The volume Cadillacs were heavily facelifted for 1958 in a manner typical of GM that year. Perhaps the most
garish Caddys yet, they were laden with chrome and far less stylish than previous postwar models. Sales were
poor, though a nationwide recession was probably more to blame than the baroque styling, which was, after all,
in vogue. At 121,778 units, model year production was lower than at any time since 1954. Symbolizing the fall
in fortunes was a V-8 slightly detuned in a faint nod toward fuel economy, limited to a single 310-bhp version
for all models.
Forecasting the future, DeVille became a 62 sub-series for '58, and pillared sedans were temporarily
eliminated. The 62 line also gained a hardtop sedan with extended rear deck. All models were available with
cruise control, high-pressure cooling system, two-speaker radio with automatic signal-seeking, and automatic
parking brake release. A special show Eldorado introduced a "thinking" convertible top that raised itself and the
side windows when a sensor detected raindrops, but this was another gimmick that came to nothing.
SERIES 62
Cadillacs for 1958 were basically carryover models with a facelift on all but the Brougham. There was a new
grille featuring multiple round "cleats" at the intersection of horizontal and vertical members. The grille insert
was wider and the bumper guards were positioned lower to the parking lamps. New quad (dual) headlamps were
seen throughout all lines and small chrome fins decorated front fenders. Tailfins were a bit less pronounced and
trim attachments were revised. The word Cadillac appeared, in block letters, on the fins of Series 62 base
models. On the sides of the cars there were five longer horizontal windsplits ahead of the unskirted rear wheel
housings; front fender horizontal moldings with crests placed above at the trailing edge and no rocker sill trim.
The convertible, Coupe DeVille, and Sedan DeVille used solid metal trim on the lower half of the conical
projectile flares, while other models had a thin ridge molding in the same location. On 62 Eldorados a V-shaped
ornament and model identification script were mounted to the deck lid. The two luxury Cadillacs also had ten
vertical chevron slashes ahead of the open rear wheel housings and crest medallions on the flanks of tailfins.
Broad, sculptured beauty panels decorated the lower rear quarters on Eldorados and extended around the wheel
opening to stretch along the body sills. Standard equipment was the same as the previous year. All-new was an
extended deck Series sedan, which was 8.5 inches longer than other base models.
I. D. NUMBERS
Serial numbers now used a three symbol prefix.
The first pair of numerical symbols "58" designated model year.
A one-letter alphabetical code (included as part of model number in charts below) indicated model and
series.
Each prefix was followed by the consecutive unit number which started at 000001 and up.
The serial number was located at the front of the lefthand frame side bar.
Motor serial numbers again matched and were found on the center lefthand side of the block above the oil
pan.
Model Number
Body Style
Doors
Model
Seating
Factory
Price
Shipping Weight
Production Total
58K-62
6239(X)
4-door
Hardtop Sedan
6
4891
4675
13,335
58K-62
6239(X)
-
Export Sedan
6
4891
4675
204
58N-62
6239E(X)
-
Extended Deck Sedan
6
5079
4770
20,952
58L-62
6239EDX
4-door
Sedan DeVille
6
5497
4855
23,989
58G-62
6237(X)
2-door
Hardtop Coupe
6
4784
4630
18,736
58J-62
6237DX
2-door
Coupe DeVille
6
5231
4705
18,414
58F-62
6267X
2-door
Convertible Coupe
6
5454
4845
7,825
58-62
62
-
Chassis only
-
-
-
1
NOTES:
The export sedan was shipped in CKD form to foreign countries.
The symbol "X", in brackets after Body Style Number, indicates power windows and seat optional; without
brackets indicates these features standard.
Style Number 6239E(X) is the new Extended Deck Sedan.
ENGINE
V-8 Overhead valves
Cast iron block
Displacement: 365 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.625 inches
Compression ratio: 10.25:1
Brake horsepower: 310 at 4800 rpm
Five main bearings
Hydraulic valve lifters
Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 2862S.
CHASSIS
Model
Wheelbase
Overall Length
Front Tread
Rear
Tread
Tires
Series 62 58K
129.5"
216.8"
61"
61"
8.00 x 15
blackwall
Series 62 58G, 58J, & 58F
129.5"
221.8"
61"
61"
8.00 x
15 blackwall
Series 62 58N & 58L
129.5"
225.3"
61"
61"
8.00 x 15
blackwall
POWERTRAIN OPTIONS
The 335 horsepower Eldorado engine with triple two barrel carburetion was used on all Eldorados as standard
equipment. This engine was also optional for all other Cadillacs.
CONVENIENCE ACCESSORIES
Radio with antenna and rear speaker ($164)
Automatic heating system ($129)
Posture seat adjuster ($81)
Six-Way seat adjuster ($103)
Power window regulators ($108)
E-Z-Eye Glass ($46)
Fog lamps ($41)
Automatic headlamp beam control ($48)
Five (5) sabre spoke wheels ($350)
White sidewall 8.20 x 15 four-ply tires ($55)
Gold finish grille ($27)
Four-door door guards ($7)
Two-door door guards ($4)
Remote control trunk lock ($43)
License plate frame ($8)
Air conditioning ($474)
Eldorado engine in lower models ($134)
Air suspension ($214)
Electric door locks on coupes ($35); on sedans ($57)