1958 Buick Series 40 Special

The 1958 Buick models had prices that ranged from the mid-$2,000s to the low-$5,00s. A 364 CID overhead-valve V8 was the sole engine, offered in the two-barrel form on the Buick Special and four-barrel configuration on the other models. Wheelbase lengths included a 122- and 127.5-inch platform. The base model was the Special and the top-of-the-range was the Roadmaster.

The Buick Special Series 40 was priced from $2,640 to $3,270 and powered by a 250 horsepower version of the 364 CID V8 backed by a three-speed manual transmission. Body styles included a two- and four-door hardtop, a two- and four-door sedan, a convertible coupe, a Riviera station wagons, and a 6-passenger wagon. Most manufacturers offered a hardtop coupe body style in the top-level series, while others - such as Chevrolet and Ford - offered hardtops in mid-level models as well. Buick was a maverick by offering the Riviera hardtop coupe in all series, and for 1958, five different Riveras were available.

The Buick Special received additional chromed styling for 1958, and new Lucite paints in various colors, and was devoid of ventiports on the front fenders - a first since 1948. The grille was comprised of rectangular chrome squares with an integrated chrome wraparound bumper, positioned below the dual round headlight on either side (all 1958 Buicks had four headlights). In the back, on the decklid, was the name 'Special.'

Standard equipment on the 1958 Buick Special included variable-speed wipers, bumper guards, Step-On parking brake, and geared vent panes. The interior included a glovebox, trip mileage indicator, cigar lighter, and an ignition key light. Convertible body styles had an outside left-hand rearview mirror and Cordaveen interior. Upholstery on other body styles was either gray cloth and vinyl or Cordaveen and vinyl. Optional equipment included a Custom interior, Variable-Pitch Dynaflow transmission, power steering, power brakes, Air Poise air suspension, Sonomatic radio, Wonder Bar signal-seeking radio, power windows, perimeter heater and defroster, E-Z Eye glass, Autronic Eye, and electric clock.

The sedan was the most popular Special body style with 48,238 examples produced, followed by 34,903 of the two-door hardtop coupe and 31,921 of the four-door hardtop sedan. 11,566 were two-door sedans and 5,502 were convertible coupes.

1958 was the first year for the quad headlamps and the last year for the Dynaflow transmission (with four million examples built). This was also the first and last year for the 'Air Poise' suspension and the first year since 1948 that Buicks did not wear the trademark 'ventiports' on the front fenders. Also in 1958, Buick built its one-millionth vehicle with power brakes. Finned aluminum front brake drums, with or without power-boost, gave Buick the best stopping power of any American car.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020