1958 Chevrolet Full-Size Cars Fact Sheet
Chevrolet Grows
In Size
Chevrolets moved to larger bodies for 1958 – over 9 inches longer, and the over all chassis had a wheelbase increase of 2.5 inches. Styling was radically different and would signal a major change in looks going forward.
General Year Information
By adopting an all-new Safety Girder chassis for 1958, Chevrolet brought to market a completely re-engineered and restyled line. Body revisions included lower, wider, longer sheet metal, a new front end with dual headlamps, gull-wing rear fender with rear deck sculpturing and revamped side trim. All 1958 Chevrolets with V-8 engines had additional, large, V-shaped ornaments on the hood and deck, or in the case of wagons, the tailgate.
New names were given to the two lower series: Del Ray and Biscayne, replacing 150 and 210 designations. And models available within each line were altered as well. The sedan delivery was cataloged as a conventional model, but strangely, not with the station wagons – now a sub-series unto themselves.
Gas filler now under door in trunk latch lid panel. On Impalas the center tail lens housed a backup lamp. A great deal of bright metal trim on 1958 Chevrolets was made of aluminum.
NOTE: The model numbering system changed in 1958. Model numbers and Body Style Numbers were now identical.
Models Offered
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DEL RAY SERIES: 1100 I-6 & 1200 V-8. The Del Ray nameplate was now the Chevrolet entry series. “Del Ray” nameplates filled the rear fender coves of the four models in the low-priced line. The styling of the line had single belt moldings and lacked bright metal side window trim. The Series Station Wagon was called “Yeoman” and was trimmed as a Del Ray.
Del Ray interior appointments were the most basic Chevrolet offered with a standard steering wheel, rubber floor mats and little bright highlights on the dash, seats, and door panels.
BISCAYNE SERIES: 1500 I-6 & 1600 V-8. Only two body styles were available under the Biscayne name, although two Brookwood station wagons used the same level trim. The passenger car styles had “Biscayne” in script at the leading edge of the rear fender cove, and the station wagons had “Brookwood” in script in the same location. Biscayne side trim moldings outlined the upper and lower edges of the cove but did not connect. Ahead of the cove, a bi-level belt molding, with slight forward taper, was installed. This belt molding was connected to the single, lower cove outline trim at the rear.
Like the Del Ray models, Biscaynes came standard with small hub caps, no sill moldings, and no fender ornaments, but they did feature slightly up-market interior trims. The Series Station Wagon was called “Brookwood” and was trimmed as a Biscayne.
BEL AIR SERIES: 1700 I-6 & 1800 V-8. This series was the highest trim and a new model was added, the Impala, that was even more luxurious. (Impala models are covered here as a separate model. though not considered as such in 1958).
The base Bel Air had the series name in script and a Chevrolet crest at the rear of the coves. The upper edge of the coven was outlined with a single level molding that slashed down and back, below the body belt dip, to intersect an elaborate horizontal molding arrangement. This could best be described as a “spear-shaped” molding. It had an indented concave contrast band towards the rear, and a horizontally grooved, missile-shaped “spear tip” at the front. There were also four chevrons on the sides of the front fenders, four short vertical strips on the lower rear fender bulge, front fender top ornaments, chrome outlined side windows, grooved rear roof pillar beauty plates and full wheel discs.
Interior appointments were rich and luxurious. The convertible was moved to the new Impala and increased in price by $300. The Bel Air Station wagon wad called “Nomad” and was trimmed as a Bel Air with a tailgate replicating the famous 1957 Nomad.
Impala Models – part of the Bel Air line in 1958. The Impala sport coupe and convertible were even more impressive than the Bel Air models. Trim features included “Impala” in script and a special Impala insignia, as well as crossed-flag emblems at the front of the cove; broad, ribbed body sill panels, and large, faux chrome plated air scoops ahead of rear wheel wells. Significant, and a treatment that would mark Impalas going forward until 1966 was a triple tail lamp treatment that replaced two taillights on other models. The Impala sport coupe had a chrome-edged, rear facing dummy air scoop and curved contour crease molded into the back of the roof.
On the inside, a competition style two-spoke deep hub steering wheel with Impala medallion was fitted. The dashboard had “Impala” in script as well. There was a chrome rear radio speaker grille, again, with “Impala” in script and medallion between rear seat back dip. Interiors were unique to the Impala and more sport-like in execution.
Engines
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- 235 CID I-6 145 HP
- 283 CID V-8 185 HP
- 283 CID V-8 230 HP
- 283 CID V8 250 HP F.I.
- 348 CID V8 250 HP
- 348 CID V8 280 HP
- 348 CID V8 315 HP
Base I-6: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 235.5 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.56 x 3.94 inches. Compression ratio: 8.25:1. Horsepower: 145 @ 4200 RPM. Torque 215 ft. lbs @2400 RPM. Four main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°; Overlap: UNK; Lift: 0.4004″. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model: (SMT) 7012127, (AMT) 7011102.
Turbo Fire Base V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 185 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 275 ft. lbs @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 250°, Exhaust 250°, Overlap UNK, Lift: 0.3987″. Carburetor: Rochester two-barrel model (SMT) 7012133 (AMT) 7011224.
Turbo Fire Optional 4-barrel Carburetor V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3000 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Overlap UNK, Lift: 0.3987″. Carburetor: Carter WCFB 2669S PN 3746384.
283 CID Fuel Injection V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 305 @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250°, Exhaust: 250°, Overlap: UNK. Lift: 0.3987″. Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7014900.
250 Horsepower Turbo Thrust V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 348 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.250 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 355 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 266°, Exhaust: 274°, Lift: Intake 0.3987″, Exhaust 0.3987″. Overlap 90°. Carburetor: Carter 3744082.
280 Horsepower Super Turbo Thrust V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 348 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.250 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 280 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 355 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 266°, Exhaust: 274°, Lift: Intake 0.3987″, Exhaust 0.3987″. Overlap 90°. Carburetors: Rochester 2-barrels: (Front) 7011951, (Middle) 7011952, (Rear) 7011953.
315 Horsepower Super Turbo Thrust Special V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 348 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.250 inches. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 315 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 356 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Mechanical valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287°, Exhaust: 287°, Lift: Intake 0.4076″, Exhaust 0.4139″. Overlap UNK. Carburetors: Rochester 2-barrels: (Front) 7011951, (Middle) 7011952, (Rear) 7011953.
Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 117.5 inches.
- Overall length: 209.l inches.
- Overall width: 77.7 inches.
- Overall height: (Impala Convertible) 56.5 inches; (Impala sport coupe) 56.4 inches; (other models) 57.4 inches.
- Tires: (convertibles and station wagons) 8.00 x 14; (other models) 7.50 x 14.
NOTE: Full coil spring suspension for the first time.
Powertrain Options
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- V-8 283 cubic inch 230 horsepower engine. ($27).
- V-8 283 cubic inch 250 horsepower fuel injected engine. ($484).
- V-8 348 cubic 250 horsepower engine engine. ($59).
- V-8 348 cubic 280 horsepower engine engine. ($70).
- V-8 348 cubic 315 horsepower engine engine. ($229).
- Three-speed manual transmission was standard in all models.
- Overdrive transmission. ($107.50)
- Powerglide transmission. ($188).
- Turboglide transmission. ($231).
- Posi-traction rear axle with 3.36 or 3.55 ratio ($48).
NOTE: Base 2-barrel 283 CID V-8 included in base V-8 model pricing.
Significant Options
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- Air conditioning ($468).
- Air suspension ($124).
- Deluxe heater ($77).
- Dual exhaust as option ($16).
- Electric wipers ($7).
- Front power seat ($43).
- Oil bath air cleaner ($5).
- Oil filter ($9).
- Power brakes ($38).
- Power steering ($70).
- Power windows ($102).
- Radio, manual· ($61).
- Radio, push button ($84).
- Recirculating heater ($49).
- Safety dash panel padding ($16).
- Tinted glass ($38).
- Two-tone paint ($32).
- Whitewall tires, size 7.50 x 14, four-ply ($32).
Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1958 Chevrolet
1958 Chevrolet –
Current Market Values
- 1958 Chevrolet Del Ray Valuation Tool
- 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne Valuation Tool
- 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Valuation Tool
Impala Model
NOTE: The Impala model was NOT a separate model, but part of the Bel Air line this year. We have separated it for purposes of clarification of its differences.. See Models Offered for specifications.
Powertrains
Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6: 1st – 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.94:1
- 283 CID V-8: 1st – 2.47:1, 2nd – 1.53:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.80:1
- 348 CID V-8 Heavy Duty – 2.21:1, 2nd – 1.32:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.51:1
Overdrive Manual Transmission Ratios
- Where Available: 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Overdrive 0.70:1, Reverse – 2.94:1
Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.55:1; and Powerglide – 3.36:1; Overdrive SMT – 4.11:1.
- 283 CID V-8 SMT – 3.55:1, Overdrive SMT – 4.11:1, Powerglide & Turboglide 3.36:1.
- 348 CID V-8 250 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.55:1, Powerglide & Turboglide – 3.36:1
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 3.07:1 to 4.33:1.
Related Documents
Files directly related to the 1958 Chevrolet Full-Size Line will appear below:
Related Images
Related Images to the 1958 Chevrolet Line will appear below
1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible
the 1958 Chevrolet Convertible was only available in the Impala series. Like the Sport Coupe, its styling accentuated speed and power. 55,989 customers took delivery that year, almost 10,000 more than 1957.
1958 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe
The 1958 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe was all new and very “sport” oriented. It set the stage for later Impala and Impala SS models.
1958 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe Interior
The 1958 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe Interior was far and away more luxurious than the Bel Air counterpart.
1958 Chevrolet Nomad Station Wagon
The 1958 Chevrolet Nomad Station Wagon was at the top of the Chevrolet wagon line. While quite stylish, the 2-door version of 1955-57 was no longer available.
1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe
The 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe was the only other 2-door hardtop besides the Impala in this body style. Chevrolet did not break down the numbers for each, but reliable sources say that better than 75% of the 142,592 hardtop coupes were Bel Airs.
1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Sedan
The 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Sedan was the only 4-door hardtop in the entire Chevrolet line in 1958. As a result 83,330 were sold.
1958 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Sedan
The 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Sedan was the most upscale of all in that body style, Sharper interiors, and a bit more exterior bright metal set it apart from the lesser series.
1958 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door Sedan Interior
The 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door Sedan Interior typifies the interiors in this line. Compared to the Impala interior, it was quite staid.
1958 Chevrolet Biscayne 4-door Sedan
The 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne 4-door Sedan was trimmed above the stark Del Ray and was a great bargain in 1958.
1958 Chevrolet Biscayne 2-door Sedan
The 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne 2-door Sedan was surprisingly stylish and affordable. No 2-door hardtops appeared in the Biscayne line.
1958 Chevrolet Brookwood Station Wagon
The 1958 Chevrolet Brookwood Station Wagons were trimmed as a Biscayne and were priced as in that line.
1958 Chevrolet Biscayne 2-door Sedan Interior
The 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne 2-door Sedan Interior was very straightforward, with good looks but no frills.
1958 Chevrolet Del Ray 2-door Sedan
The 1958 Chevrolet Del Ray 2-door Sedan was a no frills 2-door. It was also the model you chose for race purposes. Check out our road test of the 315 HP 348 CID ensconced in this package.
1958 Chevrolet Del Ray 4-door Sedan
The 1958 Chevrolet Del Ray 4-door Sedan was utilitarian transportation that cost less than $2,200 in that year.
1958 Chevrolet Del Ray Utility 2-door Sedan
The 1958 Chevrolet Del Ray Utility 2-door Sedan was a 2-door with no back seat. many were purchased by public utilities for field workers’ transportation.
1958 Chevrolet Yeoman Station Wagon
The 1958 Chevrolet Yeoman Station Wagon was to least expensive station wagon offering. It was trimmed like a Del ray sedan and could be had in 2- and 4-door configurations with 6 passenger capacity. 16,590 of the rare 2-door model were made in 1958.
1958 Chevrolet Impala Dash vs 1957 Bel Air Dash
The 1958 Chevrolet Impala Dash vs 1957 Bel Air dash clearly shows the move away from ’50s styling. The glove box moved to the position it occupies even today, and the instrument cluster echos what would be found until the late 1990s.