How2Day: 1958 Buick Specifications

Though Buick models, like the Century, Special and Limited had been very popular in the mid 1930s and early '40s, the years following the Great Depression marked the end of an era for many of these Buick model series. There were five models that Buick introduced in 1958. They were the very popular Series 50 Super, Series 40 Special, the Series 60 Century, 75 Roadmaster and the top-of-the-line in luxury, the 700 Limited.

The Century, earmarked as a powerful performance vehicle, was available as a two-door hardtop and convertible coupe, as well as the four-door Sedan and as a Caballero Station Wagon. The stylish and highly sought-after 50 super, available in two-door and four-door Riviera Hardtops was a step up in price and sophistication from the entry level Series 40.

Standard features on most of '58 Buick models included power steering, safety-cushioned instrument panel, power windows, carpeted flooring as well as power adjustable front seats. The fully loaded 700 limited convertible was the only option available with air conditioning. The Century model included a front wheel finned aluminum brake drum that gave it the best stopping power available at the time.

All the 1958 Buick models were equipped with an overhead valve V8 6.0L engine, capable of producing 300HP at 4600 RPM, with a compression ratio between 9.5 and 10 to 1. The only exception was the Series 40 Special, which topped out at 250HP at 4,400 RPM, with 380 foot ponds of torque. All 1958 models were equipped with Buick's classic twin-turbine powered automatic Dynaflow transmission. While the 700 limited shared a 122.5-inch wheelbase with the 75 Roadmaster and the 50 Super, the Special 40 and the Century came with a 122-inch wheelbase.

The luxury 700 limited was the most expensive in its class, ranging above $5,000 at the time of its release, while the 40 Special the most affordable at $3,000. The Century and the 50 Super were available in the region of $3,300 to $3,800, while the 75 Roadmaster could be had at the time for $4,600. Owing to the antique value, these cars can now cost anywhere between $17,000 and $85,000, depending upon their condition.

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