Series 700. 300 bhp, 364 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, Dynaflow automatic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with coil springs, and four-wheel hydraulic power drum brakes. Wheelbase: 127.5 in.

The 1958 model year is remembered as the apex of automotive excess, the most lavish trim on the largest-ever cars. Probably the most lavish among them, even more than the Cadillac, was the 1958 Buick Limited.

The Limited was a new series, or rather a new name on what had previously been an upper echelon Roadmaster. In 1957, Roadmaster had two series, the 70 and 75, the latter having just two body styles, a Riviera hardtop sedan and a Riviera hardtop coupe. For 1958, these were called “Limited” Series 700, and a convertible coupe was added. At $5,125, it was the most expensive Buick and, with 839 built, the rarest stateside.

Limited was not a new name. It had been used before the war, appended to the top-line Series 90 in 1936, when model names were added to Buick nomenclature. In that day, Limited meant limited, production was low and some chassis were sent out to coachbuilders. That came to an end with World War II, and when production resumed, the market didn’t demand such exclusivity; not until 1958, or so said the product planning wisdom.

Actually, the 1958 Buicks were not much larger than the 1957 cars. The wheelbases were all the same, and even the Roadmasters were only four inches longer than their predecessors. For the Limited, though, Buick pulled out all the stops. At 227.1 inches overall, the Series 700 was a full foot longer than 1957’s 75.

However, it wasn’t the length that was the most noticeable characteristic of the 1958 Buick. It was the jeweled smile. For a grille, the stylists had come up with 160 faceted chrome squares. Called “Fashion Air Dynastar,” it was a dentist’s dream—and a nightmare to polish. In some respects, the Limited was more restrained than the lesser series. Where Specials, Centurys, Supers, and Roadmasters had a bold chrome spear on the rear fender, Limiteds had simply a fine chrome outline, with three sets of hash marks accenting the space within.

All Buicks shared the 364-cubic inch “nailhead” V-8, although Specials had lower compression and less carburetion. Dynaflow was standard on all but Specials, the Limited having Flight Pitch Dynaflow, which featured three turbines and a variable-pitch stator.

This Glacier White Limited Convertible Coupe is upholstered in buttoned, red pebble grain with matching dashboard. Equipped with power steering, power brakes, a six-way power seat, a power convertible top, power windows, windshield washers, and door edge guards, it has whitewall tires on chrome Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels, even the spare. The car has a white vinyl top and a red boot cover matching the upholstery. All body contours are correct, and the paint is of excellent quality. The brightwork, which is in good supply, is all of a very high quality.

The car is accompanied by an original owner’s manual, body and chassis service manuals, and assorted original factory and facsimile brochures.

The product planners probably didn’t intend for the 1958 Buick Limited to have limited production, but fate intervened. The second “Eisenhower Recession” curtailed car sales, large cars most of all. Where the Series 75 Roadmasters sold nearly 15,000 cars in 1957, the equivalent 1958 Limited managed fewer than half that many. Their loss is our gain, as the rarest 1958 Buick became one of the most rare and desirable Buicks of all post-war production. This car is a remarkable example.