1958 Buick Limited Convertible
The late 1950s saw the birth of an automobile that embodied the era’s love for grandeur: the 1958 Buick Limited Convertible. This model stood at the top of Buick’s lineup, bringing back a prestigious name associated with the brand’s most lavish offerings.
The Limited Convertible’s exterior design was a sight to behold. Its “Fashion Air Dynastar” styling featured an eye-catching grille made up of 160 faceted chrome squares, creating a dazzling front-end appearance.
The car’s impressive size was evident in its 128-inch wheelbase, contributing to an overall length exceeding 227 inches from bumper to bumper. Distinctive “hash marks” adorned the rear fenders, setting the Limited apart from other Buicks.
Under the hood, a 364 cubic inch OHV V-8 engine produced 300 horsepower. This powerplant paired with a two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission, which featured an advanced design featuring three turbines and a variable-pitch stator. The drivetrain delivered operation fitting for a luxury vehicle of its caliber.
The Limited rode on a suspension system using independent coil springs at the front and a live rear axle with coil springs. This setup provided a comfortable ride. Four-wheel hydraulically-assisted power drum brakes brought the substantial vehicle to a stop.
In this specific example, Buick decked out the interior with opulent features. Two-tone leather upholstery covered the seats, complementing the exterior’s Warwick Blue finish.
A power-operated white convertible top allowed for open-air driving at the push of a button. Standard equipment included a dual-range heater, Wonderbar radio, and power windows, adding to the luxury experience.
Despite its impressive specs and luxurious appointments, the 1958 Buick Limited Convertible faced a tough market. An unexpected economic downturn that year hit sales of large, expensive cars hard across the industry.
Buick ended up producing only 839 Limited Convertibles in what would be both the first and last year for this particular model.
The Limited Convertible competed with other high-end American convertibles of the time, such as the Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz and the Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible. Each represented the pinnacle of offerings from their respective manufacturers, showcasing American automotive luxury and engineering at its finest.
Today, the 1958 Buick Limited Convertible is a rare find, with only about 20 known to still exist. Its scarcity and status as a one-year-only model have made it highly prized among collectors.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
