13 Old Cars With the Coolest Tailfins

Step back into the 1950s and ’60s, when tailfins, or “wide wings”, dominated the American car scene. Inspired by the era’s obsession with aviation and the space race, these fins weren’t just for show. Sure, they added a touch of elegance and an air of speed, but they also offered a slight boost in stability and aerodynamics.

As designers like GM’s Harley Earl pushed the boundaries of style, tailfins came to symbolize the cutting-edge of automotive technology. It was a time of economic prosperity, where bigger and bolder designs were all the rage.

Here’s 13 of our most favorite vintage cars that had the coolest tailfins.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado

Check out the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado if you’re into vintage cars with a flair for the dramatic. This ride stands out with tailfins that are not just large but iconic, measuring about 42 inches tall. Designed by Bill Mitchell, the Eldorado features a luxurious look complete with chrome accents and dual bullet tail lights. Under the hood, it packs a 6.4-liter V8 engine delivering 345 horsepower and 435 lb-ft of torque.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is a true American classic. Known for its chrome-laden exterior and tailfins, the Bel Air also boasts a strong engine lineup, including the notable 4.6-liter V8 with fuel injection, producing 283 horsepower. Available in various models—from the lightweight 2-door sedan to the roomier Nomad Wagon—this car provided options for everyone, whether you needed speed or space for the whole family.

1957 DeSoto Adventurer

This limited-edition model was part of a brief production run from 1956 to 1960, making each Adventurer a highly sought-after collectible today. As a member of Chrysler’s esteemed lineup, DeSoto was known for its mid-priced to high-end vehicles, and the Adventurer was no exception.

This model not only offered impressive performance but also came with the prestige of being a part of a brand that, sadly, would end production just a year after the Adventurer’s run concluded in 1960.

1957 Imperial Crown

Check out the 1957 Imperial Crown, Chrysler’s luxury flagship that really knows how to make an entrance. This car stands out with its “gun sight” taillights and stylish tailfins. Up front, the grille and quad headlights set a commanding tone. It’s powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, offering 325 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, promising powerful performance.

Inside, you’ll find a luxe environment decked out in leather, genuine wood trim, and plush carpeting, ensuring every drive is as comfortable as it is impressive.

1961 Cadillac Series 62

Dive into the sophistication of the 1961 Cadillac Series 62, a symbol of luxury from an era of refined automotive design. This model features subtler tailfins and a broader, lower grille that aligns with the early ’60s styling trends.

Whether you choose the coupe, sedan, or convertible, each version comes with a powerful 325-hp 6.4-liter V8 engine that puts out 430 lb-ft of torque, blending performance with elegance. The Series 62 offers a variety of body styles, including both 2-door and 4-door options, catering to diverse preferences with its classic Cadillac charm.

1959 Pontiac Bonneville

Imagine cruising in the 1959 Pontiac Bonneville, a full-size vehicle that came in styles ranging from 2-door hardtop coupes to station wagons. The Bonneville also featured a large fin that enhanced its broad stance.

This model introduced Pontiac’s “Wide-Track” design, which widened the distance between the wheels, boosting stability and giving the car a more assertive look. Under the hood, a 300-hp 6.4-liter V8 engine paired with a finely tuned suspension and dual exhaust system made the Bonneville a joy to drive.

1959 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

Take a seat in the 1959 Lincoln Continental Mark IV, a car whose size is as grand as its style. This luxury sedan was loved for its roomy interior, complete with “suicide” rear doors and premium finishes like leather, wood trim, and deep-pile carpeting.

It was decked out with some of the finest features of the ’50s, including an advanced AM radio, power windows, air conditioning, and power seats, all considered top-tier at the time. Powering this impressive vehicle was a 7.0-liter MEL V8 engine that delivered 350 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, ensuring performance matched its posh look.

1958 Buick Limited

Step back to 1958 and meet the Buick Limited, a standout with its lavish design highlighted by tailfins and taillights, true icons of ’50s luxury. This car’s long body is generously adorned with chrome, leading your gaze straight to its expansive front grille.

It’s powered by a 6.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 300 horsepower. This powertrain, coupled with Buick’s smooth “Flight Pitch Dynaflow” transmission, ensures a drive as plush as its looks suggest.

1960 Ford Thunderbird

The 1960 Ford Thunderbird refined the art of American car design with its less pronounced, more sophisticated wings. This model features a lower, broader stance and cleaner lines, making it a subdued yet stylish choice. The front end is marked by a unique grille and dual headlights, with the back sporting horizontally aligned taillights.

Engine-wise, it offers a potent 350-hp 7.0-liter V8, or for those who prefer something a bit less intense, a 300-hp 5.8-liter V8.

1959 Chevrolet Impala

Take a look at the 1959 Chevrolet Impala, and you’ll understand why it stood out back in the day. This model was famous for its sweeping “batwing” tailfins and cat-eye tail lights, not to mention the dual rear antennas that really set it apart. Inside, the Impala offered a spacious cabin with two-tone color schemes and plush bench seats, making every ride a comfortable experience.

Under the hood, it packed a 5.7-liter Special Turbo-Thrust V8 engine that pushed out 315 horsepower. Whether you went for the 2-door hardtop, the 4-door sedan, or the convertible, the Impala was all about cruising in style.

1959 Dodge Coronet

Now, the 1959 Dodge Coronet was a true spectacle of its time, embracing Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look” with space-age vibes all around. It featured elaborate tailfins that were a hallmark of late ’50s design, a bold front grille, and dual tail lights that made it impossible to overlook.

The Coronet was equipped with powerful engines like the 5.9-liter Super Red Ram and the 6.3-liter D-500 V8, the latter delivering 320 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, it boasted user-friendly features such as GM’s push-button TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a safety-focused padded dashboard.

1958 Plymouth Fury

Remember the eerie Plymouth Fury from the movie Christine? This 1958 model became a star thanks to its role in Stephen King’s thriller. The Fury’s dramatic tailfins and bold design are products of Chrysler’s “Forward Look” initiative by Virgil Exner.

This design philosophy was all about making cars look futuristic with sweeping lines, a low, wide stance, and a floating roofline. The Fury stands out with its gold-colored wheel covers and gold-anodized aluminum trim, making it hard not to get caught up in its allure.

1957 Chrysler 300C

The 1957 Chrysler 300C isn’t just a car; it’s a piece of American automotive legend. Known for its large tailfins and powerful performance, this limited-production 2-door coupe featured a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, churning out 375 horsepower.

The car’s design, including its smoothly integrated tailfins that stretch from the rear doors to the back end, reflects Virgil Exner’s influential “Forward Look.” Whether in hardtop or convertible form, the 300C was a powerhouse of its era.