Image of 1958 Plymouth Plaza, sourced from en.wikipedia.org , Image Link.

Introduction

Stepping into the spotlight with a blend of modesty and charm, the 1958 Plymouth Plaza emerged as a testament to post-war American automotive ingenuity. Born from the bustling factories of Plymouth, a division of the Chrysler Corporation, this vehicle encapsulated the essence of an era where practicality met style. As the entry-level model in Plymouth's lineup, the Plaza offered consumers a taste of luxury without breaking the bank. Notably, it shared the limelight with its silver screen appearance in Alfred Hitchcock's iconic film "Vertigo," adding to its cultural tapestry.

Design and Innovation

The 1958 Plymouth Plaza sported a design that was both bold and unassuming. Its exterior boasted clean lines and modest chrome trim, giving it an air of understated elegance. The car's front grille presented a wide, friendly face complemented by dual headlamps that became a staple of the era's aesthetic. Inside, occupants were greeted with durable fabrics and a straightforward dashboard layout that prioritized functionality over frills. Despite its budget-friendly nature, the Plaza did not skimp on innovation; it featured advanced push-button TorqueFlite automatic transmission technology for its time. Color options ranged from quaint pastels to deep hues, with popular choices including Mist Green and Ice Blue. The most iconic body style was arguably the two-door sedan, which captured the essence of 1950s Americana.

Historical Significance

The 1958 Plymouth Plaza may not have been the flashiest car on the block, but it left an indelible mark on automotive history. It stood as a symbol of accessible mobility for the average American family, bridging the gap between luxury and practicality. Its design cues echoed throughout Chrysler's product lines and influenced subsequent models for years to come.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its humble exterior, the Plaza housed a reliable inline-six or optional V8 engine that delivered adequate power for daily commutes and weekend jaunts alike. While top speeds and acceleration figures weren't record-breaking—with top speeds around 100 mph and 0-60 mph times that wouldn't threaten any sports cars—the Plaza provided a smooth ride that was forgiving on long drives. Handling was predictable, with enough responsiveness to instill confidence in drivers navigating through bustling city streets or cruising down open highways.

Ownership Experience

The 1958 Plymouth Plaza served faithfully as a daily driver for many families and occasionally found itself on display at local car shows or participating in parades. Its maintenance was straightforward, making it an ideal choice for those who preferred to handle repairs themselves. The simplicity of its mechanical components meant that parts were generally affordable and easy to source.

Fun Facts

A little-known fact about the Plymouth Plaza is that it occasionally served as an unsung hero in law enforcement fleets, valued for its reliability rather than high-speed pursuit capabilities. While it didn't set any speed records, it certainly won over hearts with its dependability. Criticisms often centered on its conservative styling and modest performance; however, these attributes contributed to its charm and practical appeal.

Collector's Information

Today, finding a 1958 Plymouth Plaza can be akin to uncovering hidden treasure. With production numbers estimated in tens of thousands across various body styles, survivors are relatively scarce. As for value range, well-preserved examples can fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on condition and originality. The market has shown appreciation for this model over time due to its nostalgic appeal and connection to an era fondly remembered by collectors.

Conclusion

The 1958 Plymouth Plaza stands as a humble yet proud piece of automotive history—a vehicle that embraced simplicity while offering a reliable means of transportation during America's golden age of motoring. Its legacy endures among classic car enthusiasts who appreciate its role in shaping everyday life during a transformative period in our history.

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

1958 Plymouth Plaza 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 Plaza 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 Plaza 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 Plaza 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.