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Topic starter
22/08/2022 7:32 pm
- With body styles being simply revisions over a two or three or even four year cycle, Chevrolet’s ‘58 models were a one year offering. It’s easy to see how the tri-five models evolved from the ‘55, and how the ‘60 models were a revision of the ‘59’s. I’ve often wondered how the ‘58’s could have been revised for a following as it’s styling cues seem unique. It is hard for me to imagine a’59 as being simply a revision of the ‘58. As a one year offering the ‘58 was in my mind one of Chevrolet’s most beautiful designs.
Too much of a good thing is not enough
David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
22/08/2022 8:24 pm
David, this is an excellent point to ponder. If you "Google" hard enough (or purchase the right copy of Collector Cars) you'll find your answer. GM had full mock-ups of 1959 cars based on updated 1958 designs. I've seen them. Simply imagine more of the same, "bloated bodies," even more chrome, wild paint, etc...
The undeniable success of Exner's 1957 Forward Look Chrysler designs de-throned GM's styling reign, subsequently, ALL planned 1959 updates/face-lifts were abruptly scrapped. That's why Chevrolet, Pontiac & Oldsmobile (Buick & Cadillac less so) looked so vastly different throughout the 1957-1959 model runs.
This gigantic manufacturing "about face" illustrates just how deep GM's pockets were in the 1950's. Despite the mandate (to lower costs) to use the same 2-door hardtop door skin among their five-makes, GM spent millions to combat Chrysler style head on in 1959.
A move like this would be an unthinkable act of financial self-destruction today.
Ed Davis and David Green reacted
22/08/2022 9:02 pm
The 1958 Chevrolet must have been a money looser for GM, a complete restyle and then launched into a recession year with big drops in car sales.
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
22/08/2022 10:05 pm
The 1958 Chevrolet must have been a money looser for GM, a complete restyle and then launched into a recession year with big drops in car sales.
John, quite the contrary. Chevrolet sold almost 1.2 million cars in 1958 with Impala (it's 1st year) accounting for a hair over 15% of that. True, 1958 experienced a brief recession in the US economy resulting in sales dips among all domestic car manufactures (yet another reason for lack-luster Edsel sales) but GM did not lose money on anything. They simply made less profit.
23/08/2022 6:03 am
I was 18 years old in 1958 and a car crazy kid. When the 58 Chevys came out, I clearly remember people either loved them or hated them. The 58s were such a drastic change from the over whelming Ly popular 57s that most didn't expect such a dramatic change. I was one of the lovers of the new style and many years later bought an Impala hardtop. My 58 had the 348 four barrel engine with the Powerglide transmission.
John Kuvakas reacted