Withered white, like the bones of a lost cow, this 1958 Chrysler Windsor in Gilbert, Arizona shows every sign of wasting away for decades, perhaps awaiting a dream restoration or having been forgotten entirely. The trailer in these pictures indicates a third party entered the story with hopes to convert the Chrysler from lawn art to pocket money. What looks like an original 318 cid Polysphere engine is unlikely to entice anyone to raid their 401k for a factory-fresh restoration, but this solid-looking hardtop coupe could make someone a sweet if not-quite-stock ride. The listing here on eBay has led at least three bidders to raise this ’58’s market value above $4000. Thanks to reader Larry D for spotting this dried-out project car.
Chrysler’s attempt to make a low-cost “semi-Hemi,” the 318 cubic inch Polysphere engine features a splayed valve arrangement without the Hemi’s expensive double-rocker heads. I’ve owned one, and they can be built to more than 400 HP, but dollar for dollar, replacing it with nearly any other Chrysler mill makes more sense. Hellcrate, anyone?
Virgil “Ex” Exner’s flying fins revolutionized all Chrysler brands in 1957, and this Windsor’s futuristic space-age styling needs to split the wind as soon as possible. This Windsor or a similar-looking DeSoto top my list of late-’50s wing cars. Can I have a 1957 Lincoln Premiere too?
The Arizona sun has left this Chrysler’s interior more baked than that pack of kids hanging around outside every high school. Purists might decry any deviation from original equipment, and others would say everything you see here can go away. How about a 1960-ish AstraDome cluster? Anything paying homage to the Jetsons styling on this hep Windsor could be fair game. Say the phrase “carbon fiber” and this ride might go full-on “Christine.” This one might not make Pebble Beach, but it could definitely be the coolest ride at someone’s High School Prom or the local car show. How would you bring back this winged Windsor?
“Withered white, like the bones of a lost cow . . .”
That’s really, really good.
That was my immediate reaction. Great metaphor!
A quick look at the sellers other active listings as well as those recently completed, he bought out a stash of late-50’s Chrysler cars, as well as parts. It will be interest to see if he lists any other interesting cars in the near future.
This would make a great project, it has a unique look that has aged well. There is no need for a Hellcat crate engine, these were always more of a cruiser than anything else. A late model drivetrain, which could be anything from an LA small block to a newer Hemi plus upgraded brakes and suspension would be perfect for a car like this.
Steve R
I think today, with restoration costs rounding Pluto, you have to pick your projects carefully, based on what people may like due to it’s unusual styling, and these cars certainly fit the bill. In the future, nobody is going to care what’s under the hood, just how unusual it looks and to be seen in it. While most mechanical parts are easy to find, stuff like outside trim, that RR tail light, interior parts could be tough. I have a special interest in these types of cars, the 1st car my parents had, that I remember, was a ’59 DeSoto. The “Folgers” carb is a new one on me, but if you want to restore a classic that will garner attention for years, right here.
Right now, for a great many reasons, prices seem to be tapering off some. I watched a Mecum auction yesterday, Houston, where everyone WAS a millionaire, and prices were shockingly low. Naturally, the 454 Chevelles with clown wheels, always brings 5-6 figures, but it was the older cars that could be had for peanuts, relatively speaking. For example, a late 30’s Packard BUSINESS COUPE, barely cracked $10g’s, and a late 30’s Ford 4 door Phaeton, didn’t even make $10g’s, I think it sold for $9500 and there were others, with apparently no interest. I didn’t see one “full classic”. How could someone let a beautiful Ford like that, sell for under $10g’s? Running out of viable buyers? Virus has people so broke, they’ll take anything? Bubble beginning to burst? Stay tuned folks,,,,
The problem with the cars you mentioned from the auctions is that their stying has grown bland, their drivetrain, suspension and brakes don’t measure up to today’s standards and they lack even the most basic creature comforts. Basically they don’t offer a very pleasant driving experience. That starts to change once you reach the late-50’s and move into the 60’s. Most cars become much better with more contemporary styling, better drivetrains, suspension, brakes and creature comforts. Even most of their shortcomings, at least for popular models, can be addressed with readily available aftermarket components.
What you describe as the beginning of the end is just a rotation away from cars that had limited appeal to begin with. It’s happens all of the time. How many enthusiasts are into stock or restored makes and models produced prior to the 1930’s? Not many. Look to popular culture, it will tell you when to worry. As of right now, 60’s muscle cars are still relevant and will be for a long time. They are chosen for movies, commercials, music videos and TV shows as more than just background filler in period pieces, that can’t be said about earlier cars.
Steve R
“the 454 Chevelles with clown wheels”
Yup.
I agree on your Mecum comment Howard. Many smoking deals. That 49 Willys Jeepster, I know they don’t go for much, but 7K? Sad in a way to see some of these old rides not getting much attention. Take care, Mike.
i agree with both you and Howard, but maybe the low prices will put some of these cars back in the hands of the working man/woman. nice car lots of potential.
If this poor `58 wasn’t so ‘baked’ from sitting in the AZ. sun, it might be more savable. But things like the dash and steering wheel won’t be cheap to refurbish. It’s not a rare 300D, but doesn’t need to be. It’s fairly rare as it is: this is a scarce “spring special” pkg. on this Windsor MoPar brought out that year–they had a ‘special of one form or another in each division except Imperial. A sales booster that unfortunately didn’t hep in recession heavy 1958. The hash marks on the rear deck, and the side trim were part of the package. I’d also have to check my reference material, but I believe the 318 V8 Poly head V8 came out a year later in `59–not `58.
I’m on the hunt for a 57 Desoto Fireflight or Firedome or Adventurer that isn’t outrageously priced. Any leads would be appreciated!
Great styling , I guess if you could find a rusty running 4 door Windsor cheap it would be a great donor at the very least for the baked dashboard and drivetrain. It looks like some of the missing trim is in the trunk , but finding some of the 2 door only stuff will be tough
Looks like the 58 Studebaker President
I love the style, I would try to resurrect the poly engine but if not,definitely would keep it all mopar.
I bought the Windsor, sold locally after the ebay buyer backed out. It had all the rest of the parts in the trunk. Seller had a NOS right taillight for it too. I’m happy because its rust free and complete. Even the chrome is excellent. A true Arizona car I traced to Tucson. These cars normally rusted very badly. I can’t wait to restore this car, if I can just get past my new disability.
Congrats Carl!