block and valve coverings, clean master cylinder
and reservoir, supple hoses, and wiring appear original. A black
air cleaner assembly covers the 2bbl carburetor atop this 348ci V8.
A Dynaflow 2-speed automatic transmission is installed behind this,
and the rear axle is a 3.23 ratio.
Undercarriage
A clean original car above and below with an original condition
undercarriage. Surface rust appears on most components but nothing
remarkable. Solid suspension in the form of independent coil
springs and 3 link with coil springs for the front and rear
respectively. Power drum brakes are upfront and power drums for the
rear too. Also seen snaking its way rearward from the healthy mill
is a single piped and stock muffler exhaust for quick elimination
of spent gasses and a great sound when pressing the accelerator.
All attached to a solid structurally sound X frame and power
steering is on.
Drive-Ability
It's rare that I miss an opportunity to drive a 50's classic and
especially a model that I've never piloted before. Slipping behind
the large wheel I was transported back in time, leaving the house
and on my way to an important board meeting, but I digress.
Wonderful acceleration, good braking and apt handling were all
noted. The ride is smooth as a cloud thanks in part to Buick's
Miracle Ride and Rotoflow Torque Tube stability. Only 2 small
frowns were noted on my drive, one being the speedometer cable
needs graphite lubricated as it occasionally makes noise and
activates the speed warning and the second being a few drips of oil
being noted after my drive.
Even though the country was in a recession you would never know it
by the excess in design of the automobiles manufactured. Copious
amount of chrome, tail fins, and tons of eye-catching colors made
for any car to be easy to personalize right from the factory. With
its excess of chrome, 1 respray in the original pale pink and white
colors, and an interior that is believed to be original it's hard
to pass this one up. Everyone has a Chevrolet these days, so why
not dare to be different and settle in with the blueprint of
action, the car of magnificent change!
VIN DECODE
4E5006706
4-Series 40
E-1958
5-Wilmington, DE Assy Plant
006706-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
MODEL NO 58 46R-1958 Riviera 2 Door Hardtop
STYLE NO 58 4437-1958 Riviera 2 Door Hardtop
BODY NO BW0988-Wilmington Body #
TRIM NO 446-Gold Pattern Cloth & Gold And White Cordaveen
PAINT NO CP-Glacier White, Reef Coral
ACC F-Safety Group
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.