Memorable Classic Cars of the 50s
During the decade of the ’50s, American automakers produced some of the most memorable cars ever built. In no particular order, we’ve listed a few of our favorites.
Some of our choices include iconic cars, featuring great looks and styling, while others beauty was found beneath the hood.
No doubt, there are other classic cars of the 50s that could have made this list. If you have one you feel should be mentioned, feel free to let us know.
1954 Cadillac Eldorado
In 1954, the redesigned Cadillac Eldorado featured a much sleeker body style than previous models.
Shedding some of its sheet metal and using newer and less expensive extruded aluminum trim pieces also allowed Cadillac to lower the price, which resulted in a substantial increase in sales.
In 1954, 2,150 Eldorados were sold, nearly four times the number sold in 1953.
1957 Ford Thunderbird
1957 was the last production year of the first generation Thunderbirds. For 1957, changes included reshaping of the front bumper and a larger grille.
Also, larger tailfins and tail-lights were added, and the side “Thunderbird” badging was moved from the fins to the front fenders. Sales in 1957 were 21,380.
The 1957 Thunderbird was the last two-seater Ford sold until 1982, when the Ford EXP was introduced.
1955 Studebaker President Speedster
The Studebaker Speedster was considered to be Studebaker’s signature model for the 1955 model year. The Speedster was a part of the President series, based off the President hardtop coupe.
Restyled to incorporate a larger front bumper and a massive chrome grille, the 1955 Studebaker models resembled the style of most of the American cars of the mid-’50s.
Initially, only twenty Speedsters were built, mostly to be displayed at auto shows around the country. The positive reaction prompted Studebaker to put the Speedster into production mid-year and offer it for the rest of the 1955 model year. It was replaced by the Hawk series the following year.
2,215 Speedsters were built during the 1955 model year.
1958 Buick Limited
Revived in 1958 as the “ultimate Buick”, the Buick Limited series was a slightly more restrained version of the other massively-chromed Buick models of that year.
The Limited series featured a body color-keyed insert, rather than the chromed side panel trim of other models. It was decorated with fifteen slanted hash marks (three groups of five).
The Limited also featured a unique wraparound tail light lens broken up by four chrome bands, rather than the heavy chrome tail light housings found on other models. Rear bumper “Dagmars” housed “Dual Jet” backup lights to complete the look.
Buick only sold 7,438 Limiteds, due in part to the price. The base price of a Buick Limited four-door hardtop sedan was $221 higher than Cadillac’s extended deck Series 62 four-door hardtop sedan. Cadillac sold 13,335 Series 62 sedans.
1955 Chevy Bel Air
The first year of the second generation, the 1955 Bel Air received all-new styling and power. Billed as the “Hot One” in GM’s advertising campaign, the 1955 Bel Air’s styling was crisp and clean.
It’s new-found power came from a 265 cu in V8 engine option, along with the option of the 2 speed Powerglide automatic, or a standard 3-speed Synchro-Mesh manual transmission with optional overdrive.
To this day, the 1955 Chevy Bel Air still remains as one of the most iconic classics of the ’50s.
1953 Chevrolet Corvette
The 1953 model year was the Corvette’s first production year, but only 300 cars were built, making it the lowest-volume Corvette ever produced.
The 1953 Corvette was available only in a Polo white exterior with a red interior and black canvas soft top. Because they were essentially hand-built and techniques evolved during the production cycle, each car is slightly different.
There are still more than 200 1953 Corvettes known to exist today, and even though sales were slow initially, the 1953 Corvette gave birth to a legend.
1952 Chrysler Saratoga
The 1952 Chrysler Saratoga made our list not so much for its understated looks, but rather for the 180 hp FirePower Hemi engine under its hood. That made it the fastest car in the Chrysler fleet – faster, even if not by much, than the top-of-the-line New Yorker.
Cars equipped with the first generation FirePower Hemi could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 10 seconds, faster than the Oldsmobile 88 Rocket engine of that time. It replaced the flathead straight-eight used in previous Chrysler models. The engine quickly became a popular choice among racing enthusiasts, a trend that continues to today with its namesake second-generation model.
With the Saratoga coupe weighing in under 4,000 pounds, 180 hp under the hood and a great price, the Saratoga was the performance bargain of that year. Think of it as an early muscle car – one that’s still a great performer today.
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1953 Mercury Monterey
The Monterey 2-door hardtop was the best-selling of all Mercury models in 1953 with over 76,000 cars being sold.
Mercury’s were known for their performance. The Monterey was powered by a 255.4 ci L-Head V-8 that produced 110 horsepower.
They rode on a 118-inch wheelbase, using the same chassis and running gear as all other Mercury’s.
1955 DeSoto Fireflite Coronado
Introduced in 1955, the Fireflite was De Soto’s flagship model. It was wider and longer than previous DeSoto models and it came equipped with a V8 engine producing 200 hp when equipped with the 4 barrel carburetor and PowerFlite automatic transmission.
The design was marked by a striking tri-color paint job – a black top, turquoise body with a white color sweep – and an interior to match.
Production of the 1955 DeSoto Fireflite Coronado is estimated at 500 vehicles.
1958 Edsel Ranger
The Ranger was Edsel’s base model in 1958. It was considered a “Junior” series car, along with Edsel Pacers and station wagons Bermuda, Villager and Roundup, which were built on the smaller Ford-based frame, rather than the Mercury frame.
It was available in two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and both two- and four-door hardtops. Because of the low production volume, Edsel Rangers are very collectible cars. On a side note, only two Edsel monikers, Ranger and Villager, were reused later by Ford.
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1955 Mercury Monterey
The 1955 Mercury Monterey is another great example of the chrome-laden era of the ’50s. Wider and lower than the previous year, it sported a lot of 3-dimensional trim. It’s the reason people bought Mercurys instead of its Ford cousins – for all the cool little decorative touches.
The Monterey lost its status as Mercury’s top model in 1955, replaced that year by the Montclair, which took over the convertible and Sun Valley body styles. Despite that, the Monterey remained Mercury’s best seller.
But for what it lost in status, it more than gained in performance. It got the 292 cu in (4.8 L) Y-block engine from the Thunderbird, producing 188 hp with the standard transmission or 198 hp with the Merc-O-Matic transmission.
To this day, the Monterey has remained a favorite of both collectors and customizers alike.
1955 Studebaker Commander
Sleek, sporty, and low slung, the 1955 Studebaker Commander model definitely stood apart from the competition. Take one look at it, then remember this is 1955!
The Studebaker Commander was legitimately able to claim a “European” look. But don’t be fooled. The Commander did not compromise on power, either.
It featured a 259ci V8 “Bearcat” engine and 3-speed automatic transmission producing 162 hp.
Despite the Commander losing its status as Studebaker’s top model in 1955, replaced by the President, it remains a favorite of collectors who dare to be different.
1955 Mercury Montclair Convertible
From an era when cars were big, luxurious and drenched in chrome, the Mercury Montclair is an excellent example of top-of-the-line luxury. Introduced in 1955, the Montclair featured Mercury’s best appointments, including additional chrome trim and different two-tone paint combinations that set these big cruisers apart from other Mercury models.
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1957 Pontiac Chieftain
The 1957 Star Chief featured new “Star Flight” styling with missile-shaped side trim, more prominent grille work, a lower hood, new horizontal tail lights, fender scripts and three stars on the rear fenders. This car is powered by a 347-cid V-8 and Tri-Power carb, delivering a more-than-respectable 290 hp.
1958 Edsel Pacer
Introduced in 1958, Edsel featured very controversial styling. The grille was known as the “Horse-Collar” and the slim horizontal taillights were commonly referred to as “Ingrown Toenails”. Due to disappointing sales, the ’58 Pacer model shown here was dropped from the Edsel lineup after one year.
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1956 Oldsmobile 88 Convertible
The ’56 Olds 88 was powered by a 324 c.i. Rocket V8 delivering 230 hp and a new four-speed Jetaway Hydra-Matic transmission. It also sported split grilles, redesigned taillights, updated chrome sidespears, a foot-operated parking brake and an oval speedometer.
1956 Mercury Montclair
The 1956 Mercury Montclair came standard with a deep-dish steering wheel, safety door locks, a breakaway rear view mirror, and optional seat belts and a redesigned padded dashboard with a new three-tier instrument panel. They were all a part of Ford’s new Lifeguard Safety program.
Other minor trim changes for 1956 included a new Z-shaped side spear incorporating a false vent behind the front doors, and a hefty, chromed “M” logo on the hood.
