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30 Most Iconic Cars of the 1950s

The '50s were an important decade all around, but for car aficionados it was a downright defining decade for vehicles. Even some of the worst cars of the time are the most beautiful classic machines in existence. From the iconic Ford Thunderbird to the rugged Chevy Pickup, there was a vehicle for any and all tastes during the years of the 1950s. Roll down the windows and get ready for a drive down memory lane—here are the 30 cars that defined the 1950s!

 

1957 Ford Thunderbird

1957 Ford Thunderbird

The greatest car to ever be made. The Thunderbird is the quintessential 50s classic automobile. It was an instant success upon its release in 1955.

(image via Wikipedia)

1950 Jaguar XK120

1950 Jaguar XK120

This is the most famous Jaguar probably ever made. It’s an iconic vehicle known for its superior design, make, and British style. It's a perfect classic car.

 

Sfoskett, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

1959 MGA 1500

1959 MGA 1500

The MGA provided an affordable sports car with handling and design that far exceeded its price. 

(image via Wikipedia)

1959 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato

1959 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato

Aston Martins are known for their superior performance and luxury, but the DB4s reign supreme above all other models. The DB4 GT Zagato is a perfect example of classic 50s styling. 

(Image via Wikipedia)

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

There’s no denying that the Bel Air is a perfect example of the 1950s style. Thanks to its iconic look, it’s still a widely popular car for collectors. 

(image via Wikipedia)

1955 Porsche 550 Spyder

1955 Porsche 550 Spyder

This racecar is, without a doubt, a classic of the 50s. It might not have been on every street, but it’s iconic.

 

(image via Wikipedia)

1959 Austin Mini

1959 Austin Mini

The Austin Mini was a great addition to the automobile world. It’s changed the game in terms of space and overall design. The 50s classic was also a success on the race track. 

"1959 Austin Seven Mini"/sv1ambo/CC By 2.0/Flickr

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

The gull wings on the 300SL made waves in 1955. It’s the inspiration for all recurring Mercedes SLSs today.

(Image via Wikipedia)

1957 Chevrolet Corvette C1

1957 Chevrolet Corvette C1

Shockingly, the Corvette was not an instant hit in the US. It took a while for everyone to warm up to it, but it’s undoubtedly one of the best cars to come out of the 50s—and to exist today.

"1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE"/German Medeot/CC By 2.0/Flickr

1951 Chrysler New Yorker

1951 Chrysler New Yorker

It’s a shame family cars today don’t have the beauty and style of the New Yorker. It established Chrysler as a luxury maker of upscale cars.

(image via Wikipedia)

1955 BMW Isetta (4 Wheel)

1955 BMW Isetta (4 Wheel)

There’s something fun and quirky about the BMW Isetta (4 wheel). Its compact and adorable design made them an instant success in Europe.

(Image via Wikipedia)

1955 BMW Isetta (3 Wheel)

1955 BMW Isetta (3 Wheel)

Even better than the four-wheel Isetta is the three-wheel variation. It’s a spunky little car to have for weekends and to add to your collection.

 

(image via Wikipedia)

1955 Citroen DS

1955 Citroen DS

The Citroen was a look before its time. It almost looks like it’s straight out of “The Jetsons.” It was ahead in technology and design, and it was an instant hit. It's still beautiful by today's standards.

(image via Wikipedia)

1956 BMW 507

1956 BMW 507

The 507 may not have sold well in the 50s, but there’s no denying it’s a beautiful car that will transcend time and trend. 

(image via Wikipedia)

1954 Buick Skylark

1954 Buick Skylark

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Buick created the Skylark in 1953 as a special edition series of luxury convertibles. It was pricy but was instantly a classic.

(image via Wikipedia)

1958 Bianchina Supermini

1958 Bianchina Supermini

This little pistol is a classic for a few reasons. One, it has a quirky and compact design, and secondly, for its use of two-tone paint.

Architas, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

1958 Fiat 8-V Supersonic

1958 Fiat 8-V Supersonic

This flawless specimen is a piece of art. The long nose, compact interior, and prowess on the race track made it timeless.

"1954 Fiat 8V Ghia Supersonic Coupe - silver - fvr2"/Rex Gray/CC By 2.0/Flickr

1953 Lotus Mark VI

1953 Lotus Mark VI

One of the more unique inclusions on our list, this '50s car was built for speed. When Lotus launched in 1953, it quickly became a contender on the racetrack. Now, the Lotus Mark VI is a priceless piece of equipment.

Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

1952 Maserati A6GCS/ 53 Spyder

1952 Maserati A6GCS/ 53 Spyder

The A6GCS and its sister models are responsible for bringing Maserati back from a slump. It’s no wonder they accomplished this with those beautiful curved lines and pure speed.

"1955 Maserati A6G 2000 Zagato Coupe"/Cars Down Under/CC By 2.0/Flickr

1954 Fiat 8-V Turbina

1954 Fiat 8-V Turbina

If you loved the Fiat 8-V Supersonic, you’ll fall for the Turbina as well. Its bubble-esque design and speed make this car one of the most beautiful in history.

Geobia, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

1954 Triumph TR2

1954 Triumph TR2

The Triumph TR2 is another sports car. It was only made from 1953 to 1955, so it’s rare, but there’s no denying it’s one of the best of the decade.

 

(image via Wikipedia)

1955 Alfa Romeo BAT-9

1955 Alfa Romeo BAT-9

The BAT looks like it just landed from a trip around the universe. It’s aptly named based on its streamlined and futuristic design.

"1955 Alfa Romeo BAT 9 Concept Car fvl0"/Rex Gray/CC By 2.0/Flickr

1956 AC Ace Roadster

1956 AC Ace Roadster

The Ace Roaster is another racecar that embodies the spirit of the 1950s. With its curved lines and long nose, it fits right in with the other classics.

 

Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

1958 Vespa 400

1958 Vespa 400

When you think of European cars, the Vespa 400 is likely what comes to mind. It’s a spunky microcar that screams “1950s!”

(image via Wikipedia)

1956 VW Type 1

1956 VW Type 1

The very first “slug bug” might not have been a mainstream favorite, but it attracted devoted fans for its unique look upon its arrival to the US after WWII.

(image via Wikipedia)

1955 Chevy Pickup

1955 Chevy Pickup

There are several Chevy pickups from the 50s, but the '55 model is something truly special. It has elements from the early models, as well as elements kept in later ones, which makes it a perfect example of Chevy in the 50s. Its top model today is the Chevy Silverado.

 

DougW at English Wikipedia., Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons

1952 Cadillac Eldorado

1952 Cadillac Eldorado

With its whitewall tires, flashy chrome detailing, and pointed fin, the Chevy Eldorado is a classic example of '50s cars. And it had a price tag to match its exquisite design.

(image via Wikipedia)

1953 Chrysler Imperial

1953 Chrysler Imperial

The Chrysler Imperial had a hemi engine, which made it a special car alone. When paired with its streamlined good looks, the Imperial becomes a timeless machine.

"1953 Chrysler Imperial"/John Lloyd/CC By 2.0/Flickr

1950 Ford F100

1950 Ford F100

The Ford F-Series of trucks are the longest-running trucks in history—and for good reason. And the '50s models are true collectibles. Today, the Ford F-150 is the best-selling model in the country.

 

(Image via Wikipedia)

1956 Lincoln Continental

1956 Lincoln Continental

Everyone knows a Lincoln Continental is a status symbol today, and it was just as spectacular in the 50s. However, the price tag made it impossible for most to afford, which makes it even more special. 

(image via Wikipedia)