1958 Pontiac Full Size Cars Fact Sheet
1958 Pontiac Facts, Figures, and Specifications
1958 Pontiacs featured all new styling and significantly, chassis engineering which was hailed as a bold advance over the past. Again, engine displacement was up – now to 370 CID and so was horsepower.
1958 Pontiac – The Last of the Harley Earl Designs
While the 1958 Buick and Oldsmobile were panned as laden with excessive chrome, the Pontiac design came off clean – with only the Bonnevilles a bit cluttered.
General Year Information – 1958 Pontiac
For 1958, Pontiac featured all-new general appearance across the board, including a honeycomb grille, a longer, lower silhouette, quad headlamps and tail lamps, recessed floors, and concave rear fender panels. “Jewel tone Lucite” acrylic lacquer paint finish as standard and exclusive on Star Chief and Bonneville models.
Bonneville became the new upscale line over the Star Chief, however it rode on the smaller 122″ wheelbase chassis.Gone was the 2-door hardtop Safari, with only the 4-door remaining.
To celebrate General Motors’ 50th anniversary this season, a special “Golden Jubilee” trim and paint finish package was announced in November. The color was coded “Z” with DuPont stock number 2865L. Special “Golden Jubilee” ornamentation was also applied to cars so finished.
Cars with fuel injection installed were trimmed with golden “Fuel Injection” in script on the upper front fenders and right side of deck lids. Cars with Tri-Power engines had horizontal “V” badges on the upper front fenders. A Tri-Power Bonneville convertible was selected as the Official Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in May 1958.
Engine displacement rose again, this time to 370 CID – by increasing the bore to 4.0625″. Maximum horsepower was now at 330 for the top 3 2-barrel V-8. Fuel Injection was again offered. The Rochester fuel injection was a $500 option on any 1958 Pontiac. In late year production a Borg-Warner heavy-duty police gearbox was optional. At least one car, built for racing at Daytona Beach, left the factory with a floor-mounted four-speed manual transmission. In March 1958, two NASCAR-certified ‘” extra horsepower Tempest 395-A” V-8s were released.
A total of 321 Pontiac chassis were delivered for professional car conversions this year. Of these, 320 were Series 27 chassis and one was a Series 28 chassis.
Model year production peaked at only 216,982 units, the worst of Pontiac’s post-war years. Within GM, combining the Oldsmobile and Pontiac lines was considered for a time.
1958 Pontiac Factoids
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Bonneville became the new upscale line over the Star Chief, however it rode on the smaller 122″ wheelbase chassis. It was no longer a single model designation in 1958. Bucket Seats were available in the convertible for the first time. See a 1958 Pontiac Road Test HERE. See the 1958 Pontiac Brochure HERE.
Gone was the 2-door hardtop Safari, with only the 4-door remaining. Poor Sales resulted in removing it from the line. The 4-door was trimmed close to Bonneville levels. However, sales were still slow, at 2,905 units, about 20% of wagon sales.
1958 Pontiac Facts – Models Offered
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SERIES 27. Chieftains could be identified by “Chieftain” in script at the front of concave insert panels on the rear doors or fenders and three stars on the rear fenders. Small hub caps were standard on all Chieftains, but many buyers opted for the optional full-wheel discs. Tail lamps were without trim rings on Chieftains, except for the new convertible offering.
The Convertible was in a separate series sharing a unique ribbed rear deck lid with Bonnevilles and was also longer than other Chieftains. “Princess” pattern Lustrex upholstery with Morrokide imitation leather trim was the interior finish for Chieftains, except the convertible, which had special “Seville-finish” Morrokide seats in “off-shoulder” combination patterns.
SERIES 28. In 1958 the Super Chief nameplate now designated three cars on the long-wheelbase Star Chief chassis with two-barrel Chieftain V-8s as base engines. Identification features included full wheel discs, tail lamps with chrome rings, and rear fender coves decorated with “Super Chief” in script along with four stylized stars. Deluxe steering wheels were part of the package.
The four-door sedan was upholstered in a blend of “Palisades” pattern Lustrex with “Plaza” pattern bolsters. Catalina hardtop buyers could choose either all-Morrokide or Morrokide and Lustrex trims at the same cost.
SERIES 27. Pontiac’s Star Chiefs were the “Super Deluxe” models. Standard upholstery trim was “Tridimensional Prado” pattern Lustrex in the Catalina sedan with all-leather optional at no extra cost on both Catalinas. A roof rack, horizontal tailgate moldings, and distinct Safari gate scripts were featured on the Custom Safari. All other Star Chief models had the 124-inch wheelbase shared with the new Super Chiefs.
Identification features included “Star Chief” in script on front fenders, four stars within the concave insert panels, tail lamp trim rings, and funnel-shaped decorative scoops at the front of the insert panels. These scoops were fitted with golden rectangular “V badges and triple wind-split moldings.
Chrome wheel discs were regular equipment along with a Deluxe steering wheel and electric clock. Upholstery trim was “Tridimensional Prado” pattern Lustrex in the Catalina sedan with all-leather optional at no extra cost on both Catalinas. All-Star Chiefs boasted ‘stardust’ carpeting.
The distinctive four-door Custom Safari station wagon was still on the shorter Chieftain platform, but the two-door hardtop was gone. A roof rack. horizontal tailgate moldings and distinct “Safari”, in the script, was featured on this Custom Safari
SERIES 25. Bonneville became a separate line in 1958. A convertible and “Sport Coupe” were offered. Base powerplants in Bonnevilles were the Star Chief V-8s, however, both cars were on the 122″ Chieftain wheelbase and used the same longer, ribbed rear deck lid featured on the Chieftain convertible. This feature made the Series 25 Bonneville bodies slightly longer than the Series 27 models.
Identification features included “Bonneville” on the front fenders in script, “Bonneville” in block letters on hoods and rear deck, four bright metal chevrons on the lower front fender sides, four stars on the rear fender panels, and rocket-shaped, ribbed semi-cylindrical moldings at the front of the concave inserts.
Standard equipment included Deluxe steering wheel, chrome wheel discs, and Bonneville-specific upholstery.
1958 Pontiac Facts – Engines
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- 370 CID V-8 240 HP
- 370 CID V-8 255 HP
- 370 CID V-8 270 HP
- 370 CID V-8 285 HP
- 370 CID V8 300 HP
- 370 CID V8 310 HP
- 370 CID V8 315 HP
- 370 CID V8 330 HP
- NOTES
Chieftain & Super Chief with Manual Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast-iron block. Displacement: 370 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 240 @ 4500. Torque: 354 @ 2600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake – 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7012703.
Bonneville, Star Chief & Safari with Manual Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast-iron block. Displacement: 370 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 255 @ 4500. Torque: 360 @ 2600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake – 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 2768S.
Chieftain & Super Chief with Hydra-matic Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast-iron block. Displacement: 370 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 255 @ 4500. Torque: 360 @ 2600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake – 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 2740S.
Bonneville, Star Chief & Safari with Hydra-matic Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 370 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 285 @ 4600. Torque: 395 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 2740S.
Optional “Extra Horsepower” V-8 – Available All Models. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 370 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 300 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 3400 @ 3000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors Models: Front (all) 7011705 Center (manual trans) 7011709 (Hydra-matic) 7011706 Rear (all) 7011707. Single-breaker ignition.
“Extra Horsepower” Fuel Injection – Available All Models. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 370 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 310 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 400 @ 3400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″. Induction: Rochester mechanical fuel-injection Model 7014880.
“Extra Horsepower Tempest 395-A” V-8 – Available on All Models. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 370 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 315 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 400 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.411″. Carburetor: Carter AFB Model (manual trans) 2768S (Hydra-matic trans) 2767S. Low-restriction dual exhausts, and dual-breaker ignition.
“Extra Horsepower Tempest 395-A” V-8 – Available 2-door Sedans & Hardtops. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 370 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 330 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 415 @ 3000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.411″. Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors Models: Front (all) 7011705 Center (manual trans) 7011709 (Hydramatic) 7011706 Rear (all) 7011707. Low-restriction dual exhausts, Low-restriction dual exhausts and dual-breaker ignition.
More detailed information on the 1958 370 CID V8 engines may be found in the 1958 AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the sheets HERE or use the navigation on this Fact Sheet’s main page.
1958 Pontiac Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Series 25 and 27 – 122″, Series 28 – 124″.
- Overall length: Series 25 – 211.7″, Series 27 station wagons – 210.5″, Series 28 – 214.5″.
- Front tread:(All) 58.8″.
- Rear tread: Rear tread: (All) 59.4″.
- Tires: Coupes and Sedans 8.00 x 14 Station wagons and all w/Air conditioning 8.50 x 14. Coupes and Sedans 8.00 x 14 Station wagons & all w/Air conditioning 8.50 x 14. Coupes and Sedans 8.00 x 14 Station wagons & all w/Air conditioning 8.50 x 14. 8.50 x 14 available at extra cost on all lines in place of 8.00 x 14. Full-Size Coupes and Sedans 8.00 x 14, Station Wagons & all w/Air conditioning 8.50 x 14.
1958 Pontiac Facts – Power Train Options
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- A three-speed Synchromesh gearbox with column-mounted gear shift was the base price transmission.
- Four-speed Strato-Flight Hydra-matic was $231.34 extra.
- In late production a Borg-Warner heavy-duty police gearbox was optional.
- In Series 25, 210 had Synchromesh and 19,389 had Hydra-matic.
- In Series 27, 6,943 had Synchromesh and 117,742 had Hydra-matic.
- In Series 28, 258 had Synchromesh and 72,761 and Hydra-matic.
- Rear-axle options included Safe-T-Track differential
- Rear-axle dealer installed options 3.90:1 and 4.10:1
The following gear ratios were generally installed: Hydra-matic 3.23:1, Optional Hydra-matic 3.08:1, Synchromesh 3.42:1, Optional Synchromesh 3.64:1.
1958 Pontiac Facts – Power Trains
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- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios: 1st – 2.21:1, 2nd – 1.32:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.51:1
- Hydra-matic Ratios: 1st – 3.97:1, 2nd – 2.55:1, 3rd – 1.55:1, 4th – 1:1, Reverse – 3.74:1
- Rear Gear Standard Ratio: See Page 14 in the 1958 Pontiac Full Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all standard/optional ratios
Click HERE to view the 1958 AMA Specification Sheets
1958 Pontiac Facts –
Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1958 Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1958 Pontiac Portrait Size Print Ads
1958 Pontiac Landscape Size Print Ads
1958 Pontiac AMA Specifications Sheets
1958 Pontiac Bonneville Tri-Power Road Test – Hot Rod Magazine
1958 Pontiac Super Chief Road Test – Mechanics Illustrated Magazine
1958 Pontiac Star Chief 300 HP Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1958 Pontiac Facts –
Significant Options
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- Air suspension ($175).
- Air-conditioning ($430).
- Bonneville bucket seats ($84).
- Brake-on light ($6).
- Deluxe “Electromatic” radio ($161).
- Deluxe radio ($102).
- Deluxe steering wheel ($14).
- Dual exhaust ($31).
- Electric clock ($20).
- Electric contour wipers ($14).
- E-Z Eye Glass ($38).
- Foam seat ($13).
- Heater and defroster ($96).
- Oil filter ($10).
- Outside rear view mirror ($7).
- Padded dash ($19).
- Power antenna ($30).
- Power brakes ($38).
- Power seat ($77).
- Power steering ($108).
- Power windows ($108).
- Rear seat speaker $13.75 Bonneville and Star Chief
- Rear seat speaker $18.90 Chieftain/Super Chief
- Rear seat speaker $21 on Safari.
- Two-tone paint in standard colors ($27).
- Wheel discs ($18).
- White sidewall tires 8.00 x 14, 4-ply ($65).
- Windshield washer ($14).
1958 Pontiac Facts –
Related Images
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1958 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
The 1958 Pontiac Bonneville convertible was the highest trim level and the most expensive Pontiac at $3,586 base price. Only 3,096 were sold.
1958 Pontiac Bonneville 2-door Sports Coupe
The 1958 Pontiac line now had Bonneville as a distinct Series. The 2-door Sports Coupe joined the convertible and sold 9,144 units.
1958 Pontiac Bonneville Bucket Seats
In 1958, and for the first time, bucket seats were optional in the Bonneville convertible.
1958 Pontiac Star Chief Catalina 4-door hardtop
The 1958 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door hardtop was the most luxurious of all Pontiac 4-door models. It sold the best of the upper line at 21,455 units.
1958 Pontiac Star Chief Catalina 2-d Sports Coupe
The 1958 Pontiac Star Chief 2-door Sports Coupe was the next best Star Chief – outselling even the 4-door sedan with 13,888 sold.
1958 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door Sedan
The 1958 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door sedan was well appointed, solid and yet staid—and it sold 10,547 versions in that recession year.
1958 Pontiac Star Chief Custom Safari wagon
For 1958 the Pontiac Safari 2-door hardtop wagon was gone from the upscale line with only a 4-door Star Chief Custom Safari wagon available in the Star Chief line. Only 2,905 were sold.
1958 Pontiac Super Chief Catalina 2-door Sports Coupe
The 1958 Pontiac Super Chief 2-door Sports Coupe sold in almost equal numbers as the 4-door – 7,236 units.
1958 Pontiac Super Chief Catalina 4-door hardtop
The 1958 Pontiac Super Chief line was limited. The 4-door hardtop shown here was still available. A total of 7,886 were sold.
1958 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door Sedan
The 1958 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door sedan was rock steady in sales – with just over 12,000 delivered.
1958 Pontiac Chieftain Convertible
The 1958 Pontiac Chieftain convertible was the new kid on the block. Pontiac made this less expensive drop top available because of the upscale nature of the Bonneville convertible. Sales totaled 7,236 versus only 3,096 for the Bonneville.
1958 Pontiac Chieftan Catalina 4-door hardtop
The 1958 Pontiac Chieftain 4-door hardtop was a clean machine, and 17,946 were sold as a result.
1958 Pontiac Chieftan Catalina 2-door Sports Coupe
The 1958 Pontiac Chieftain 2-door Sports Coupe was priced right and had the good looks to go with that. At 26,003, its sales were second-best for 1958.
1958 Pontiac Chieftain 4-door Sedan
The Pontiac Chieftain 4-door sedan was the most practical and least expensive Pontiac model. It paid off in 44,999 units – number one in sales.
1958 Pontiac Chieftain 2-door Sedan
The 1958 Pontiac Chieftain 2-door sedan sold 17,394 units – many of which housed one of the powerful Tempest 395-A 315 and 330 HP V-8s.
1958 Pontiac Chieftain 4-door Safari 6-passenger wagon
The 1958 wagon line no longer contained a Super Chief version, but the Chieftain line still offered 4-door 6 and 9 passenger versions—both called a “Safari”. The 6-passenger had 9,701 delivered.
1958 Pontiac Chieftain 4-door Safari 9-passenger wagon
The 1958 wagon line no longer contained a Super Chief version, but the Chieftain line still offered 4-door 6 and 9 passenger versions—both called a “Safari”. The 9-passenger sold 9,417 units.
1958 Pontiac Resources
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1958 Pontiac Facts –
Body Paint Color Codes
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1958 Pontiac
1958 Pontiac – What’s It Worth?
Related valuations for the 1958 Pontiac Line will appear below
1958 Pontiac –
Current Market Values
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