Anyway you look at it, Buick was heating its 1958 models as either a flashy goodbye to the 1950s or a hearty hello to the coming decade. That year, the first American satellite was launched, NASA was established and the first stereophonic records were marketed. And Buick added to the excitement with its extraordinary Special. New Lucite points added luster to the model line, while an abundance of chrome added pizzaz. The V-8 364 cubic inch engine provided an impressive 250 horsepower at 4400 rpm and a ride one would never forget. The newly designed grille with the "drawer pull" chrome squares, the large sweepspear and the four headlamps gave the Buick Special a look of aggressive motion-even when standing still. The Convertible Special had a standard three-speed maunal transmission, an outside left-hand rear-view mirror and an interior trimmed with Cordoreen. Options included Powersteering ($108), a Variable Pitch Dynaflow transmission ($220) or a Flight Pitch Dynaflow transmission ($296). Now, a metallic Hunter Green 1958 Buick Special 2-door convertible-reflecting the brilliance of the new finishes and abundant chrome - is recreated in a magnificently detailed die-cast replica.

Original sticker price: $3,041
Current value: $12,000
Production quantity: 5,502

Fast Facts:
• The Series 40 Accessory group included an electric clock, full wheel covers, automatic trunk light and rear license frame.
• Standard features included an ignition key light, variable speed wipers and a trip mileage indicator.
• For the first time in ten years, Ventiports disappeared from Buick's front fenders.

(1996)

Scale: 1:43