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1958 Buick Special Catalog and Classic Car Guide, Ratings and Features

Image of 1958 Buick Special, sourced from www.vintagecarcollector.com , Image Link.

Performance Metrics

Performance: +45
Handling: +40
Ride Comfort: +70

Fundamental Metrics

Safety: +30
Maintenance and Upkeep: +60
Restoration Difficulty: +55

Emotional Appeal

Looks: +75
Collectability: +65
Historical Significance: +50

MMP Rating

6.1 /10
Engine Specifications
Engine: 364 cu in (6.0 L) Nailhead V8
Displacement: 364 cu in (6.0 L)
Horsepower: 250-300 hp
Torque: 385 lb-ft
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Ignition System: Distributor ignition system
Cooling System: Liquid-cooled
Performance Specifications
0-60 Time: 11 seconds
1/4 Mile Time: 18 seconds
Top Speed: 110 mph
Transmission and Drive
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 2-speed automatic, 3-speed manual
Fuel and Efficiency
Fuel System Type: Carburetor
MPG: 10-12 mpg
Dimensions and Brakes
Brakes: Drum brakes
Wheelbase: 122.5 in
Weight: 4,300 lbs

Note: Specifications for classic cars are given to the best of our ability, considering the limited and variant data available.

Introduction

The 1958 Buick Special emerged as a beacon of American automotive opulence in an era where chrome and tailfins reigned supreme. Birthed by the Buick Motor Division of General Motors, this vehicle encapsulated the post-war optimism and technological prowess of the United States. As a testament to its grandeur, the '58 Special was part of Buick's 50th-anniversary celebration lineup, boasting a unique combination of luxury and performance that captured the hearts of car enthusiasts. One intriguing fact about this model is that it featured Buick's innovative "Air Poise Suspension," an optional air-ride system that was ahead of its time.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1958 Buick Special was nothing short of dramatic. With its sweeping side trim, bold grille, and imposing rear fins, it exuded a sense of motion even at a standstill. The interior matched the exterior's grandiosity with rich fabrics and an expansive dashboard featuring "Mirromagic," a speedometer that could adjust its angle to reduce glare. The quality of materials, from plush carpeting to chrome accents, spoke volumes about its luxury status. Technological features included a "Selectronic" radio with a foot-operated search tuner and power-operated windows and seats, which were marvels for the time.

Color options ranged from traditional whites and blacks to more adventurous shades like "Reef Coral." Among these, "Glacier White" proved to be a popular choice for its elegant simplicity. The Special came in various body styles including sedans, hardtops, convertibles, and wagons. The Riviera hardtop coupe, with its pillarless design and sleek lines, stood out as an iconic embodiment of the era's design ethos.

Historical Significance

The 1958 Buick Special played a pivotal role in cementing the brand's reputation for combining luxury with power. Its design language influenced subsequent models and helped set industry trends that valued aesthetics as much as functionality. This car stood apart from its contemporaries with features like the aforementioned air suspension system and its "Dynaflow" automatic transmission which provided seamless gear shifts.

Performance and Handling

Underneath the hood lay a powerful 364 cubic inch V8 engine capable of producing 250 horsepower which propelled the car to impressive speeds for its size. The Special could accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 13 seconds—a notable feat at the time. Handling was characterized by a smooth ride quality thanks to its coil spring suspension, though it was not without body roll when tackling sharp turns or windy roads. Drivers often reminisced about the authoritative roar of the V8 engine—a symphony for gearheads—as well as the solid yet comfortable feel behind the wheel.

Ownership Experience

The 1958 Buick Special found its niche among those seeking a blend of daily usability and show-worthy flair. It was common to see this model gracing both suburban driveways and local car shows. Maintenance was relatively straightforward for mechanically inclined owners, though some components like the air suspension system required specialized knowledge. Reliability was on par with other vehicles from that era when properly cared for.

Fun Facts

A lesser-known fact about the '58 Special is that it occasionally found itself in celebrity garages—actors and businessmen alike appreciated its statement-making design. Although not known for breaking speed records, it did achieve considerable sales success in its day. Criticisms typically revolved around its fuel consumption—a thirsty affair by modern standards—and its sizable proportions making it less maneuverable than smaller cars.

Collector's Information

In today's collector market, a well-preserved 1958 Buick Special can fetch anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 depending on condition, originality, and specific model variant. Production numbers were substantial for the time; however, surviving examples in pristine condition are becoming increasingly rare. As interest in mid-century Americana grows, these vehicles have generally appreciated in value over recent years.

Conclusion

The 1958 Buick Special stands as a monument to an era where cars were not just modes of transportation but symbols of status and innovation. With its head-turning design and robust performance capabilities, it remains an enduring favorite among classic car aficionados. As we look back on this gleaming jewel of automotive history, we are reminded that some legends truly are special.

1958 Buick Special Catalog of Parts

1958 Buick Special Upper Door Hinge Seals.  Straight section 13-1/2 long-ALP 1 1958 Buick Special Upper Door Hinge Seals. Straight section 13-1/2" long-ALP 1Upper Door Hinge Seals. Straight section 13-1/2" long. Curved hook section 6" long, with 2 holes. Includes four clips. Pair R & L.

1958 Buick Special Upper Door Hinge Seals.  Straight section 16-3/4 long-ALP 1-A 1958 Buick Special Upper Door Hinge Seals. Straight section 16-3/4" long-ALP 1-AUpper Door Hinge Seals. Straight section 16-3/4" long. Square hooked section 6-1/4" long. Includes four clips. Pair R & L.

1958 Buick Special Accelerator Pedal Pad-AP 29-D 1958 Buick Special Accelerator Pedal Pad-AP 29-DAccelerator Pedal Pad. Made with steel core and hinged rubber base. 2-1/2" X 8-5/8", hinge 1-1/2". Black. Each

1958 Buick Special Accelerator Pedal Bellows.  Covers unsightly steel rod-BL 7-A 1958 Buick Special Accelerator Pedal Bellows. Covers unsightly steel rod-BL 7-AAccelerator Pedal Bellows. Covers unsightly steel rod. 1/4" top I.D.., 1" bottom I.D., 2-3/4" high (compresses to 1-1/2"). Each

1958 Buick Special Stabilizer Bar Bushings-BN 106 1958 Buick Special Stabilizer Bar Bushings-BN 106Stabilizer Bar Bushings. 1-3/4" long X 1-1/2" wide X 1-1/2" high, 10/16" I.D. Pair

1958 Buick Special Stabilizer Bar Bushing.  For rear axel anti-sway rod ends-BN 34-B 1958 Buick Special Stabilizer Bar Bushing. For rear axel anti-sway rod ends-BN 34-BStabilizer Bar Bushing. For rear axel anti-sway rod ends. Four used per car. 1-5/16" O.D., 3/4" long, with 5/8" I.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Front Stabilizer End Repair Kit-BNK 21 1958 Buick Special Front Stabilizer End Repair Kit-BNK 21Front Stabilizer End Repair Kit. 22-piece set for two stabilizer bars. Contains all rubber bushings, washers, bolts and nuts, enough for one front end. Set

1958 Buick Special Power Brake Pedal Pad, Black.  Lettered Power Brake-CB 83-C 1958 Buick Special Power Brake Pedal Pad, Black. Lettered "Power Brake"-CB 83-CPower Brake Pedal Pad, Black. Lettered "Power Brake". 5-1/2" wide X 2-5/8" long. Each

1958 Buick Special Park Brake Pedal Pad, Black-CB 83-N 1958 Buick Special Park Brake Pedal Pad, Black-CB 83-NPark Brake Pedal Pad, Black. For all models that say "PARK" on face. 2" X 2". Each

1958 Buick Special 1958 Buick Special

1958 Buick Special 1958 Buick Special

1958 Buick Special Brake Pedal Pad, Black-CB 83-R 1958 Buick Special Brake Pedal Pad, Black-CB 83-RBrake Pedal Pad, Black. For models with standard brakes and automatic transmission. 5-1/2" wide X 2-5/8" long. Each

1958 Buick Special Brake Pedal Pad, Blue-CB 83-S 1958 Buick Special Brake Pedal Pad, Blue-CB 83-SBrake Pedal Pad, Blue. For models with standard brakes and automatic transmission. 5-1/2" wide X 2-5/8" long. Each

1958 Buick Special 1958 Buick Special

1958 Buick Special Cowl and Hood Seal.  All rubber.  5' Piece.  Each-CS 2 1958 Buick Special Cowl and Hood Seal. All rubber. 5' Piece. Each-CS 2Cowl and Hood Seal. All rubber. 5' Piece. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Bumper.  13/16 high X 1/2 wide X 1 long.  Each-DB 33-A 1958 Buick Special Door Bumper. 13/16" high X 1/2" wide X 1" long. Each-DB 33-ADoor Bumper. 13/16" high X 1/2" wide X 1" long. Each

1958 Buick Special Door and Trunk Bumper.  1/2 O.D. X 1/2 high.  Each-DB 35 1958 Buick Special Door and Trunk Bumper. 1/2" O.D. X 1/2" high. Each-DB 35Door and Trunk Bumper. 1/2" O.D. X 1/2" high. Each

1958 Buick Special Upper Door Hinge Post Bumper.  Held by screw-DB 60-A 1958 Buick Special Upper Door Hinge Post Bumper. Held by screw-DB 60-AUpper Door Hinge Post Bumper. Held by screw. 7/8" diameter X 1/8" thick. Each

1958 Buick Special Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt-HA 5 1958 Buick Special Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt-HA 5Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt. 7/8" diameter X 7/16" thick. Each



1958 Buick Special Door and Hood Bumper.  1 diameter X 7/8 thick.  Each-HF 16 1958 Buick Special Door and Hood Bumper. 1" diameter X 7/8" thick. Each-HF 16Door and Hood Bumper. 1" diameter X 7/8" thick. Each


1958 Buick Special Trip Meter Reset Knob.  Made of black rubber-KN 10 1958 Buick Special Trip Meter Reset Knob. Made of black rubber-KN 10Trip Meter Reset Knob. Made of black rubber. Compare to measurements: 1/8" I.D., 7/16" O.D. X 1/2" tall. Each

1958 Buick Special Molded Door Seals, for 2-door hardtop and convertible-LM 20-G 1958 Buick Special Molded Door Seals, for 2-door hardtop and convertible-LM 20-GMolded Door Seals, for 2-door hardtop and convertible. With molded ends at lock pillar. Molded in steel cores with installed metal clips and plastic clips, glue on type. Replaces OEM #4649272/3. Pair R&L


1958 Buick Special Roof Rail Seal.  Fits 4-door hardtops and wagons-LP 110-A/FT 1958 Buick Special Roof Rail Seal. Fits 4-door hardtops and wagons-LP 110-A/FTRoof Rail Seal. Fits 4-door hardtops and wagons. No steel wire insert. Sold by the foot


1958 Buick Special Basic Kit, for Convertibles-RKB 1705-101 1958 Buick Special Basic Kit, for Convertibles-RKB 1705-101Basic Kit, for Convertibles. Door (LM 20-G) Roof Rail (RR 1702) Trunk (TK 46-18), Seals.

1958 Buick Special Starter Solenoid Boot-RP 1-W 1958 Buick Special Starter Solenoid Boot-RP 1-WStarter Solenoid Boot. Solenoid plunger starter switch at starter. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob.  Made of Black rubber, self-threading-RP 304-A 1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob. Made of Black rubber, self-threading-RP 304-ADoor Lock Knob. Made of Black rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob.  Made of Slate Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-C 1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob. Made of Slate Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-CDoor Lock Knob. Made of Slate Blue rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob.  Made of Navy Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-D 1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob. Made of Navy Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-DDoor Lock Knob. Made of Navy Blue rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob.  Made of Silver Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-E 1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob. Made of Silver Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-EDoor Lock Knob. Made of Silver Blue rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob.  Made of Fawn colored rubber, self-threading-RP 304-F 1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob. Made of Fawn colored rubber, self-threading-RP 304-FDoor Lock Knob. Made of Fawn colored rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob.  Made of Olive Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-G 1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob. Made of Olive Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-GDoor Lock Knob. Made of Olive Green rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob.  Made of Yellow rubber, self-threading-RP 304-H 1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob. Made of Yellow rubber, self-threading-RP 304-HDoor Lock Knob. Made of Yellow rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob.  Made of White rubber, self-threading-RP 304-I 1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob. Made of White rubber, self-threading-RP 304-IDoor Lock Knob. Made of White rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob.  Made of Silver rubber, self-threading-RP 304-J 1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob. Made of Silver rubber, self-threading-RP 304-JDoor Lock Knob. Made of Silver rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob.  Made of Medium Brown rubber, self-threading-RP 304-K 1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob. Made of Medium Brown rubber, self-threading-RP 304-KDoor Lock Knob. Made of Medium Brown rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob.  Made of Wedgwood rubber, self-threading-RP 304-L 1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob. Made of Wedgwood rubber, self-threading-RP 304-LDoor Lock Knob. Made of Wedgwood rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob.  Made of Teal Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-M 1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob. Made of Teal Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-MDoor Lock Knob. Made of Teal Green rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob.  Made of Moss Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-N 1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob. Made of Moss Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-NDoor Lock Knob. Made of Moss Green rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob.  Made of Ember glow rubber, self-threading-RP 304-O 1958 Buick Special Door Lock Knob. Made of Ember glow rubber, self-threading-RP 304-ODoor Lock Knob. Made of Ember glow rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each


1958 Buick Special Roof Rail Seals, for Hardtop.  Made without steel core-RR 110-A 1958 Buick Special Roof Rail Seals, for Hardtop. Made without steel core-RR 110-ARoof Rail Seals, for Hardtop. Made without steel core. Pair

1958 Buick Special Molded Roof Rail Seals, for Convertibles-RR 1702 1958 Buick Special Molded Roof Rail Seals, for Convertibles-RR 1702Molded Roof Rail Seals, for Convertibles. 7-Piece set includes all right and left side top rail seals and windshield top header seal. Replaces OEM #4695123/4, 4695125/6, 4695127/8. R&L


1958 Buick Special Cowl Hoodlace Hold-Down Bumper.  For rear of hood.  Each-SB 30-A 1958 Buick Special Cowl Hoodlace Hold-Down Bumper. For rear of hood. Each-SB 30-ACowl Hoodlace Hold-Down Bumper. For rear of hood. Each

1958 Buick Special Door Bumper.  Made with twin retainers-SB 32 1958 Buick Special Door Bumper. Made with twin retainers-SB 32Door Bumper. Made with twin retainers. 3/4" high X 1/2" wide X 15/16" long. Each

1958 Buick Special Trunk Bumper.  Fits lower corner on decklid.  15/16 O.D-SB 34 1958 Buick Special Trunk Bumper. Fits lower corner on decklid. 15/16" O.D-SB 34Trunk Bumper. Fits lower corner on decklid. 15/16" O.D., 11/16" high. Each


1958 Buick Special Front Door Window Adjustment Bumper Cushion-SB 70 1958 Buick Special Front Door Window Adjustment Bumper Cushion-SB 70Front Door Window Adjustment Bumper Cushion. For "T" bolt in door. Four to six used per car. 11/16" X 1/4". Each

1958 Buick Special Side Window Bumper-SB 98 1958 Buick Special Side Window Bumper-SB 98Side Window Bumper. For side window glass in vent frame at top of window. Made with steel core like original. Replaces OEM #4180904-5. Pair R&L

1958 Buick Special Speedometer Cable / Utility Grommet-SM 2 1958 Buick Special Speedometer Cable / Utility Grommet-SM 2Speedometer Cable / Utility Grommet. Fits 3/4" to 13/16" hole. 3/16" center hole. Each


1958 Buick Special Spark Plug Wire Grommet Holder.  Four used per car.  Each-SM 30-D 1958 Buick Special Spark Plug Wire Grommet Holder. Four used per car. Each-SM 30-DSpark Plug Wire Grommet Holder. Four used per car. Each

1958 Buick Special Special Purpose Grommet-SM 4 1958 Buick Special Special Purpose Grommet-SM 4Special Purpose Grommet. For firewall, fuel gauge wire, horn wire, hood latch cable and fresh air cable. Fits 1/2" hole. 1/8" center hole. Each

1958 Buick Special Hole Plug and Cowl Bumper.  Fits 1/2 hole.  Each-SM 52 1958 Buick Special Hole Plug and Cowl Bumper. Fits 1/2" hole. Each-SM 52Hole Plug and Cowl Bumper. Fits 1/2" hole. Each

1958 Buick Special Firewall and Utility Grommet.  Fits 3/4 hole.  3/16 I.D-SM 8 1958 Buick Special Firewall and Utility Grommet. Fits 3/4" hole. 3/16" I.D-SM 8Firewall and Utility Grommet. Fits 3/4" hole. 3/16" I.D. Each


1958 Buick Special Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket.  1-3/16 O.D., 7/8 I.D-UM 1600-100 1958 Buick Special Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D-UM 1600-100Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D. Each

1958 Buick Special Vertical Seal for Vent Window.  Each is 17 long.  Pair-VS 2 1958 Buick Special Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Each is 17" long. Pair-VS 2Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Each is 17" long. Pair

1958 Buick Special Vulcanized Windshield Seal. Does not fit convertible. Each-VWS 7315 1958 Buick Special Vulcanized Windshield Seal. Does not fit convertible. Each-VWS 7315Vulcanized Windshield Seal. Does not fit convertible. Each

1958 Buick Special Flexible glass-run channel-WC 11-72 1958 Buick Special Flexible glass-run channel-WC 11-72Flexible glass-run channel. Mohair lined, cloth covered with stainless steel bead. Used on side windows. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1958 Buick Special Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead-WC 1-72 1958 Buick Special Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead-WC 1-72Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead. Used on lower side windows. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned into two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1958 Buick Special Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead-WC 1-96 1958 Buick Special Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead-WC 1-96Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead. Used on lower side windows. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1958 Buick Special Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 2-72 1958 Buick Special Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 2-72Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned into two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1958 Buick Special Flexible sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 8-72 1958 Buick Special Flexible sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 8-72Flexible sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. Used on inner and outer beltlines. Also forms easily for use with sliding quarter windows. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned into two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1958 Buick Special Front Vent Window Seals.  For 2-hardtops and convertibles-WR 7324 1958 Buick Special Front Vent Window Seals. For 2-hardtops and convertibles-WR 7324Front Vent Window Seals. For 2-hardtops and convertibles. Made with steel core and threaded holes. Pair R&L

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