Top 25 iconic 1950s cars: what were the decade's best automobiles?

The 1950s was a remarkable decade in the automotive industry, as it brought about innovation, style, and engineering marvels. Different car brands competed to outdo each other, leading to the production of some of the most iconic automobiles ever made. The 1950s cars symbolised freedom and a promising future in the automotive industry. Here is a compilation of the 1950s cars that will leave you mesmerised by automobile productions.

We strive to provide our readers valuable insights and information through our various rankings and lists. In compiling this list of the top 1950s cars, we have included data from multiple sources, including Alot Auto, Endurance Warranty, Good Wood, and CJ Online.

Most iconic 1950s cars

Which are some of the most iconic cars of the 1950s? Here is a list of the popular 1950s vintage cars worth appreciating.

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1. 1957 Ford Thunderbird

The 1957 Ford Thunderbird is one of the most iconic cars of the decade. This vintage car is sleek and has a low body with distinctive small round porthole-like windows. It saw significant improvements in power and style, fusing sporty beauty with luxurious features. The car represents elegance and performance.

2. 1950 Jaguar XK120

This stunning vintage car attracted people’s attention with its remarkable design and outstanding performance. At 120 mph, it was the fastest car in production at the time, hence its name, the XK120. It redefined sports cars with its beautifully finished interiors and streamlined shape. It is regarded as an enduring post-war symbol of elegance and speed.

3. 1959 MGA 1500

The 1959 MGA 1500 is a vintage British sports car that defines the charm and versatility of 1950s automotives. Its stunning and timeless design features a smooth, curved body and an open top. It is considered a top performer of its time and was powered by a 1.5-litre engine. This classic piece showcases a mix of agility, style, and affordability.

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4. 1959 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato

This classic car got its name from the collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato, which resulted in a British-Italian style fusion. The 1959 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato is lightweight and streamlined, giving it a speed advantage over its peers. Its design and powerful engine give it formidable performance on the road and track.

5. 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

This classic American car represents a love for sleek design and innovative engineering. It became a cultural icon in the decade and is one of the favourite cars among collectors today. Powered by a V8 engine, this car has incredible performance.

6. 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder

This iconic legendary sports car is nicknamed Giant Killer because it is powerful and can outperform other powerful peers. Its exceptional performance is enhanced by an aerodynamic design and rear-mounted engine. This classic car is a top performer and has elegant features, making it a luxury car.

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7. 1959 Austin Mini

The 1959 Austin Mini changed the automotive landscape with its unique design and efficiency. Sir Alec Issigonis designed it to solve the post-war fuel shortages that plagued many parts of the world. It has front-wheel drive and a traverse engine, which maximises the interior space.

8. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

This two-seat sports car was produced between 1954 and 1957. It was a racing car and the fastest in its production, attaining a top speed of 163 mph. A 3.0-litre inline-six engine powers it, and the body is lightweight aluminium. Today, it is a coveted classic car recognised for contributing to sports car technology and design.

9. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette C1

This American classic sports car is best known for its top-notch design and exceptional performance. Its fibreglass body and powerful V8 engine make it a favourite for racing enthusiasts. This elegant car is not only a symbol of the 1950s but a present-day representation of class and luxury.

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10. 1951 Chrysler New Yorker

The 1951 Chrysler New Yorker epitomise the advanced engineering of its era. It features a spacious interior crafted with luxurious materials and advanced technology of its time. Its robust FirePower Hemi V8 engine gave an outstanding performance. The car remains a symbol of luxury and sophistication.

11. 1955 BMW Isetta (4 Wheel)

The 1955 BMW Isetta has a four-wheel configuration that guarantees exceptional performance. Its design is suited to urban manoeuvrability, and due to its affordability, it is a favourite choice for most urban dwellers. Its charming and sleek design and ingenious engineering make it a cultural icon.

12. 1955 BMW Isetta (3 Wheel)

This BMW model became prominent in post-war Europe. It features a three-wheel configuration with a bubble-like shape. Unlike its era peers, its small engine capacity makes it an economical and efficient fuel consumer. It is remembered as a preferred means of transportation during post-war.

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13. 1955 Citroen DS

The 1955 Citroen DS, known as the Goddess, epitomises auto design and technology. It features a futuristic style, hydropneumatic suspension, and aerodynamic body shape. The streamlined body offers little air resistance; hence, it can move fast, and the hydropneumatic suspension provides a comfortable ride even on a rough road.

14. 1956 BMW 507

Albrecht von Goertz designed this vintage BMW model, and it undoubtedly has a breathtaking design. It has a low-slung profile, an aluminium body, and meticulously crafted interiors. It is powered by a 3.2-litre V8 engine, which ensures optimal performance. Due to its high production cost, only 250 units were produced, making them rare.

15. 1954 Buick Skylark

The 1954 Buick Skylark is a classic 1950s car usually considered a symbol of post-war American luxury and elegance. It features sweeping lines on its body and luxurious interior. It also has a powerful V8 engine and other advanced features for its era. This car was a limited-production convertible made to celebrate Buick’s 50th anniversary.

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16. 1958 Bianchina Supermini

The 1958 Bianchina Supermini is an Italian-made vintage car that showcases the practicality and beauty of European microcars. Autobianchi designed it, and it perfectly suits the needs of urban drivers due to its easy manoeuvrability. Usually, it comes with different engines designed for particular needs.

17. 1958 Fiat 8-V Supersonic

The 1958 Fiat 8-V Supersonic, designed by Giovanni Savonuzzi and made by Carrozzeria Ghia, demonstrates Italian design and technology. Its powerful 2.0-litre V8 engine bolsters its performance ahead of peers in its era, and its futuristic aerodynamic shape makes it easy to attain top speed.

18. 1953 Lotus Mark VI

This is one of the cars from the 50s designed for amateur racing. The 1953 Lotus Mark VI is a minimalist sports car with only a few essential features that enhance its performance. It was primarily preferred for simplicity and agility, favouring budding race car drivers.

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19. 1952 Maserati A6GCS/ 53 Spyder

This 1950s vintage sports car is Pinin Farina's brainchild. Its body is lightweight but strong aluminium, significantly reducing the automobile's weight. Its streamlined body makes it aerodynamic efficient, and it is powered by a 2.0-litre inline-six engine, delivering around 170 horsepower.

20. 1954 Fiat 8-V Turbina

The 1954 Fiat 8-V Turbina was designed to explore the potential of gas turbine technology in automobiles. It has a sleek design and an aerodynamic body made from aluminium. Unlike other automobile engines, it uses a unique gas turbine engine.

21. 1954 Triumph TR2

The 1954 Triumph TR2 is a British sports car launched in 1953. It is known for its unique simplicity, excellent performance, and affordability. The car is powered by a 2.0-litre inline-four engine, which gives it adequate speed and control.

22. 1955 Alfa Romeo BAT-9

The 1955 Alfa Romeo BAT-9 was a masterpiece of Bertone and Alfa Romeo. It is among the BAT series concept cars fancied for its aerodynamic styling and increased efficiency. A conventional inline-four engine powers the classic car. It features cutting-edge technology that influenced the designs of other automobiles in its era.

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23. 1956 AC Ace Roadster

This quintessential British sports car is recognised for its light body weight and easy control. It was first powered by a 2.0-litre inline-six engine before replacing it with a Bristol engine, making it an exceptional performer.

24. 1958 Vespa 400

Piaggio made this vintage car as an affordable and efficient means of transport. It has a small, compact design suitable for urban manoeuvrability, a stunning body, and quality fabric on its interior and roof. The 1958 Vespa 400 was an iconic car chosen by many due to its affordability.

25. 1956 VW Type 1

This iconic vintage car, known as the Bettle, was designed by Ferdinand Porsche. It was designed to be affordable to the masses, and in 1956, it became popular due to its simplicity, reliability, and durability. It resembles a beetle, which also gives it an aerodynamic shape, and a rear-mounted flat-four engine powers it.

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What car was popular in the 1950s?

Many cars gained popularity in the 1950s due to the unique features that customers preferred. However, the 1957 Ford Thunderbird and the 1956 VW Type 1.

What was the most luxurious car in the 1950s?

The decade's luxurious cars included the Hudson Hornet, BMW 501 'Baroque Angel', Lancia Aurelia Berlina, Daimler Majestic Major, and Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. They symbolised elegance and prestige.

What were the German cars in the 50s?

Some of the most iconic German cars from the generation include the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, Jaguar XK120 and XK140, and BMW 501 (Baroque Angel).

The 1950s marked the decade of spectacular vintage cars as different automobile companies competed to cement their place in the market. Various designs were tailored to suit people’s preferences, and continuous improvement led to even better designs. Today, the 1950s cars are highly valued vintage pieces that remind people of the significant changes in the automobile industry.

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Legit.ng recently published a compilation of the world's most expensive cars. Each car is designed uniquely, with features tailored to enhance performance and comfort. They are also made from luxury materials, hence their high price tags.

These expensive cars are limited editions, making them rare gems. On top of the list is a Rolls-Royce Boat Tail La Rose Noire car worth around $30 million. Read the article for a complete list of all these luxury automobiles.

Source: Legit.ng