The ’50s were big for cars, bringing us classics like the ’57 Chevy Bel-Air and the ’55 Ford Thunderbird. This era was all about cool designs and strong engines. Cars got V8s and smart features, making them more than just something to drive. Let’s take a look at 25 rides that made the ’50s stand out.
1957 Ford Thunderbird
Ford’s 1957 Thunderbird boasted a 312 cubic inch V8 engine, pushing out 250 horsepower, enough to sprint to 60 mph in less than 11 seconds. With its sharp angles and iconic tailfins, the Thunderbird was a statement. Priced at around $3,400 after initial popularity, it came with an automatic transmission with overdrive, making it a hit for its style and efficiency in the booming ’50s car market.
1955 Porsche 550 Spyder
The Porsche 550 Spyder, became an icon partly thanks to James Dean. Weighing just 1,350 lbs, its flat-four engine could hit speeds of 100 mph, showing off its impressive power-to-weight ratio. The Spyder was a racing beast with a Type 550 chassis and a high-performance engine that mirrored Formula One tech. Beyond its speed, the 550 Spyder became a celebrity, gracing screens in movies like “Rebel Without a Cause” and being associated with celebrities like Elvis Presley.
Alfa Romeo Disco Volante
The 1952 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante, or “flying saucer” in Italian, was pretty crazy for its time. This rare beast caught people’s attention with its aerodynamic shape, reminding people of the UFOs popular in ’50s sci-fi movies. Weighing just three-quarters of a ton, its initial 2-liter engine kicked out 156bhp to the rear wheels. Later versions got even meatier with a 227bhp 3.5-liter straight-six engine, pushing them close to 150 mph.
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is a legend of the ’50s, best known for its iconic doors and sleek, bird-like design. With over 3,000 units sold, this model was a hit, especially here in America. Its racing heritage is evident, with roots in the early ’50s SLR racers. The 300SL gave around 212 bhp from a 3-liter straight-six engine.
Chevrolet Corvette C1
Chevrolet’s Corvette C1, unveiled in 1953, captured everyone’s hearts with its art-deco flair and chrome accents. Initially powered by a 3.8-liter inline-6 engine producing 150bhp, it was no speed demon until the 1955 introduction of a 195bhp V8 engine. This upgrade made the C1 a rival to European sports cars, even with its handling challenges due to a solid rear axle.
Jaguar D-Type
In 1954, Jaguar launched the D-Type, a lean, mean racing machine designed to dominate Le Mans, and it did just that, winning from 1955 to 1957. This car looked amazing, but it wasn’t just about looks; it packed a 3.4-liter straight-six engine with 245bhp, hitting speeds up to 172mph. Its design, influenced by aircraft technology, included a stabilizing fin, making it not only fast but also a standout on the track. The D-Type was a true legend, leaving competitors, including Ferrari, in its dust on the Mulsanne straight.
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
The 1955 Chevy Bel Air was a game-changer, kickstarting a new era for Chevrolet. This model year introduced features like electric windshield wipers and an optional V-shaped chrome grille. Weighing around 3,150 lbs and sporting a fresh design, the ’55 Bel Air was all about moving forward, setting the tone for Chevy’s future.
1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville
The 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, once known as the Series 62, was a symbol of luxury from its time. This model, tipping the scales at just over 5,000 lbs., managed to pull off 19 mpg, which was pretty impressive for its size. With its iconic tail fins, it epitomizes the era’s style. Celebrities like Elvis Presley and John Lennon were often seen behind the wheel, which only added to its legendary status.
1953 Buick Skylark
The 1953 Buick Skylark was more than just a pretty face; it was a powerhouse with up to 180 horsepower, capable of hitting 90 mph. Weighing in at 4,400 lbs., it had a 30-gallon tank, ensuring long, uninterrupted cruises. Its design, which featured sharp angles and wraparound windshields, made it look futuristic, like a rocket ship on wheels.
1950 Chevrolet 3100
The 1950 Chevy 3100 was a game-changer in the truck world, part of GM’s Advance Design series. With over 227,000 units made in 1950, it featured a 92 horsepower OHV straight-six engine, marking a transition to a more reliable 12-volt system the following year. This truck wasn’t just popular, it was versatile. It became the foundation for many custom projects, from rat rods to lowriders.
1951 Ford Woody Wagon
The 1951 Ford Woody Wagon was a standout, even after two decades of woody production. Using individual planks instead of solid wood pieces, it set sales records and was the most expensive in the lineup. This model year was significant for being the last time Ford used real wood on the wagon bodies, marking the end of an era in car manufacturing and solidifying its place in history.
1952 Buick Roadmaster
The 1952 Buick Roadmaster was easily recognizable with its iconic portholes. That year, designer Ned Nickles added fins and experimented with colored lights inside the portholes, nearly setting a new trend. The Roadmaster’s bold look and new features kept Buick at the forefront of automotive design during the 1950s.
1952 Dodge Power Wagon
The 1952 Dodge Power Wagon, originally a wartime workhorse, became a civilian favorite for its durability and off-road power. This model featured a unique Willock chassis swivel, making it great for tough terrain, a feature found in only a few units through to 1958. Its design, with stamping and curved stake pockets, embodied the tough, ready-for-anything spirit Dodge was known for.
1953 Ford F-100
Celebrating Ford’s 50th anniversary, the 1953 F-100 was a hit with the working crowd, thanks to its 239 cubic-inch V-8 engine, pushing out 130 horsepower and 214 foot-pounds of torque. But it wasn’t just strong, it looked great too. It came with a special gold-rimmed horn button commemorating Ford’s half-century legacy.
1953 Hudson Hornet
The 1953 Hudson Hornet stood out in the NASCAR scene with its lower center of gravity, leading to its dominance on the race tracks in the early ’50s. It wasn’t just a track star; over 27,000 Hornets found homes thanks to their unique style and performance. Everyone likes a fast car that looks nice, am I right? With a 5-liter engine and three-speed manual, this sedan was a favorite among anyone who valued speed and design.
1954 Ford Crestline
The 1954 Ford Crestline marked the end of an era for this model, featuring updated designs and new trim options, including the sought-after Skyliner with its tinted glass roof panel. Over 13,000 units sold, proving its success. The Crestline was a as luxiours as it was practical, with a choice between a sedan and the flashy Skyliner, catering to a wide range of buyers.
Porsche 356 A
In the 1950s, Porsche’s 356 A made waves with its 1.3-liter flat-four engine, giving 44 bhp of power. This model was a huge step in refining Porsche’s rear-engined design. The 356 A set the stage for the more powerful Speedster variant that would soon follow.
Porsche 356 Speedster
The Porsche 356 Speedster, born in the late ’50s, was a serious performer. It had a 1.5-liter flat-four engine, delivering 70bhp and hitting 100 mph. The 1500RS models, with their twin-camshaft upgrade, could even reach 130 mph. But wait, there’s more. It was also a style icon, made even sleeker by Italian design house Zagato. Sadly, it’s also known for its association with James Dean, who tragically died in his Speedster.
1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
Rolls-Royce’s 1955 Silver Cloud broke the mold. Moving away from the boxy designs of the past, it was buikt with a large front grille and was made for speed and comfort. With options ranging from a 4.9-liter straight-six to a 6.2-liter V8 engine, the Silver Cloud could cruise over 100 mph.
1955 Ford Thunderbird
The 1955 Thunderbird was Ford’s answer to the luxury roadster market, directly competing with the Corvette. This two-door convertible didn’t just look good, it had the muscle to back it up. The ’55 Thunderbird came with a V-8 engine pumping out more than 200 horsepower, letting it hit speeds of up to 115 mph. The T-Bird set a new standard for American sports cars.
1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air
The 1957 Chevy Bel-Air is an icon of its time. You can easily pick them out due to their tailfins and luxurious features like air conditioning and a stereo system. It wasn’t all show, though, thanks to a 283 cubic-inch Super Turbo-Fire V8 engine, making it one of the era’s powerhouses. This model marked a high point in the Bel-Air line.
1957 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman
The 1957 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman was a standout with its tailfins and curvy body, giving a look that set it apart from the crowd. Launched in 1955, this model packed a serious punch under the hood with a 330 cubic-inch V8 engine, delivering a solid 230 horsepower. The Fireflite Sportsman was the car to have if you wanted a car with high performance and style.
1957 Oldsmobile Super 88
The 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 was a heavyweight in more ways than one. With a 371 cubic-inch Rocket V8 engine delivering 277 horsepower, it was a force to be reckoned with. Despite its heft, the Super 88 offered some serious power that drivers of that day really loved.
1958 Plymouth Fury
Before “Christine” made it famous, the ’58 Plymouth Fury was already a legend. This car was a beast on its own, with a story that went beyond the movie screen. Out of the 24 used in Stephen King’s horror flick, only three survived after most were destroyed, turning them into collector’s gold worth up to half a million bucks.
1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor
When you think of the ’59 Cadillac Miller-Meteor, you probably think Ghostbusters. Yep, the Miller-Meteor was in one of the hugest films of the ’80s, which means it’s way more popular than you or I will ever be. Known as the Ectomobile, there were only around 400 made, meaning it was as rare as it was iconic.
