Buick Century Convertible, 1958
Chassis No.: 6E2002708 Auction: Monterey 2024 Auction date: August 17, 2024 Lot No.: S26 $63,800 | Sold • Odometer: 907 miles • Engine: V-8 • Transmission: Automatic • Exterior: Black • Interior: Red • Body: Convertible • Comprehensive restoration • Previously part of a private collection • 364 CI Nailhead V-8 engine • Flight Pitch Dynaflow automatic transmission • Ball joint front suspension with coil springs • Power steering • Hydraulic drum brakes • Fashionaire Dynastar grille The factory brochure spoke of the newly reconfigured “Air-Born B-58” Buicks for 1958, complete with a fighter jet illustration. Truth be told, this 1958 Buick Century Convertible is one that would have represented that ideal, as Buick Century models featured the smaller body shape of the Buick Special while sporting Roadmaster-like power. This Century convertible was previously part of a private collection and shows the efforts of its comprehensive restoration. Only 2,588 of these cars were built, and the list price for it before optioning was a steep $3,680 in 1958. The engine is the 364 CI Fireball V-8, often referred to as the nailhead design by Hot Rodders. Rated at 300 HP and 400 lb-ft of torque, the engine was marketed as the “B-12000” by Buick and featured 10:1 compression, a 4-barrel Quadrajet carburetor and an over-square engine with a 4.125 bore by 3.4 stroke. On the car here, the optional Flight Pitch Dynaflow automatic transmission was installed behind this, and the car has power steering, hydraulic drum brakes with aluminum front drums, and ball-joint front suspension with coil springs. The exterior is done in Carlsbad Black with a white soft top and a red interior. Inside, the Century featured quality standard equipment that included the horizontal Redliner Speedometer, an electric clock, script Century door trim and Foamtex seat cushioning. The pushbutton Sonoramic radio is on this example as well. The Buick exterior trim for 1958 is best known for the new Fashionaire Dynastar grille with its myriad of square highlights, while the car’s large rear quarter chrome insert panels had few rivals, even in this era of GM’s “heavy metal” stylings. Also noted are the wide chrome stampings that highlight the fins, trim that ran from the hood lip across the dual headlamps to then gracefully arc down to the rear-quarter rocker line, and those massive rear bumper bullet end caps. The car is rounded out by full-size wheel covers and wide whitewall tires. Incredible in design as well as appearance, this refreshed 1958 Buick Century Convertible is a car worthy of that marque’s tradition. https://www.mecum.com/lots/1123829/1958-buick-century-convertible/
