The 1958 model year was not a good one for the U.S. auto industry. The economy was in a downturn and that stymied car sales. From some 700,000 units sold in 1955, Buick could barely muster 242,000 vehicles in 1958. The Buick Special remained the entry-level product, and all hardtops (2 and 4-door) were referred to as a Riviera. We’re told this ’58 Special is largely original, including its two-tone paint with patina. Located in Salem, Virginia, this “Fireball” V8-powered machine is available here on eBay. The opening bid of $15,000 has had no takers, nor has anyone gone for the $19,500 Buy It Now price.
All Buicks for 1958 now had quad headlights, a new thing allowed by the DOT. The seller’s car wears them along with what might be a record amount of chrome (maybe only the Cadillac wore more). The Special was in its last year as a full-size model, disappearing until 1961 when it returned as Buick’s new compact car. The machines were large, including a 122-inch wheelbase and a platform that required a 364 cubic inch V8 (250 hp) to get the automobile from points A to B. For the times, these big cars were fast enough, able to reach 60 mph from a dead stop in 11.6 seconds. If you were easy on the gas pedal, you could squeeze out 17 mpg.
Even with a down economy, Buick managed to build and sell nearly 35,000 Special 2-door Rivieras in 1958. The seller’s car has amassed 78,000 miles which we have no reason not to believe is correct. It’s a great running vehicle that has received some recent mechanical work to keep it on the road. While the interior is mostly new (the dashboard is not with some surface rust as they were made of metal in those days), the two-tone white over copper/bronze paint is said to be from the factory. If you’re into patina, then you’ll love the paint, otherwise, you might want to send it in for a respray (and a little metal work).
Other new items include the glass, all of which has been replaced (kind of an odd project). We’re told the Buick has been garage-kept over the past five decades so that no doubt has contributed to its survivor status. Besides running well, the seller says the 2-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission shifts as it should. The owner has decided to sell the Buick to make room for his/her “dream car” – I wonder what it is!
If this had a bit more chrome, it wouldn’t need paint.
Looks like a nice car, I’d just put some red primer on the roof and buff the rest out and that’s it for the body.
Imagine a time when even an entry level looked so good! OTT excessive chromed luxury as displayed in this Buick makes it truly SPECIAL. IMO the 58 GM cars were much better looking than 59. Buick and Cadillac (especially Sixty Special) were the epitome of what put the USA 🇺🇸 at the top of the era. Devine Decadence taken to the Extreme. Unfortunately a bad time for sales, with a deep drop in all car sales. That makes THIS Buick, not only SPECIAL, but an extremely rare survivor.
You don’t think the looks of this era of cars had anything to do with the down turn in sales do you?
Bob H. I think several things caused GM sales to be down in 58. Chryslers 57 Forward Look cars set the Industry on it’s ear. But the main issue was a deep economic depression. As I recall, even Chrysler sales were down from their 57 numbers. Another factor was compact cars, notably Rambler were being bought in larger numbers as people chose lower prices and more economy in their vehicles.
After the glorious tri-fives, GM designers went off the deep end with the bloated, bulbous, ‘58’s! Ugh, just look at this thing.
You are entitled to your opinion, even if it is wrong
You are entitled to your opinion, even if it’s wrong!
I did look at it! It’s HUGE! It guzzles gas! It pollutes the air! It scares the birds! I LOVE it! And I have loved These Land YACHTS since I first saw them as a kid. BUT, Fortunately we can STILL have our own opinions. Not sure how much longer 😕. 👍
Someone help me here? I usually am pretty good with the prices of old cars but this seems like a really good deal?? The buy it now is more than fair by a lot to me!?!? Wish it was on the west coast, I’d buy it!! Am I missing something?
“All Buicks for 1958 now had quad headlights, a new thing allowed by the DOT.”
Uh, there was no “the DOT” in ’58. Quads had to be approved by each state individually. Which is why some ’57s had them and others didn’t, depending on where they were sold. By ’58 they were legal in all states. The federal DOT did not exist until 1966.
I had one like this, long ago, with three on the tree.
Wish I had the Cabalero Wagon. My first car was a 55 Special Riviera 2 Door.
This was my first car ,bought in 1964 for $500, great car but awful gas hog , my uncles were Buick men and that was my reason for getting a Buick,, !!!
I watched two episodes of Highway Patrol this morning. In both, the bad guys were driving a black ’58 Special. At least the producers changed the tags. :)
Broderick Crawford was driving a Dodge in both.