1958 Buick Special Riviera
The Buick Special was an automobile produced by Buick. It was usually Buick’s lowest-priced model, starting out as a full-size car in 1936 and returning in 1961 (after a two-year hiatus) as a mid-size. The Special was built for several decades and was offered as a coupe, sedan and later as a station wagon. When GM modernized their entry level products in the 1960s, the Special introduced the modern Buick V6 that became the core engine for GM for several decades and lives on in current upgraded V6 products.
Chrome was king with the Detroit Big 3 in 1958, with cars from that transitional model year slathered with the shiny stuff in yards. Even the 1958 Corvette found itself with extra chrome-plated bling.
The Pick of the Day is a perfect example of General Motors’ affection for chrome, a 1958 Buick Special Riviera that gleams and glints everywhere the sun hits it. This one has been extensively refurbished mechanically and cosmetically, and tastefully lowered to accentuate its mighty form.
For 1956 the larger 322 cu in (5.3 L) V8 engine was shared with the rest of the range, although it was replaced by the bigger, 250 hp (186 kW) 364 V8 for 1957. This year also brought all-new bodywork, as well as a four-door hardtop station wagon called the Buick Caballero. The 1957 wheelbase remained 122 inches. In the June, 1957 issue of Popular Mechanics, the Special was rated with a 0-60 mph time of 11.6 seconds, fuel economy of 17.4 mpg at 50 mph (80 km/h), and ground clearance of 6.9 in (175 mm). 1958 brought the most chrome yet and twin headlights, as the car grew longer and wider, albeit on an unchanged chassis.
The Buick Special received an original color laquer repaint in the early ’90s and still presents like it was just finished. A mild custom stereo was also installed in that same era. The original 2-Speed Dynaflow Automatic was serviced and shifts as it should. The interior features an original Garnet Red and Cream seating in excellent condition. Additional features include; Cloth Floormats, Shop Manuals, Pioneer AM/FM/CD, Tinted Glass, Tow Hitch, Tire Tools, Spare Tire (New), and Factory 15″ Hubcaps.
When you look at styling for the 1958 Buick you really have to look back at the entire decade of the 1950’s. The decade of the 1950’s turned out to be the decade of the tail fins. Being more subtle during the decade’s early years, tail fins would become larger and more prominent with the 1959 Cadillacs probably sporting the largest.
Loads of chrome were used by Buick to create that massive grille, bumpers, side trim, roof trim and those monumental tailfins that reach for the sky. The slight lowering gives the car a custom look.
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.
