When we look back to the 1950s, we are often reminded of the post-World War era and the civil rights movement in the United States. But apart from these historical events, the 50s was also a momentous decade for the automotive industry. During the 50s, some of the rarest, and most powerful cars in history were made. This was also the time when some of the most classy and fabulous cars were produced. These cars feature timeless designs that continue to turn heads on the road even during modern times.
If you haven't known any cars from this decade, keep reading to know some of the most beautiful cars of the 50s that you surely need to take note of.
How Do 1950s cars look like?
During the 1950s, the appearance of cars switched to flowing designs that resemble rockets. They became lower, wider, as well as longer in size. Chrome cars also became some of the most sought-after cars in many leading dealerships across the US. Ultimately, 1950s cars featured timeless designs that are sleek, unique, and certainly a charmer on the road.
While the 50s is already in the past and new automotive trends became more popular in the following years, the cars from this decade continue to win hearts and gain attention from many car enthusiasts in the world. Some cars from the 50s are also among the most expensive cars that only wealthy car collectors or personalities can afford. You don't have the check the KBB of Classic Cars to know these will all set you back quiete a pretty penny!
The Most Beautiful Cars in the 50s
10. Chevrolet Corvette (C1) (1953)
The 1953 Chevrolet Corvette is among the first fiberglass cars made in the US. It is the first-generation Corvette sports car produced by the American automotive Company Chevrolet. It features a distinct build and design with its shiny and smooth fiberglass body and was often referred to as one of the most beautiful sports cars made in America.
The Chevrolet Corvette (C1) was equipped with Chevrolet's standard parts such as their "Blue Flame: inline six-cylinder truck engine, drum brakes, and more. Despite being classified as a sports car, it features less power than other sports cars back in the 1950s. Nevertheless, its appearance remained as its strongest edge among many old and modern cars. Today, many collectors worldwide are still eager to get their hands on this beauty. Unfortunately, there are only 300 1953 Corvettes produced making them rare and relatively expensive. Check out the NADA Classic Car Guide to see for yourself. Usually, 1953 Corvettes are only seen at special events or auctions.
9. Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spyder Veloce (1954)
Another classic from the 50s is the 1954 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spyder Veloce which is known for being one of the greatest Italian cars ever made. It was designed by Pininfarina, one of the most influential and respected Italian car design firms. It is a compact open-top two-seater car that offers ride comfort for your every adventure. Its overall sleek design and sophisticated build certainly set it apart from other automobiles.
Apart from being a beautiful car, this car also features a dependable inline-four engine that produced 90 horsepower and can reach a top speed of 113 mph. The 1954 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spyder Veloce was sold between 1954 to 1956 and about 2,796 models were built. Today, this car is sold at an average price of $86,988.
8. BMW 507 (1956)
BMW is known for producing premium cars with impressive build and performance. They also offer some of the most beautiful cars in history like the BMW 507. This car was built and sold between 1956 to 1959 to the US market. Originally, it was built to compete against BMW's competitor, the Mercedes-Benz. Unfortunately, BMW was only able to build 252 BMW 507 due to financial mishaps.
The BMW 507 is a two-seater roadster that has a shorter frame than the BMW 503. It has an aluminum body and a premium-quality interior. Apart from its looks, its performance also doesn't disappoint. It is equipped with a 3.2 -liter V8 that can deliver as high as 150 horsepower and reach a top speed of 125 mph.
7. Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta (1956)
Ferrari titled a spot in the list of automotive brands that are known for making the world's fastest cars. However, did you know that they also produced cars with striking and sleek designs? The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta, also called "Tour de France" was the first model in Ferrari's Berlinetta series.
Despite being more known for its speed, one can't deny the charm of this car. It has a compact size and polished exterior that looks very luxurious. It is equipped with a 3-liter engine that can produce 230 to 250 horsepower. Its recorded top speed was 241.4 km/h which was extremely fast during its time. In addition to making historic top speed, the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta is also one of the most expensive cars ever made. At present, it cost about $1,400,000 or more.
6. Ford Thunderbird (1954)
The 1954 Ford Thunderbird is no doubt one of the most stylish cars ever produced by Ford. It is a 2-door roadster that boasts of its sleek luxurious design and was sold with a detachable fiberglass hardtop and a folding fabric top. Not only was it a fabulous car to drive in the 50s but also fun and comfortable. In addition, it is equipped with a dependable engine that can deliver up to 193 horsepower and a top speed of 150 mph.
Known as the world's first Ford Thunderbird or T-Bird in short, the Ford Thunderbird is arguably one of the most successful releases of Ford. In fact, Ford was able to sell 16,155 units of this car during its first year of release alone.
5. Maserati A6GCS/53 (1954)
This classic car from the 50s is not just elegant and charming but also offers an impressive driving performance. The Maserati A6GCS/53 is a sports car designed with Pininfarina and was launched in 1954. It is packed with a 2-liter engine that delivers 170 horsepower and can hit up to 162 mph maximum speed.
Due to the Maserati A6GCS/53's impressive driving performance, it was used in Mille Miglia race and has continuously gained attention from many automotive enthusiasts until today. It is also one of the rarest and most expensive cars in the world. According to Classic, a Maserati A6GCS/53 was sold at $3,700,000 in 1996.
4. Porsche 356A Speedster (1956)
The Porsche 356A Speedster is no question one of the most beautiful cars in the world of automotive. It has a distinctly luxurious design that is easy to recognize on the road. It also features an air-cooled 1.6-liter engine that can produce 60 horsepower. Despite this low power rating, the Porsche 356A Speedster can reach up to 99.4 mph which is not that bad for a car made in the 1950s. Nowadays, many car collectors like to buy this car due to its distinct design.
3. Aston Martin DB4 (1958)
If you are a fan of cars that has bold designs, then you should definitely check out the Aston Martin DB4. It is best known for being the predecessor of the phenomenal James Bond car which is the Aston Martin DB5.
Like its successor, the Aston Martin DB4 has a bold and sporty look that is perfect for any action film. It is packed with a 3.7-liter straight six-cylinder engine that can deliver an impressive 266 horsepower. Its top speed also doesn't disappoint as it can reach up to 140 mph, a speed rating that only a few cars in the 50s have.
2. Buick Skylark Convertible (1954)
Another crowd favorite when it comes to automotive design is the Buick Skylark Convertible. It is a two-door coupe with gleaming 40-spoke chrome wheels which attract many car collectors and enthusiasts. It is the first car to feature a modern 5.3-liter Nailhead V8 engine that can give you a top speed of 166.4 km/h. Moreover, it is fun to drive and an absolute head-turner on the road.
The 1954 Buick Skylark Convertible is considered rare with only 1640 units produced during its time. Today, one unit of this classic car can cost $140,000 and more. Overall, this car combines style and performance which is a rare combination for many classic cars.
1. Mercedes Benz 300SL (1954)
Still not convinced that 1950s cars are some of the most beautiful cars ever created? Well, this car might just change your mind. Whether you are an automotive fan or not, we are sure that this classic car's appearance will impress you.
The Mercedes Benz 300SL features a unique luxurious exterior design and comfortable interior. It also has gull-wing doors that make it stand out among the other classic cars from the 50s. It is considered one of Mercedes Benz's most stylish and expensive cars ever released. A Mercedes Benz 300 SL's value today can go from $1,000,000 and higher.
Apart from its rare and spectacular design, the 300 SL is also packed with a 2,996 cc M198 inline-six engine and a 4 speed-transmission feature. With its powerful engine, this car can reach a speed of up to 263 km./h. With this speed, the 300 SL was able to bag several awards from different sports car racing competitions. Moreover, it was a highly in-demand car and was said to be one of the fastest production cars during its time.
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