1958 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door Catalina Hardtop
Price New
I couldn't find the exact price of the **1958 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door Catalina Hardtop** in the UK. However, considering the price in the US was around **$2,961**, it would have likely been priced higher in the UK due to import duties, taxes, and other factors.
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Value
In 2025, the value of a **1958 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door Catalina Hardtop** in the UK can vary depending on its condition. On average, a well-maintained example is worth around **£20,000 to £30,000**. However, prices can range from **£15,000** for cars in fair condition to **£40,000** for exceptionally well-preserved or rare models.
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Rivals
The main rivals of the **1958 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door Catalina Hardtop** in the US included other full-size luxury cars of that era. Here are some approximate new prices for those rivals:
- **1958 Chevrolet Bel Air**: Around **$2,608**
- **1958 Ford Galaxie**: Around **$2,700**
- **1958 Chrysler New Yorker**: Around **$3,100**
- **1958 Buick Roadmaster**: Around **$3,200**
These prices give you an idea of the competitive landscape for luxury cars in 1958.
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Pontiac Specifications
Production Total
The **1958 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door Catalina Hardtop** had a production total of **21,455 units**.
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Trim Levels
The **1958 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door Catalina Hardtop** was available in several trim levels, including:
1. **Chieftain**: The base trim level, offering standard features and a comfortable ride.
2. **Super Chief**: A mid-range trim with additional luxury and performance features.
3. **Star Chief**: An upscale trim with more premium features and styling.
4. **Bonneville**: The top-of-the-line trim, featuring the most luxurious amenities and powerful engine options.
Each trim level provided a range of options and features to suit different preferences and budgets.
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Generations
The **Pontiac Super Chief 4-door Catalina Hardtop** was part of the **Pontiac Catalina** series, which had multiple generations from **1950 to 1981**. However, the **Super Chief** name was specifically used as a trim level within the **Pontiac Chieftain** series in **1958**.
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Designer/Dimensions
The **1958 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door Catalina Hardtop** was designed by **Harley Earl**, who was the head of GM's design department at the time. He played a significant role in shaping the styling of many classic Pontiac models.
As for its dimensions, here are the key measurements:
- **Length**: 215.5 inches (5,474 mm)
- **Width**: 77.4 inches (1,966 mm)
- **Height**: 57 inches (1,448 mm)
- **Wheelbase**: 124 inches (3,150 mm)
- **Curb Weight**: Approximately 3,748 lbs (1,716 kg)
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COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The **1958 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door Catalina Hardtop** had several common faults reported by owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
1. **Electrical Problems**: Issues with the electrical system, including faulty wiring and malfunctioning gauges.
2. **Engine Issues**: Problems with the engine, such as oil leaks, overheating, and difficulty starting.
3. **Transmission Problems**: Transmission issues, including rough shifting and difficulty engaging gears.
4. **Suspension Wear**: Worn-out suspension components, leading to a bouncy ride and poor handling.
5. **Brake System**: Issues with the brake system, including worn brake pads and rotors, and problems with the brake master cylinder.
6. **HVAC System**: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) problems, including issues with the heater core and blower motor.
7. **Body Rust**: Rust and corrosion, particularly in areas prone to moisture and road salt.
8. **Fuel System**: Problems with the fuel system, including fuel pump failures and fuel leaks.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help mitigate these issues and keep your classic car running smoothly.
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Engine
The **1958 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door Catalina Hardtop** offered several engine options, including:
1. **370 cubic inch (6.1 L) V8**: This engine was available with different configurations:
- **2-barrel carburetor**: Producing **255 horsepower** (187.68 kW) at 4,500 RPM.
- **4-barrel carburetor**: Producing **285 horsepower** (209.76 kW) at 4,600 RPM.
- **Fuel Injection**: An option that provided **330 horsepower** (246.6 kW) at 5,200 RPM.
These engine options provided a range of performance levels to suit different driving preferences.
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Performance
The **1958 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door Catalina Hardtop** offered impressive performance for its time. Here are the key performance specifications:
### **Engine Options and Performance**
1. **370 cubic inch (6.1 L) V8**:
- **2-barrel carburetor**: Producing **255 horsepower** (187.68 kW) at 4,500 RPM.
- **4-barrel carburetor**: Producing **285 horsepower** (209.76 kW) at 4,600 RPM.
- **Fuel Injection**: An option that provided **330 horsepower** (246.6 kW) at 5,200 RPM.
### **Other Performance Features**
- **Top Speed**: Approximately **120 mph (193 km/h)**.
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately **10 seconds**.
These specifications made the Super Chief a powerful and capable vehicle, especially for a full-size luxury car in the late 1950s.
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Rivals
Here's a quick overview of the performance offered by the main rivals of the **1958 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door Catalina Hardtop**:
| **Model** | **Engine** | **Horsepower** | **Torque** | **0-60 mph** | **Top Speed** |
|--------------------------|---------------------------|----------------|--------------------|--------------|---------------|
| **1958 Chevrolet Bel Air** | 283 cubic inch (4.6 L) V8 | 185 hp | 230 lb-ft | 9.5 seconds | 120 mph |
| **1958 Ford Galaxie** | 352 cubic inch (5.8 L) V8 | 300 hp | 370 lb-ft | 8.0 seconds | 130 mph |
| **1958 Chrysler New Yorker** | 392 cubic inch (6.4 L) V8 | 375 hp | 420 lb-ft | 7.5 seconds | 135 mph |
| **1958 Buick Roadmaster** | 364 cubic inch (5.9 L) V8 | 300 hp | 400 lb-ft | 8.0 seconds | 130 mph |
These cars offered a range of performance options, from the more powerful V8 engines in the Ford Galaxie and Chrysler New Yorker to the solid performance of the Chevrolet Bel Air and Buick Roadmaster.
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Racing
The **1958 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door Catalina Hardtop** wasn't specifically designed for racing, but its powerful performance and solid build made it a popular choice for **drag racing** and **road racing** events among car enthusiasts. While it wasn't a dedicated race car, its combination of luxury and performance allowed it to perform well in competitive driving scenarios.
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