The 1950s marked a golden era for the American automotive industry, as post-war prosperity and a booming economy fueled a surge in car ownership and a fascination with automotive design.
In 1950, there were 25 million registered automobiles in the United States, and by 1958, that number had skyrocketed to 67 million.1 This decade saw the rise of iconic car models, technological advancements, and a thriving car culture that shaped American society.
Here are the 15 classic cars that defined this unforgettable decade.
1. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is the epitome of ’50s automotive style. With its distinctive tailfins, chrome accents, and two-tone paint schemes, the Bel Air turned heads wherever it went. It was available in a range of body styles, including a convertible, hardtop, and sedan.
- Powered by a range of V8 engines, including the legendary 283 cubic inch small-block V8
- Featured a stylish dashboard with a sweeping speedometer and chrome accents
- Sold over 702,000 units in 1957, making it one of the most popular cars of the decade
2. 1955 Ford Thunderbird
The 1955 Ford Thunderbird was Ford’s answer to the Chevrolet Corvette. This two-seater sports car combined sleek styling with powerful performance, making it an instant classic. The Thunderbird’s distinctive porthole windows and removable hardtop added to its unique charm.
The Thunderbird was powered by a 292 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 193 horsepower. It featured a stylish interior with a telescoping steering wheel and a tachometer mounted on the dashboard.
The Thunderbird sold over 16,000 units in its first year, far exceeding Ford’s expectations.
3. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado
The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado was the ultimate expression of luxury and excess in the ’50s. With its massive tailfins, chrome grille, and bullet-shaped taillights, the Eldorado was a true head-turner.
It was powered by a 390 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 345 horsepower.
- Featured a luxurious interior with leather seats, power windows, and air conditioning
- Had a unique “Autotronic Eye” that automatically dimmed the headlights when it sensed oncoming traffic
- Only 1,320 convertible Eldorados were produced in 1959, making them highly sought after by collectors today
4. 1958 Plymouth Fury
The 1958 Plymouth Fury was a true muscle car before the term was even coined. With its powerful V8 engine and aggressive styling, the Fury was a force to be reckoned with on the road.
It featured a unique “Forward Look” design with sweeping lines and massive tailfins.
The Fury was powered by a 350 cubic inch “Golden Commando” V8 engine that produced 305 horsepower. It had a stylish interior with a push-button transmission and a unique “Aero-Frame” windshield that wrapped around the sides of the car.
5. 1957 BMW 507
The 1957 BMW 507 was a sleek and stylish roadster that was ahead of its time. Designed by Albrecht von Goertz, the 507 featured a long hood, short deck, and a distinctive “kidney” grille that would become a BMW trademark. Only 252 units were produced between 1956 and 1959.
- Powered by a 3.2-liter V8 engine that produced 150 horsepower
- Featured a luxurious interior with leather seats and a wood-rimmed steering wheel
- Owned by celebrities such as Elvis Presley and Fred Astaire
6. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
The 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was a true engineering marvel. With its distinctive gullwing doors and sleek, aerodynamic body, the 300SL was unlike anything else on the road.
It was powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produced 215 horsepower.
The 300SL featured a tubular space frame chassis that made it incredibly lightweight and rigid. It had a top speed of 163 mph, making it the fastest production car of its time.
Only 1,400 Gullwings were produced between 1954 and 1963, making them highly collectible today.
7. 1955 Citroën DS
The 1955 Citroën DS was a revolutionary car that showcased French innovation and style. With its aerodynamic body, hydropneumatic suspension, and futuristic interior, the DS was a car ahead of its time.
It featured a unique single-spoke steering wheel and a dashboard that looked like something out of a science fiction movie.
- Powered by a 1.9-liter inline-four engine that produced 75 horsepower
- Featured a semi-automatic transmission that used hydraulic pressure to change gears
- Sold over 1.5 million units during its 20-year production run
8. 1958 Pontiac Bonneville
The 1958 Pontiac Bonneville was a true American classic. With its massive chrome grille, tailfins, and two-tone paint schemes, the Bonneville embodied the excess and optimism of the ’50s. It was powered by a 370 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 300 horsepower.
The Bonneville featured a luxurious interior with leather seats, power windows, and a “Wonder Bar” radio that automatically sought out stations. It also had a unique “Air-Cooled True-Contour Brakes” system that used air to cool the brakes during hard stops.
9. 1956 Porsche 356 Speedster
The 1956 Porsche 356 Speedster was a lightweight and nimble sports car that embodied the Porsche spirit. With its minimalist design, removable windshield, and bucket seats, the Speedster was built for performance.
It was powered by a 1.6-liter flat-four engine that produced 60 horsepower.
- Weighed just 1,700 pounds, making it incredibly agile and responsive
- Featured a 4-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drum brakes
- Became an icon of the California sports car scene in the ’50s and ’60s
10. 1959 Chevrolet Impala
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala was a true American icon. With its massive “bat wing” tailfins, cat-eye taillights, and expansive grille, the Impala was a car that commanded attention. It was available in a range of body styles, including a convertible, hardtop, and sedan.
The Impala was powered by a range of V8 engines, including the legendary 348 cubic inch “W-head” V8 that produced 320 horsepower. It featured a stylish interior with a “Flexomatic” six-way power seat and a dashboard that glowed in the dark.
11. 1950 Volkswagen Beetle
The 1950 Volkswagen Beetle was a humble car that would go on to become one of the most iconic vehicles of all time. With its simple, reliable design and affordable price, the Beetle was the perfect car for the post-war era.
It was powered by a 1.1-liter flat-four engine that produced just 30 horsepower.
- Featured a unique rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that maximized interior space
- Had a top speed of just 62 mph, but could achieve up to 32 miles per gallon
- Sold over 21 million units worldwide during its 65-year production run
12. 1956 Chrysler 300B
The 1956 Chrysler 300B was a true performance car that combined luxury with raw power. With its massive 354 cubic inch Hemi V8 engine that produced 340 horsepower, the 300B could outrun almost anything else on the road.
It featured a stylish interior with leather seats and a push-button transmission.
The 300B had a unique “Forward Look” design with tailfins and a distinctive grille that set it apart from other cars of the era. It also featured a heavy-duty suspension and brakes that made it a formidable performer on the track.
13. 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier
The 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier was a stylish and practical pickup truck that brought car-like comfort and convenience to the world of work vehicles. With its smooth-sided cargo bed, two-tone paint schemes, and chrome accents, the Cameo Carrier was a truck that turned heads.
- Powered by a 265 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 123 horsepower
- Featured a comfortable interior with a panoramic windshield and a radio
- Only 5,220 Cameo Carriers were produced in 1955, making them highly collectible today
14. 1958 Edsel Citation
The 1958 Edsel Citation was a car that aimed to bridge the gap between Ford and Mercury. With its unique “horse collar” grille, boomerang taillights, and push-button transmission, the Citation was a car that stood out from the crowd.
Unfortunately, it was also a commercial failure, with only 63,110 units sold in its first year.
The Citation was powered by a 410 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 345 horsepower. It featured a luxurious interior with a “Teletouch” push-button transmission and a rotating dome speedometer.
15. 1951 Studebaker Commander Starlight Coupe
The 1951 Studebaker Commander Starlight Coupe was a car that embodied the jet-age optimism of the early ’50s. With its bullet-nose front end, wraparound rear window, and sleek, aerodynamic body, the Starlight Coupe looked like something out of a science fiction movie. It was powered by a 232 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 120 horsepower.
- Featured a stylish interior with a “Cyclops Eye” speedometer and a dashboard that glowed in the dark
- Had a unique “hill holder” feature that prevented the car from rolling backward on steep inclines
- Sold over 66,000 units in 1951, making it one of Studebaker’s most popular models
The 1950s was a decade of innovation, style, and optimism in the automotive industry. Whether you’re a die-hard car enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of a bygone era, these 15 iconic cars are sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
