Image of 1958 Plymouth Custom, sourced from www.deviantart.com , Image Link.

1958 Plymouth Custom: A Gleaming Emblem of the Atomic Age

The year 1958 brought with it a wave of innovation and style that was perfectly encapsulated by the Plymouth Custom. As a product of the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation, this vehicle emerged from an era where cars were not just modes of transportation but symbols of status and technological prowess. The Plymouth Custom, with its distinctive tail fins and chrome accents, became an icon of its time, reflecting the optimism and forward-thinking attitude of post-war America. A notable moment in its history is its cinematic appearance in the horror film "Christine," which immortalized the '58 Plymouth Fury, a close relative to the Custom, as a pop culture legend.

Design and Innovation

The 1958 Plymouth Custom boasted a design language that was bold and futuristic. Its exterior styling featured prominent tail fins that seemed to slice through the air, hinting at the jet-age fascination of the time. The front grille presented a wide, smiling face framed by quad headlights that became a signature look for Plymouth during this period. Inside, passengers were greeted with a spacious cabin adorned with high-quality fabrics and materials that spoke to the car's premium aspirations. Technological features like push-button automatic transmission and power steering were considered cutting-edge for the era. Color options ranged from subtle to vibrant, with popular choices including "Buckskin Beige" and "Iceberg White." The most iconic body style was arguably the two-door hardtop, which epitomized the sleekness and sportiness desired by many car enthusiasts.

Historical Significance

The 1958 Plymouth Custom's impact on automotive design was profound. It helped cement the tail fin as an essential element of late '50s car culture, influencing countless models that followed. Its blend of luxury features and bold styling set it apart from many contemporaries and left a lasting influence on how cars were marketed and perceived by consumers.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stylish exterior, the 1958 Plymouth Custom delivered respectable performance for its time. While exact top speed varied depending on engine options, it could achieve 0-60 mph in around 11 seconds—a commendable feat for a full-sized sedan of that era. On the road, it handled bumps with grace thanks to its torsion-bar suspension while providing drivers with a sense of control even on windy roads. The driving experience was characterized by a throaty engine rumble, smooth ride quality, and an intuitive connection between car and driver.

Ownership Experience

The 1958 Plymouth Custom found its place as both a daily driver for families seeking comfort and space, as well as a show car for enthusiasts drawn to its unique styling. Maintenance was straightforward by modern standards, though some parts have become rarer over time. Reliability was typical for vehicles of this period; regular upkeep could keep a Custom running reliably.

Fun Facts

Among classic car aficionados, it's known that certain editions of this model year are particularly rare—like those equipped with fuel injection or factory superchargers. Celebrity ownerships have also added to its mystique; notable figures in history have been known to cruise in these stylish machines. While criticisms often focus on fuel efficiency or size by today's standards, they do little to tarnish its reputation as an automotive treasure.

Collector's Information

Today's collector market sees the 1958 Plymouth Custom as a desirable piece of history. Though production numbers were not insignificant for the time, surviving examples in good condition are relatively scarce. Values can vary greatly but typically range from $20,000 for models in decent shape to upwards of $60,000 or more for pristine examples or those with rare options. The market trend has generally seen values appreciate over time as these vehicles become rarer and more sought after by collectors.

Conclusion

The 1958 Plymouth Custom stands as a testament to an era when cars were designed with passion and optimism. Its distinctive styling cues, advanced features for its time, and overall charm continue to captivate classic car enthusiasts around the world. Whether remembered through films like "Christine" or cherished in private collections, this vehicle remains an enduring symbol of America's golden automotive age.

1958 Plymouth Custom Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D-BN 20Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D. X 1-5/8" high, with 9/16" I.D. Each

1958 Plymouth Custom Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D-BN 8Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high, with 3/4" I.D. Each

1958 Plymouth Custom Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 7-3/4" I.D. Pair-HR 14Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 7-3/4" I.D. Pair

1958 Plymouth Custom Trunk Seal. Each-TK 64-17Trunk Seal. Each

1958 Plymouth Custom Rear Roll-Up Window Seals-VS 7-GRear Roll-Up Window Seals. For leading edge of rear quarter window. Made with molded ends. 18-1/2" long. Pair R&L

1958 Plymouth Custom Rigid division-bar run channel-WC 31-96Rigid division-bar run channel. Made with very soft felt lining. Used on front and rear door 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 Plymouth Custom Rigid division-bar channel. Unbeaded. 96 in. long. Each-WC 41-96Rigid division-bar channel. Unbeaded. 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 Plymouth Custom Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 4-96Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. 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.