The 1958 model year is remembered by enthusiasts as the apex of automotive excess: the largest-ever cars with the most lavish trim.

Few were more chrome-covered than the 1958 Buick Limited, a new series that brought back the famous Limited name, once used to denote Buick’s largest, grandest, and most expensive models. True to that heritage, the 1958 Limited was the top of the line, carrying the same dynamic “Fashion Air Dynastar” styling as other Flint products of the year, including a remarkable grille composed of 160 faceted chrome squares, but with more brightwork on a longer 127.5-inch-wheelbase chassis, for a total span from nose to nose of over 227 inches! Distinctive to the Limited were the “hash marks” along the rear fenders, as well as a more sumptuous interior and two-speed Flight Pitch Dynaflow transmission, featuring three turbines and a variable-pitch stator.

Detroit was caught unawares by 1958’s flash recession, and sales of their glittering dreamboats were hit hard across the line—few more so than the Limited, which proved to be worthy of that name in more ways than one. The rarest Buick sold in the United States that year was the Limited Convertible, of which only 839 were built in what would be both the first and last season for the model.

It is important to note that the Limited Convertible offered here is not a “Johnny-come-lately” to the Kughn Collection; it was acquired in 1990, at a time when Mr. Kughn was more focused on CCCA Full Classics, and has remained in the collection for the past 25 years, an indication of the esteem in which it is held. It is believed to have been shown at a major competition only once, the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance in 1990, with its other appearances having been mainly at small local shows. It did earn, however, an appearance in Rex Roy’s Motor City Dream Garages as part of a feature story on the Kughns and their collection.

The car is finished in its original color combination of Warwick Blue with a two-tone leather interior and white power top. It appears to have been restored at about the time that it joined the Kughn Collection and has been well maintained since. Its lacquer paint has a nice patina, as does the interior, and both resemble well-maintained original finishes; the chrome has held up well throughout, and much of it may well be original. Equipment includes the standard automatic transmission, a dual-range heater, Wonderbar radio, power windows, dual spotlights, and chrome fender skirts. Mileage recorded at the time of cataloguing was 62,144 miles, which, given the car’s condition, is believed to be the original mileage from new.

This handsome Buick is the ultimate showboat from the last days of when chrome was king!