Image of 1958 Ford Sunliner, Note: These illustrations use artistic license and may differ from actual historical models.

Introduction

The 1958 Ford Sunliner invites you to relive the exuberance of the late 1950s, a time when automotive design was as much about style as it was about substance. Born from the ambitious minds at Ford Motor Company, the Sunliner emerged as a beacon of American optimism, capturing the spirit of an era through its flamboyant aesthetics and forward-thinking features. Notably, this convertible model became a symbol of leisure and luxury, distinguishing itself with a power-operated retractable top that was a marvel of its time. Its release coincided with America's economic boom, making it an emblem of prosperity and the open-road lifestyle.

Design and Innovation

The 1958 Ford Sunliner's exterior is a testament to the era's fascination with jet-age influence. Its long, sweeping lines and pronounced tailfins echoed the nation's fascination with space exploration and speed. The front grille presented a bold, square-jawed face complemented by dual headlamps that gleamed like eyes set on the future. Inside, passengers were cradled in a cabin that showcased Ford's commitment to comfort, with plush seating and high-quality materials that ranged from soft vinyl to rich textiles. The dashboard housed an array of dials and controls that were state-of-the-art for their time, including innovations like the optional "MagicAire" heating system.

Color options for the Sunliner were vibrant and varied, reflecting the buoyant mood of the decade. Popular choices included Seaspray Green, Colonial White, and Torch Red. Among body styles, the convertible Sunliner stood out as an icon of leisurely elegance. It wasn't just a car; it was an experience—a statement on wheels.

Historical Significance

The 1958 Ford Sunliner played a pivotal role in cementing Ford's reputation for combining luxury with everyday utility. It broke away from conservative post-war designs and embraced a bolder aesthetic that would influence automotive trends for years to come. The Sunliner also marked one of Ford's early forays into creating vehicles that offered more than just transportation—they offered an experience that was synonymous with freedom and joy.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stylish hood lay a choice of powertrains, with engines ranging from the reliable inline-six to the more robust V8 options. The latter could propel the Sunliner from 0-60 mph in respectable times for its era. Top speeds were competitive, allowing drivers to savor the thrill of open-top motoring on America's burgeoning highway system. Handling was typical of large American cars of the time—soft and comfortable rather than sporty. The ride quality was smooth, absorbing bumps with ease while providing passengers with a serene cruising experience.

Ownership Experience

The 1958 Ford Sunliner found its niche among those seeking a stylish daily driver or weekend cruiser. As a show car, it turned heads with its distinctive looks and nostalgic charm. Maintenance was straightforward by modern standards, making it accessible for enthusiasts to keep in top condition without specialized knowledge or tools.

Fun Facts

A little-known tidbit about the '58 Sunliner is its cameo roles in films and television shows that sought to capture the essence of its time. While not known for setting speed records or dominating racetracks, it did find fame in driveways across America as a cherished part of many families' lives.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors cherish the 1958 Ford Sunliner for its embodiment of '50s Americana. While production numbers were substantial—with tens of thousands made—pristine examples have become rarer over time. Values can vary widely based on condition, originality, and provenance; however, well-maintained models can fetch anywhere from $30,000 to upwards of $60,000 or more at auction or private sale.

Conclusion

The 1958 Ford Sunliner stands as a monument to an optimistic age when cars were designed with passion and driving was an event unto itself. It remains not just a mode of transport but a vessel carrying memories of a bygone era—a tangible link to America's golden age of automotive craftsmanship.

1958 Ford Sunliner Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high-BN 12Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high., with 3/4" I.D. Each

1958 Ford Sunliner Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D-BN 19Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D. X 1-1/4" high, with 1/2" I.D. Each

1958 Ford Sunliner Front Stabilizer Bar Bushings. Four used per car-BN 32Front Stabilizer Bar Bushings. Four used per car. 1-3/4" long X 1-5/16" wide X 1-9/16" high, with 5/8" hole. Pair

1958 Ford Sunliner Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt-HA 6Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt. 1-1/16" O.D. X 1/2" I.D. X 7/16" thick. Each

1958 Ford Sunliner Hood Bumper. Each-HF 1Hood Bumper. Each

1958 Ford Sunliner Hood Bumper. Each-HF 8Hood Bumper. Each

1958 Ford Sunliner Door Handle Pads. 2-3/4" long & 1-5/8" long. Set R&L-MP 739Door Handle Pads. 2-3/4" long & 1-5/8" long. Set R&L

1958 Ford Sunliner Antenna Pad. 1-1/4" wide X 3-5/8" long. Each-MP 780-DAntenna Pad. 1-1/4" wide X 3-5/8" long. Each

1958 Ford Sunliner Hood Ornament Gasket. 28" long. Each-MP 800-CHood Ornament Gasket. 28" long. Each

1958 Ford Sunliner Auxiliary Door Seals. Pair-RP 202Auxiliary Door Seals. Pair

1958 Ford Sunliner Convertible Top Seals-RR 3300Convertible Top Seals. Complete 6-piece set includes right and left sides.

1958 Ford Sunliner Front Fender Lower Rear Plug and Door Vent Adjustment Plug-SB 58-AFront Fender Lower Rear Plug and Door Vent Adjustment Plug. Fits 1-5/16" hole. Each

1958 Ford Sunliner Trunk Seal. Each-TK 42-18Trunk Seal. Each

1958 Ford Sunliner Rear roll-up Seal. Two 18" sections sliced into metal track-VS 4Rear roll-up Seal. Two 18" sections sliced into metal track. this foot with no steel insert. Pair

1958 Ford Sunliner Vertical Seals for Vent Window. Each piece is 17" long-VS 6Vertical Seals for Vent Window. Each piece is 17" long. Pair

1958 Ford Sunliner Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Sold by the foot.-VS 6/FTVertical Seal for Vent Window. Sold by the foot.

1958 Ford Sunliner Rigid division-bar channel-WC 28-96Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead, heavy steel core and pile lining. 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 Ford Sunliner Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 7-96Flexible 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.