Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 8E4012620
Despite its position as a near-premium brand, Buick consistently
ranked third in sales behind only Chevrolet and Ford by the mid
1950s. This success provided the impetus for General Motors' design
team, under the visionary leadership of Harley Earl, to commence
development of the 1958 Buick lineup as early as 1955. The
resulting 1958 Buicks are highly sought after, with particular
emphasis on the single-year Limited model. This exclusive model,
boasting a generous 127.5-inch wheelbase and an imposing overall
length of nearly 19 feet, epitomized the elegance, style, and
luxury of the era. In a departure from its stablemates, the Limited
lacked ostentatious chrome fender ornamentation in favor of four
sets of refined chrome accents adorning the rear fenders,
emphasizing the vehicle's substantial proportions.
Closed models were appointed with sumptuous Mojave cloth
upholstery, while the Limited Convertible, befitting its status as
the most expensive in the line, featured supple Cape Buffalo grain
leather. Production of the Limited Convertible was limited to just
839 units, with few cars having been preserved to the exacting
standards of the example presented here.
This 1958 Buick Limited Convertible is believed to be one of fewer
than 20 surviving today. It was formerly a member of a
distinguished Midwestern collection, where it had resided for a
quarter-century. Presented in its original and highly attractive
livery of Warwick Blue, the Limited is complemented by a two-tone
blue and white leather interior as well as a white power-operated
convertible top. Its restoration, believed to have been executed
some years ago, has been impeccably maintained. The Limited is well
equipped as one would expect of Buick's flagship model, featuring
the standard automatic transmission, dual-range heater, Wonder Bar
radio, power-operated windows, dual spotlights, and the requisite
chrome fender skirts.
This exceptional Limited Convertible exemplifies Buick's commitment
to prestige and quality during the latter half of the 1950s,
offering its next custodian a well-preserved icon of American
automotive design.
