Earlier this year, I came across a YouTube channel called Ed’s Auto Reviews. Ed is based in the Netherlands but holds a deep knowledge and appreciation of classic American cars. His lighthearted yet somehow educational approach to sharing his perspective is what drew me in as a new subscriber. The channel, created in October 2018, has amassed over 202,000 subscribers and over 32 million views. I think some of you may enjoy watching it as much as I do.
One of Ed’s popular videos was published in 2022 and talks specifically about the ostentatious design language that automakers were using up until — and, most notably, during — model year 1958. It seems the amount of chrome trim peaked around that time, along with flamboyant tailfins and “excess” everywhere you looked. Ed called the video “Mistake of ’58.”
No car showcased the pinnacle of 1958 design more than the 1958 Buick models. As Ed put it, “The front features angry headlights with chrome ornamentation on both front fenders. And underneath, a chrome art piece: a massive grille made out of some 160 small chrome squares that made sure to lure customers into Buick dealers.”
Well, I thought of Ed’s channel when I encountered a 1958 Buick Super four-door hardtop at the Casa Grande, Arizona location of Desert Valley Auto Parts recently. As an enthusiast of 1950s-era Buicks, I was drawn in by its presence and size.
Aside from the car’s missing quad headlights (somehow giving it an ominous look), it was incredibly complete — right down to all 160 square pieces inside the grille.
The car’s look was a bit Space Age indeed. In fact, one advertisement showed the ’58 Buick shooting off into the great beyond like a rocket. It talked about Buick’s “Sound Barrier” body by Fisher, saying, “Before you buy any new car, listen to how well it’s built!”
Consistent with long-term Arizona exposure, the interior was sufficiently baked: the padded dash had chunks taken out of it and the front bench seat was nothing but springs.
I didn’t take the opportunity to peer under the hood, but 1958 Supers were powered by the 364ci Nailhead OHV V-8 mated to a Dynaflow automatic transmission.
I have to imagine that Ed from the Netherlands would have enjoyed checking out the ’58 Super with me. In fact, I’ll email him a link to this article as soon as it goes live. Cheers to the fabulous ‘50s.
