Only about 900 Buick Limited Series convertibles were produced in 1958, making them quite rare today. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)

The 1958 Buick Limited Series convertible (Lot #358) is a rarity with a set of the most dominant tailfins and lavish chrome accents ever applied to an automobile. All the Detroit automakers were pretty heavy-handed in their use of chrome for the 1958 model year, but even for that time, this Buick stands apart. Fewer than 900 of these expensive models were produced, and only a handful survive.

This Buick Limited took two years to completely restore from a rust-free original: each piece of its complex bodywork and trim was disassembled and treated separately, then painted in a deep glossy black with a red interior. The equally complex interior has been restored to new with the same combination of leather and vinyl as original to factory specs, the seller notes.

The extravagant styling of the 1950s culminated in 1959 with the most emblematic car of the era, the extraordinary 1959 Cadillac, which had the tallest tailfins ever applied to an automobile. With its legendary styling excesses, the huge 1959 Caddy has endured as an in-your-face collector car and Saturday night cruiser that never fails to turn heads and elicit comments.

The 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville remains an icon of 1950s exuberance. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)

The Cadillac has a commanding presence, with nearly 19 feet of sweeping sheet metal from its exceptionally large chrome front bumper and highly complex grille to the rocket-like taillights mounted high on its towering fins.

Coming up early in the Orange County docket is a well-restored 1959 Coupe de Ville hardtop (Lot #44.2) with a lavender body and interior, plus cruise control and air conditioning. For anyone who wants to be the center of attention at the local cruise-in or when going out on the town, here’s the car that could do it.

The 1950s are well represented at the Barrett-Jackson Orange County Auction, with more than three-dozen American cars and trucks from that magical era of distinctive styling and experimentation. Go ahead and pick your favorite.

Barrett-Jackson on SPEED
2012 Orange County auction live coverage
(All times Eastern; Schedule subject to change)

Friday, June 22
*Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event: 5 – 11 p.m.
Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game: 5 – 11 p.m.

Saturday, June 23
*Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event: 5 – 11 p.m.
Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game: 5 – 11 p.m.

Sunday, June 24
*Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event: 3 – 7 p.m.
Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game: 3 – 7 p.m.

*Alternate streaming cameras available at SPEED.com

For more information about Barrett-Jackson’s Orange County docket, see Barrett-Jackson.com.

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at