It’s interesting to watch enthusiasts’ tastes change over the years as the demographics change throughout the hobby. But one car that has remained entirely consistent in its desirability is the 1958 Chevrolet. This striking one-year-only design seems to appeal to an extremely broad segment of the hobby and unlike their older siblings, we’re seeing the ’58 Chevys get more valuable each year. What makes them special? It’s probably a combination of the styling, which looks like a 7/8-scale Cadillac, and the universal appeal of small block V8 power. Whatever the case, I will say that I have driven very few cars that attract as many waves, thumbs-up, and friendly horn-honks when I’m out on the road with this 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air. Everybody loves this car.

Subject to a frame-off restoration about four years ago, this handsome two-tone Bel Air 2-door is a cool alternative to all the over-dressed Impalas out there. The colors, Anniversary Gold and Aztec Silver, were both on the color chart for 1958, and they give this big coupe a glamorous look that will stand out anywhere it goes. The cowl tag says it was originally Anniversary Gold, but the addition of a two-tone combination makes it look that much more ornate—after all, isn’t that the point of driving a ‘50s luxury car? There’s a lot of money invested in the final finish, because the car shows great gaps, doors that swing open easily and latch cleanly, and a giant hood that doesn’t need to be slammed to close tightly. There’s a sharp line between the colors, cleverly disguised right at the peak of the front fender opening where it won’t be noticed. There might be a few minor signs of use here and there, but the car looks great from any angle and just glows in the sunlight thanks to a bit of metallic in both the gold and silver finishes.

You also know that chrome is kind of a big deal on anything from the 1950s, particularly anything born in 1958, and this Chevy is no exception. Fortunately, they didn't skimp on the chrome plating budget, and all the brightwork is in excellent condition, from the highly ornate grille made up of hundreds of individual pieces to the delicate ornaments atop the front fenders to the cool C-pillar trim to the unique taillight housings in back. The 'Chevrolet' and 'Bel Air' script emblems are crisp and the V-shaped trim on the nose and trunk signify that there's a V8 living inside (we believe the rear emblem is original, as it is the only piece showing some light pitting). Beautiful stainless trim runs down the sides of the car, highlighting the neo-fins growing from the quarter panels and providing a clean dividing line between the two colors. Even the neat little rings on the quarters just ahead of the rear bumper were refinished properly. Have a look at this car—take a close look at just how much trim there really is—and you know it was impossible to scrimp in this area. It's fantastic.

The interior was restored to match the cowl tag with code 846 Gold cloth and vinyl upholstery. Offset with off-white inserts, it has a very tasteful and upscale look, and even though everything is brand new, it was wrapped in a set of period plastic seat covers. We left them in place to preserve everything and people do respond to that kind of nostalgic look, so you might keep them in place. New carpets, correct reproduction door panels, and a dashboard painted to match the bodywork tie everything together quite neatly. The steering wheel was refinished to match and all the gauges are fully operational save for the odometer, which seems to have been reset to 0 when the car was restored but it isn't keeping track of mileage. There's also an original Wonder Bar AM radio in the dash, and not only is it fully operational, but it has an FM converter inside which also works with the Wonder Bar feature, so no more hunting for a station when you're out of town. The back seat is as spacious as you'd expect and all the windows wind up and down effortlessly, another hallmark of a careful restorer. The trunk isn't quite correct, but it's very nicely done with a custom floor mat with Bowtie emblem and side panels that match the interior. There's also a full-sized spare tire assembly and a correct jack. Better still, you'll find no nasty surprises waiting for you underneath the mat—this car is exceptionally clean!

Power comes from a freshly rebuilt 283 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor, more than enough to make the Bel Air feel energetic out on the road. It starts quickly and easily, idles well, and has an authoritative voice thanks to a fresh dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers. It's neatly detailed as well, with proper Chevrolet script valve covers, a factory air cleaner, and correct hoses and clamps used throughout. The only notable deviation from OEM specs is a modern alternator, but that's a smart upgrade and easy to change if you want it 100% correct. New wiring, a big radiator, and refinished exhaust manifolds all help make this a car that you can own and display with pride.

The chassis shows the results of the frame-off restoration, offering ultra-clean floors, lots of new hardware, and no signs of previous trouble. The 2-speed PowerGlide transmission shifts cleanly and with what we believe to be 3.36 gears out back, it's a superlative highway cruiser (in fact, we've driven this car long distances at highway speeds and find it to be among the best we've had). The floors are original and not patched or replaced, the rockers are completely solid, and all the factory support braces and seams are razor-sharp. As we mentioned, the exhaust system is brand new and sounds great, while the front suspension and brakes have been rebuilt so it rides and stops like it should. There's a new gas tank out back, new shocks at all four corners, and fresh 205/75/14 wide whitewall radials on factory wheels for a correct look but improved behavior on today's streets.

There's a very good reason why 55-56-57 Chevy prices are cooling but the '58s keep going up in value, and it's because there's simply nothing else like it. Great road manners, plenty of power, and stunning good looks make this car a winner today just as it was in 1958. If you're not looking for a garden-variety red or turquoise Impala, this high-quality gold and silver Bel Air coupe has a great deal to offer. Call today!