Auto Prices: Up & Down

The first tip on 1959 auto prices rolled out last week from Buick. It boosted lowest price models by $63, lopped $491 off its top-price line. But the prices were not strictly comparable to last year's because Buick completely changed all its cars, and some of the '59s will carry 1958 extras as standard equipment, e.g., acrylic lacquer finish that General Motors says retains 75% of its original sheen after a year's exposure to the sun.

At the bottom of Buick's line, the new two-door Le Sabre will sell for $2,485 at the factory with taxes, freight, etc. added. v. $2,422 for the comparable though six inches shorter 1958 two-door Buick Special. The middle price Invicta and Electra lines will generally carry smaller increases over the discontinued 1958 Century and Super lines. The highest-price Electra 225 four-door hardtop will go for $3,895 v. $4,396 for the 1958 four-door Limited hardtop. Gone are all five 1958 models that Buick sold in the old $4,000-plus Roadmaster and Limited class.

This week Chrysler Corp. will show off its 1959 DeSoto, a face-lifted model with a new grille and more of the Chrysler Imperial cast than the '58s. Though Chrysler did not reveal the price because the DeSoto will not roll out of the showrooms for another month, Detroit insiders said most automakers will follow Buick's lead: some decreases and some small increases.

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