Famous 1950s Era Cars

The fifties was the golden age of the motor car. But which automobiles were the most famous 1950s era cars?

The 1950s saw car ownership, particularly in the United States, mushroom. As people became more affluent they were ever eager to own a car of their own.

And the motor manufacturers responded with breath-taking style and mechanical innovations.

One famous car of the 1950s was the Chevrolet Corvette. The first generation of the Corvette was launched in 1953, and production continued until 1962. By 1955 an optional 256 cu in V8 engines was available for the Corvette owners.

In an industry which thrived on charge modifications and new options came thick and fast. Optional powered-windows came in 1956 and a hydraulically operated top for the convertible that same year. And during 1957 four speed manual transmission and a heavy duty braking and suspension system were added to the list of options.

If there is one sure-fire way for a make of car to find fame it is being owned by the stars and celebrities of that era. And that certainly was the case with the Cadillac, a true symbol of American opulence during the 50s. Elvis Presley drove a Cadillac, while President Eisenhower gave the make great publicity.

For his inauguration Eisenhower waved to the crowd from the back of a brand new a Cadillac Eldorado - one of the stars of the 1950s era cars. The Eldorado was something special. It had the world’s first panoramic wrap around windshield. The interior of the vehicle was lined with expensive leather. For those wanting air conditioning it was also available, at a cost of $620.
 
By 1955 the Eldorado underwent a styling change. Rocketship tailfins were added as were Sabre-spoke wheels, produced exclusively for this model. And proving that Cadillac’s really were exclusive the owner’s name was engraved on a brass plate affixed to the dashboard.

Another famous name in 1950s era cars is DeSoto. In 1953 Desoto celebrated their 25th anniversary with the launch of their Firedome series. Starting at a buying price of $2,740, the Desoto Firedome could seat six and came as a four-door sedan, five-door station and a two-door coupe and convertible. The Firedome oozed power and with its Hemi V8 engine could reach a top speed of 100 miles per hour.
 
By the end of the 1950s public interest was developing in the nascent space race. The car designers seized on this interest with launch of the Ford Galaxie. The Galaxie was put on the market to compete with Chevrolet’s Impala and continued to be produced until 1974. But the name is revered to this very day by such bodies as the Ford Galaxie Club of America.

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