Hey Ho Caballero! 1958 Buick Estate Wagon
I have often wondered what “Caballero” meant. Until now, I guess I was too lazy to look it up. Meriam-Webster defines it as “Knight, Cavalier; Chiefly Southwestern U.S, Horseman“. I can associate a ’58 Buick with a lot of different things but knights and horsemen don’t immediately come to mind. Considering the ton of stainless trim hung on this rig it looks more like “Flamboyant from Flint” than anything from the Tex-Mex border. Unfortunately, this what was, at one time, a visually remarkable 1958 Buick Century Caballero station wagon has seen better days. Though it’s sadly forlorn, let’s look it over anyway. Calling Georgetown, Texas home, this big Buick is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $3,169 with the reserve not yet met.
Digging a bit deeper, we find that this unusual four-door hardtop wagon is actually known as a Buick model 69 Caballero Estate Wagon, riding on a 122-inch wheelbase. The Classic Car Database claims that this is one of only 1,050 assembled in ’58 and I know over the years that I rarely recall spying one – it’s hard to miss!
Besides the obvious, the missing B-pillar, a body style usually not associated with a station wagon, the stainless steel trim, and in particular, that checked grille is just over the top. I cannot imagine what that must have cost in development and assembly expense. I don’t really find it that attractive, but it’s one of those things where you just can’t look away – it’s busy! The rear bumper has always been an attention-getter, the dagmars usually go on the front, not the back. While there is a lot of obvious surface rust as a result of sun-induced burn-through, there is some perforation occurring in the lower rear driver’s side door, and maybe the passenger side rocker. But really, the body all-in-all shows as being reasonably solid – though I would like to take a look at the underside and frame. Of course, there is some notable rot in the roof line above the driver’s side doors – that could be a tough one to remedy. Anyway, what’s a more ’50s hue than Buick Reef Coral, AKA pink? Most of it is still visible, but the remarkable item is the seller’s statement, “All of the rare Caballero trim and parts are intact and come with the car (one thin piece on the driver’s side rear is not attached, but I have it)“. I would have assumed that a lot of that would have been poached years ago.
OK, I’ll say it and get it out of the way, “Put an LS in it!”. Well, it’s gonna need something, the original 300 gross HP, 364 CI “nailhead” V8, and its Dynaflow automatic transmission are MIA. Based on the underhood visuals, and all of the scale in particular, I’d say the engine beat feet a long time ago.
The interior is pretty well cooked and it does look like it did get Caballeroed. That hot southwestern sun has reduced the upholstery to crubbage and hasn’t left much of value. The original tiller is still in place but it looks like an applied death grip would reduce it to pieces. The seat frame is all that’s left of the rear passenger area and the way back is showing signs of sun, heat, and water intrusion. Unfortunately, it will likely be a blow-it-all-up and start-all-over-again project – and there’s a lot of inside here to contend with.
The seller suggests, “Perfect for a restoration or unique hot rod“. That’s a sort of left-brain/right-brain argument, they’re vastly different approaches, with some overlap, but what other options are there? A car like this, in my estimation, should be restored to stock but it’s a lot easier for me to sit here and write that than to actually pull it off. Its “world’s greatest extrovert” bearing is just so representative of the late ’50s, an automotive era that will never remotely be repeated, that it would seem a shame to hack this one up into some sort of half-baked rod. But even that fate would be better than sending it to the crusher and having it come back has a half-dozen KIAs. This is a tough one, what would you recommend?
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Comments
Although these wagons are hot? I’d take the $100 grand it would take to rebuild this Buick, and buy 4 or 5 Ford Country Squires. Just me, though.
Great observation, truer woods have never been spoken. I was at the Iola car show a couple weeks ago and saw very nicely restored “58 Buick, Pontiac and Olds wagons.
I love everything about the looks other than that hideous front end. I had a 58 Pontiac Bonneville tri power convertible that was just about as ugly. I saw a 1957 Caballero that was rodded about ten years ago, red and black with a red interior, it was a sharp car.
I’m going totally Rat on this one, 500 cu. in. big block with the largest blower money can buy, leave the hood off, tub the rearend, drop the frontend, paint the entire vehicle flat black, bumpers and all, stainless steel dash and bare bones race themed interior and 2 seats. Paint the name Vooo-doood down the side and go rollin! Oh one more thing—needs an “I’m the only hell my mama ever raised” front plate!
“Caballero”-the Spanish speaking ranch hands always referred that name to a cowboy around these parts..
With that segue, someone should “cowboy up” and put their own brand on this old hoss, either like Cooter is talking about or back to stock and drive it everywhere. The kids today for the most part think of a Buick as some cute little CUV German Opel import and not the history marking land yacht this monster is!
When decently done,( excluding RAT),
These are iconic special interest cars. $120k in and you will have a million smiles comin’your way wherever you go. Well worth it I believe!
“Attack of the Patina Monster”; coming soon to a theater near you!
Whatever the reserve is, they’re not gonna get it.
As a Ford guy, I do have a few gm favorites, and the 58 Buick is one, especially the Caballero, I’d love to have one. Except for the sucker punch in the right front, this one looks fairly straight, although there could be some hidden nasties underneath. The interior is cooked, but nothing beyond repair. Never mind the restomod, or LS crap, I would source the correct motor and trans, or at least something period correct, and make it what it once was. That’s what I would do. If I was 30 years younger, that’s what I would do. But I’m sure it’ll be destroyed.
There are some things which, once seen, can never be forgotten. No matter how hard one tries. But I will keep trying.
You do that
Too late your eyeballs are seared, You will never forget it! Muahaha
While I despise new vehicles and the stupid prices people pay for them, this old girl is shot. If you chose to rechrome every piece, it would be $25,000 easy for good triple plating. I was 2 years old in 1958 and my dad drove a 55 Ford that always broke down.
Far too scarce NOT to restore, IMHO. These are well over $100K restored, and if done in it’s original color of reef coral, it would be a stunner! No resto-mod, either!! 364 nailhead V8s can be found, as well as a tranny. Spare no expense in bringing it back to life, and you will have the center of attention at any and all car shows!!
I grew up in Arizona and was taught Caballero
(cah-ball-yero) meant a Mexican cowboy or a
gentleman.
Just outside Phoenix in Wickenburg AZ is the famous Caballero Ranch.
This, once restored would make a great shuttle for guests and dignitaries…
Keep it all Buick with a dual quad 425 cubic inch nailhead.
Please, somebody restore this to it’s former glory! American history right here!
When this jewel came off the line, I was seven years old.
In my opinion, fix any cancer, and dings, restore those repaired areas to math the current patina, rebuild the chassis, find a nail head and trans, rebuild them, brakes, fuel, electrical and do a decent job inside. Modify the fuel system to injection and a cold a/c and drive it.
Would be a conversation piece anywhere you went. If I didn’t have so many projects going on (1977 Dodge Power Wagon and a 1949 International KB2) I would seriously consider it.
The utimate-in-excess wagon! I wonder if it weighs even more than a ’74 with the 5 mph bumpers.
Buick is still around – why can’t they make the equivalent of an LS using 1 of THEIR past powerful v8s?
I’m a Olds guy- But I love this Buick- I’d probably do a newer 350 Buick, TH400 with a GearVendor overdrive
When this jewel came off the line, I was seven years old.
In my opinion, fix any cancer, and dings, restore those repaired areas to math the current patina, rebuild the chassis, find a nail head and trans, rebuild them, brakes, fuel, electrical and do a decent job inside. Modify the fuel system to injection and a cold a/c and drive it.
Would be a conversation piece anywhere you went. If I didn’t have so many projects going on (1977 Dodge Power Wagon and a 1949 International KB2) I would seriously consider it.
This car is totally awesome! Matter of fact – I’m getting to the point where ALMOST ANY CLASSIC car is AWESOME! I struggle to find any “new car “ even remotely desirable. This’58 Buick Caballero is a perfect example of a truly great/rare classic that really does need to be at least “considered “ for a total original restoration! LOTS of cars to choose from now. I think I would want to have something different…. Like this one. Great article.
P.S. – Here in Southern California, there are SO MANY Teslas running around, that it’s reminding me of the 1990’s – where everywhere you look – “ there goes another Toyota Corolla ! “. Just sayin’, I WANT SOMETHING DIFFERENT. Build me a car I can really LOVE………. like this one.
You can’t go wrong here. I bought one of these back in the 80s in yellow and white. I drove away from the original owners family. The one here is a doer. mine needs a few trim items replaced but I don’t care. This car could be fun. My has always ran perfectly. I have a very nice working extra engine and transmission just in case. All the body parts can be sourced from a standard Century 4 door hardtop. Rockers are typically rusted and are dirt cheap and easily installed. My car was from the dry west and still had rust in the rockers. Floorplan are reproduced and easy. Great color here. Buy this one and just buy a running Century four door and this becomes a number 3 turn key super fun driver. Luckily mine was a fully optioned one as the original owner went all out by adding power windows, seats, ac, dimmer and so on. Mine also had air ride which the original owner had changed out in 1962. Good luck to the next owner of this ole gal, which will likely be on a foreign shore. I originally wanted a 56 Nomad but fell in love with these and these Caballeros and Fiestas were pennies in great condition compared to ragged out Nomads back then. Love it! glad to see it has survived and will get another chance as production was just around 5 thousand units and rust and being outdated sent most to junk pile by the early 70s.
My father owned a Special Estate Wagon. Color makes a difference with all that chrome. He ordered it with a gray bottom and white top. That combination toned down the chrome. Red and white interior. Quite a different car from his
’62 Invicta wagon. Harley Earl to Bill Mitchell.
This is most definitely, a classic, a true piece of GM history, when GM automobiles Ruled!! This 58 deserves to be Returned, to its former Glory,
for all the world to see, respect, learn from and enjoy 👍
Just last night, I was reviewing an insert, included with the most recent AACA Club magazine, it Is titled the Zenith Award…The Zenith Award, Is a highly coveted award, erfor the Best of The Best, and the Winners from 2017 thru 2022, along with the Runner Up automobiles were shown…Out of All of the most awesome Contenders, of the automobiles entered from
those years, the ‘Winner in 2020’ , was an absolutely gorgeous 1958 Buick Century Caballero…Imagine having Two 1958 Caballero’s at an AACA, or a Buick Club of America Annual Event, in the der near future!?
What happened to all the cars in 1958!!!
They are all heavy overweight with 500 pounds of chrome…and that’s just the bumpers!
And yes, they all need preservation just to amaze future generations that such things existed.