The 1958 Ford Custom 300 V8 represents a wonderful chapter in American motoring history, when bold styling, generous proportions and powerful V8 engines defined the cars of the era. Introduced as part of Ford’s extensively restyled 1958 passenger car range, the Custom 300 offered buyers an appealing combination of affordability, comfort and unmistakable American character. With its distinctive quad headlights, broad chrome grille, sweeping body lines and generous use of brightwork, the 1958 model captured the optimism and confidence of post-war America, when the family motor car was as much a statement of style as it was a means of transportation.

Beneath its imposing bonnet, Ford offered a choice of V8 engines, providing the effortless performance and relaxed cruising ability for which these American classics became renowned. Built using traditional body-on-frame construction, with a spacious cabin, comfortable bench seating and compliant suspension, the Custom 300 was designed to cover long distances with ease. Whether traveling along America’s expanding interstate highways or simply enjoying a Sunday afternoon drive, these cars delivered a driving experience that was smooth, comfortable and wonderfully characteristic of the 1950s. The unmistakable sound of a Ford V8 only adds to the nostalgic appeal.

Today, the 1958 Ford Custom 300 V8 is a particularly appealing choice for enthusiasts seeking an authentic American classic without the extravagance of some of the more highly appointed models of the period. Its distinctive styling, substantial road presence and mechanical simplicity make it both an enjoyable collector’s car and a wonderful reminder of a bygone era. With their generous dimensions, gleaming chrome and unmistakable 1950s personality, these Fords attract attention wherever they go. For those who appreciate the golden age of American motoring, few experiences are quite as satisfying as taking to the open road behind the wheel of a genuine 1950s Ford V8.

It’s no mystery that American car manufacturers were expecting something of a sales celebration in 1958, at least when their new model line-ups were being conceived. The late 1950s represented the height of American automotive extravagance, with manufacturers competing to produce increasingly elaborate designs, generously adorned with chrome, sweeping bodywork and space-age styling influences. The 1958 Ford was certainly no exception, building upon the successful 1957 design with additional brightwork, distinctive quad headlights and styling cues inspired by the glamorous Ford Thunderbird.

The Ford Custom 300 was an interesting proposition within the Ford range, offering attractive, refined styling without quite the extravagance of its more expensive stablemates. Nevertheless, there was nothing particularly modest about its appearance or accommodation. With its generous proportions, tasteful brightwork and spacious, comfortable interior, the Custom 300 delivered everything buyers had come to expect from a proper American family motor car. Powered by Ford’s dependable V8 engine, coupled with an automatic transmission, these cars offered effortless performance, abundant torque and the wonderfully relaxed driving characteristics that made American automobiles of this period so appealing.

This particular 1958 Ford Custom 300 V8 is a beautifully presented, fully restored example with the added distinction of being a genuine New Zealand-new vehicle, first registered here on 1 April 1958. Having travelled just 18,000 miles since its restoration, it remains in excellent overall order and presents as a particularly attractive example of the model. Its striking two-tone colour scheme, gleaming chrome and beautifully appointed interior combine to create a classic American motor car that looks every bit as impressive today as it would have nearly seven decades ago.

Vehicle Highlights & Features

• NZ NEW! First registered in New Zealand on 1 April 1958.
• Original Certificate of Registration available, providing an important connection to the vehicle’s early history.
• Fully restored and certified, with the quality of its presentation clearly evident throughout.
• Only 18,000 miles traveled since restoration.
• Powered by a smooth Ford V8 engine, delivering that unmistakable American V8 driving experience.
• Automatic transmission, providing effortless, relaxed cruising.
• Beautifully presented in a striking two-tone red and white colour scheme, wonderfully suited to the period.
• Excellent body presentation, with straight panels and no obvious evidence of rust.
• Very nice paintwork, displaying an attractive finish and excellent overall appearance.
• Bright, shiny chrome and stainless trim, complementing the car’s distinctive 1950s styling.
• Beautifully presented, spacious and comfortable interior, offering the generous accommodation for which these American classics are renowned.
• Attractive original-style dashboard and period detailing, adding to the authentic driving experience.
• A particularly smooth and enjoyable motor car to drive, with plenty of V8 torque and relaxed road manners.
• Runs and drives beautifully, reflecting the care and attention this vehicle has received.
• An excellent example of Ford’s late-1950s styling, combining unmistakable American character with everyday driving comfort.

A Wonderful Reminder of American Motoring’s Golden Era

There is something undeniably appealing about a genuine 1950s American V8, particularly one that has been restored and maintained to such a pleasing standard. The Custom 300 offers much of the visual presence and driving enjoyment associated with the more extravagant American models of the period, while retaining a certain understated elegance of its own. Its substantial proportions, beautiful chrome detailing and wonderfully smooth V8 performance make it an ideal classic for weekend outings, club events or simply enjoying the open road.

Finding an example with such attractive presentation is one thing, but finding one with a genuine New Zealand-new history, its original registration documentation and relatively modest mileage since restoration adds considerably to its appeal.

A beautifully restored, wonderfully nostalgic American classic that looks superb, drives beautifully and captures everything we love about the fabulous Fifties.

The appeal of a 1958 Ford Custom 300 V8 extends well beyond the motor car itself. Owning one is as much about embracing a lifestyle as it is about collecting classic vehicles. These big American cars evoke memories of a wonderfully nostalgic era of rock ’n’ roll, drive-in movies, diners, jukeboxes and endless summer evenings spent cruising with family and friends. Today, that spirit remains very much alive through a passionate community of American car enthusiasts, with regular cruises, hot rod gatherings, car hops, themed events and classic American car shows providing countless opportunities to enjoy these wonderful machines. There is something particularly satisfying about joining a procession of gleaming American classics, enjoying the unmistakable rumble of a V8 and being part of a motoring culture that celebrates individuality, friendship and the simple pleasure of driving.

From a collector’s perspective, the market for 1950s American automobiles continues to attract enthusiasts who appreciate their distinctive character, historical significance and increasingly nostalgic appeal. While the more flamboyant and expensive models often command the headlines, cars such as the Ford Custom 300 represent an appealing alternative, offering much of the same ownership experience without necessarily attracting the premiums associated with the more prestigious nameplates. Well-restored examples with documented histories are particularly desirable, especially in New Zealand, where finding good, locally delivered survivors is becoming increasingly difficult. Ultimately, these cars are not simply about financial investment or future appreciation; they are about investing in enjoyment, memories and a lifestyle that modern motoring seldom replicates. For those who have always dreamed of owning a big American V8, the real reward is not merely having one in the garage, but getting out and enjoying everything that comes with it.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.