The Custom name returned to the Ford line-up in 1957 after a one-year absence. The Custom and Custom 300 were positioned below the more upscale Fairlane and Fairlane 500 models. While the Custom was largely intended for fleet use, the Custom 300 was a step up and intended for buyers who wanted more creature comforts but on a budget. This ’58 Custom 300 looks like it’s on the way to being a bit of a street racer, with a later model small-block V8 with traction bars. It’s currented a runner that may only need fine-tuning. Located in Ashland, Kentucky, the car is available here on eBay where the starting bid is $3,500 but there are no takers yet. Thanks to Larry D for finding this cool set of wheels!
The 1957-59 Customs were no-frills sedans offered to fill a need for lower cost wheels. Ford sold 36,272 Custom 2-door sedans in 1958 (excluding the Business Sedan) and another 137,619 Custom 300 2-door pillared cars. Despite the budget-conscious approach, they sold better than the Fairlane and Fairlane 500 offerings. The seller’s ’58 300 looks like a solid car overall, with part of the grille and front bumper detached but the latter is still on hand. It’s hard to talk about the black paint as its shiny on the sides but dull on the roof.
Most of these automobiles came with an inline-six engine, but a 351 Cleveland V8 from the 1970s is there now. It looks set up to go fast, with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, custom valve covers and air cleaner. Traction bars have been added to the equation. The seller says the car starts up, runs, and drives, but the seller doesn’t use any adjustives to describe how well it does these things. It has a floor-mounted 3-speed overdrive transmission which might have previously been column shifted.
The interior on this car looks good, but the seat has likely been re-covered. The odometer reads nearly 82,000 miles which may or may not be actual after 63 years. Hagerty places an average resale value on the ’58 Ford Custom 300 at $11,000, but with a no reserve auction this car will sell for whatever the buyer wants to pay for a vintage sleeper for traffic light duels. Or simply for making regular appearances at local Cars & Coffee events.
Lot’s of potential here. As long as the price remains reasonable.
Last time the seller put it up for auction the high bid was $5,100, but the sale looks to have fallen through. I’d expect close to the same high bid again this time.
Steve R
What the heck is going on with this thing? Wiper arms missing, screen on both inner headlights and a kind of Panamerica race car vibe. I like it. Were it mine, I’d continue with that and make it a tough, reliable cruiser – firm suspension, diff/tranny/oil coolers, modern wiring harness and some cosmetics. Hum, the list could get long but it’d be a fun project.
Batmobile?
Notorious rusters, I wouldn’t bid without a look at the underside. No mention of rust, could mean 1 of 2 things and we all know what they are. Don’t see a lot of 58s, might be a winner.
1 word; Gasser
At first glance it does look like a lot of classic car for the possible money. Something about the look of the engine compartment says it’s done right.
Kentucky, moonshine runner!
The fan is right on the radiator. Looks like an accident waiting to happen
Someone beat me to it…….MOONSHINE RUNNER
Roaring out of Harlan, reving up his mill , he shot the Gap at Cumberland and screamed past Maynardville …
Wow, I never noticed it before, but with the center grille out it looks like the 58 Tbird from the front. That being said, I think the ’58 was a fail in looks . I know they had to update the ’57 styling, but it looked awful, IMHO . the ’59s were a big improvement. Maybe thats why Ford was #1 in 57 and 59, but not 58.
My grandmother’s #2 car of the three she owned between my arrival and her departure.
“Thunderbird” V8, 3 on the tree.
My older brother could drive while she still had hers; it would really fly. (based on a 14 or 15 year old’s experience level, anyway.)