1958 Buick Special Series 40 Riviera

1958 marked the end of the Harley Earl era, as the legendary designer retired after many years of managing General Motors' styling department. There were some great looking redesigned 1959 GM models on the horizon, but there were also some excellent models in the 1958 model year. The 1958 Buicks hit showrooms across the country in October of 1957. Edward Ragsdale, general manager of Buick, described the 1958 models as "dazzling" with chrome and stainless steel, which many drivers admired and enjoyed. The 1958 Buicks are reminiscent of the space age designs of the Buck Rogers comics. The advertising for the 1958 Buick line included messaging like "The Airborne B-58 Buick," "It's like a miracle in motion" and "It's the his and her car." Despite this advertising, the economy caused calendar year production for Buick in 1958 to tumble down to 257,124 units, and the brand fell to fifth place in sales nationally.

Presented for consignment, bumper to bumper over 17' of chrome and fins exude everything about the late 1950's that we've come to know and love. Always a rust-free car and the beneficiary of 1 respray this car is loaded with many standard options that cost hundreds of dollars more on other cars. Gleaming chrome, a very 1950's interior both in color and chrome usage, the optional Dynaflow automatic transmission and some wide whitewall rubber we present to you the 1958 Buick Special Series 40 Riviera. Let's go cruisin'.

Exterior
Bathed in 1 respray of its original colors, Reef Coral for the body and Glacier White for the roof, this car's steel shaped and formed slab sides are nicely preserved and rust free. Gaps are well minded, and a close inspection of the paint reveals only a few flaws in the form of small chips and imperfections. The chrome and trimmings are fabulous and are used plentifully. Dual headlights float above and outboard of a large chrome front bumper with, count them 160, yes 160 chrome squares and outer signal lights. Vee emblems in chrome circles top each fender, the same Vee and circle is seen on the front of the hood, trimmed with more chrome above and BUICK in chrome block lettering below. More chrome trim above the headlights swoop down the sides of the car and end just at the rear wheel. Large trim spears and other rear quarter accenting as well as tail fin chrome fin toppers show off the beautiful design lines of this car. Wrap around glass both front and rear give an airy look to the roofline and provide ample visibility while driving. Huge chrome tailfin caps hold the integrated taillights and in between and below is a shiny chrome bumper with the fuel filler door top dead center. A shout out to the restored cavernous trunk which has more square footage than my college dorm room. Wide whites adorn all 4 corners along with shiny Buick wheel covers and finish out the look nicely.

Interior
Oozing mid 50's, multicolor and multi surface interaction with each other, this interior is in a word, stunning. A split bench upfront and a long rear bench have gold broadcloth woven inserts and smooth white vinyl bolsters with a gold tuck and roll vinyl inlays on the seatbacks. This is all complimented with white piping between the corresponding surfaces, all of which appear to be original. The same holds true on the doors with a vinyl panel in both gold and white with a gold door pull/armrest and the shiny door actuating lever. Window cranks are here as well. These panels melt into the dash when closed and frame the seats with a wraparound white dash front and metal rounded over dash top in gold. Instruments are all GM originals as are the dials, slides, and pulls for various functions, all space age and all looking great. The steering wheel is original and near perfect in ivory surrounding plastic and a chrome horn ring and a Buick crest in the center. A factory AM radio is neatly and seamlessly installed. All this floats above gold carpeting that presents with minor fading and soiling and an original gold vinyl headliner.

Drivetrain
Within the fully restored engine bay sits a correct 1958 364ci V8, and it just gleams! This is presented clean and beautifully with a turquoise painted block and valve coverings, clean master cylinder and reservoir, supple hoses, and wiring appear original. A black air cleaner assembly covers the 2bbl carburetor atop this 348ci V8. A Dynaflow 2-speed automatic transmission is installed behind this, and the rear axle is a 3.23 ratio.

Undercarriage
A clean original car above and below with an original condition undercarriage. Surface rust appears on most components but nothing remarkable. Solid suspension in the form of independent coil springs and 3 link with coil springs for the front and rear respectively. Power drum brakes are upfront and power drums for the rear too. Also seen snaking its way rearward from the healthy mill is a single piped and stock muffler exhaust for quick elimination of spent gasses and a great sound when pressing the accelerator. All attached to a solid structurally sound X frame and power steering is on.

Drive-Ability
It's rare that I miss an opportunity to drive a 50's classic and especially a model that I've never piloted before. Slipping behind the large wheel I was transported back in time, leaving the house and on my way to an important board meeting, but I digress. Wonderful acceleration, good braking and apt handling were all noted. The ride is smooth as a cloud thanks in part to Buick's Miracle Ride and Rotoflow Torque Tube stability. Only 2 small frowns were noted on my drive, one being the speedometer cable needs graphite lubricated as it occasionally makes noise and activates the speed warning and the second being a few drips of oil being noted after my drive.

Even though the country was in a recession you would never know it by the excess in design of the automobiles manufactured. Copious amount of chrome, tail fins, and tons of eye-catching colors made for any car to be easy to personalize right from the factory. With its excess of chrome, 1 respray in the original pale pink and white colors, and an interior that is believed to be original it's hard to pass this one up. Everyone has a Chevrolet these days, so why not dare to be different and settle in with the blueprint of action, the car of magnificent change!

VIN DECODE
4E5006706
4-Series 40
E-1958
5-Wilmington, DE Assy Plant
006706-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
MODEL NO 58 46R-1958 Riviera 2 Door Hardtop
STYLE NO 58 4437-1958 Riviera 2 Door Hardtop
BODY NO BW0988-Wilmington Body #
TRIM NO 446-Gold Pattern Cloth & Gold And White Cordaveen
PAINT NO CP-Glacier White, Reef Coral
ACC F-Safety Group

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.