The “Jet Age” was a bold time for the United States and the world itself. The post-WWII era was fading into a new period where innovation and optimism abounded. That included a rise in technology, pushed by the popularity of jet planes and the growing space race. While many concepts of the time were probably too wild to use, the regular cars produced in this era could capture the eye and several become fantastic machines.

While some of these cool jet era cars were precursors to the luxury sports cars and muscle machines that would populate the roads by the late 1960s, others were rare models that stand out for how gorgeous they are. There are scores of options, yet a few stand out, from some affordable ones to others that would set one back a pretty penny. Yet these ten classics show why the Jet Age was a vital time for the auto industry and still shine nicely.

10 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk C

Sometimes, a great car is undermined by its company’s issues. The Golden Hawk C was a break for Studabaker with a trimmer, athletic frame which aided the 352-cu 5.8l V8 getting 272 bhp and one of the best power to weight ratios of the time.

While it could be top-heavy at the nose, the Golden Hawk could still get 125 mph and was a precursor to the muscle car era. Following models were slower and it didn’t sell well but the Golden Hawk was an underrated gem from an otherwise rough car company.

9 1958 Plymouth Fury

While it began as a rebadged Belvedere, the Fury got a great remodel with a longer nose and especially those terrific tailfins. The 350-inch engine nicknamed the Golden Commodore was good for 300 hp for the base version and 315 hp for an injection fuel system.

The Fury became famous when Stephen King used it for his classic thriller Christine and it’s not hard to see it as a car with a life of its own thanks to that great framework.

8 1953 Buick Skylark

Buick celebrated their 50th anniversary in style with what remains one of its most genius efforts. It epitomized the optimism of the early 1950s, especially in Detroit, it boasted Buick’s first modern V8, good for 188 hp yet felt much better.

But it was the looks that made it shine as Harley Earl went out to design a gorgeous car with a luxury style yet everyday appeal and the lush interiors were better. With just under 1700 made, finding a pristine copy is tough but the Skylark summarized Buick and the Jet Age quite well.

Related: 5 Of The Best Buick Muscle Cars And 5 Pontiacs We'd Rather Drive

7 1957 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible

Pontiacs may have been a dime a dozen in the 1950s...except the ‘57 Bonneville Convertible. Only 630 were produced, one for each Pontiac dealership at the time and boasting that iconic nameplate.

The 347-cubic-inch Rochester fuel-injected engine rated at 315 horsepower is unique for this model which enhances the already-excellent performance of a Bonneville with the convertible option. It was the epitome of the company’s slogan “race on Sunday, sell on Monday '' and remains one of Pontiac’s greatest efforts.

6 1963 Aston Martin DB5

Forever associated with the classic James Bond film Goldfinger, a regular Aston Martin DB5 may not have an ejector seat or fancy weapons. But it does possess a charm and class few cars of the Jet Age can touch. The 4.0l inline-six generated a strong 282 hp and handled like a dream.

The style has influenced every DB model since, still a gorgeous machine and it’s little wonder the Bond movies continue to use them. A pristine model is tough to come by yet even a non-Bond fan will want a ride in this magnificent machine.

5 1957-58 Olds 98 J2 Golden Rocket Holiday Coupe

Oldsmobile embraced the Jet Age nicely and few showed that trend like the 1958 98 J2 Golden Rocket Holiday Coupe. While it’s a mouthful of a title, it’s also an amazing machine. Just 2550 were made, using an engine option only available for two years.

The triple carburetors aid to it getting 300 hp and the supercharge options were so ahead of its time NASCAR banned it. The exterior trim is flawless with massive chromed bumpers and the wire wheels adding to the appeal. While a rare ride, it’s a treat not just for holidays but any day.

Related: 10 Reliable Classic Coupes You Can Buy On A Budget

4 1957 Chevy Bel Air Sport

Mention classic cars of the 1950s and the 1957 Chevy Bel Air Sport comes to mind. From the bold nose to those classic tails, the Bel Air was already glorious but the Sport version was even better. With an improved 283 V8, the Sport could get 270 hp but felt faster.

It also summarized the jet age designs with the exteriors showing a rough but appealing charm that still works well. With better handling and performance, the Sport proved the Bel Air the car of the decade and still a timeless ride.

3 1957 Jaguar XKSS

Trying to pick the best Jaguar of the Jet Age is a tough challenge. Yet the XKSS is still a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Only 16 models were made of a road-ready version of the racer that tore it up at Le Mans and each one was a beauty (sadly, nine more were lost in a factory fire).

The 3.4l six-cylinder could churn out 252 hp and zero to 60 in 5.7 seconds. It also looked as gorgeous as a Jaguar could be and ready to tear up the track. A 2016 continuation highlighted its brilliance yet the XKSS is as rare a gem of Jags as you can get.

Related: These Are The Greatest Jaguar Models of All Time (And Some You’ve Never Heard Of)

2 1954 Mercedes Benz Gull Wing 300 SL

As classic a car as the 1950s produced, the 300SL is dominated by those stunningly gorgeous gullwing doors, arguably the finest ever put on an automobile. But it’s not just the exterior that makes it so wonderful but how it was the fastest production car of its time, capable of hitting 163 mph in a period where getting over a hundred was an achievement.

It was a champion racer at Le Mans and other spots and those lovely interiors. As perfect as a jet age car can be, the 300 SL remains a must-grab for any collector of fine ‘50s cars.

1 Fiat 8V Ghia Supersonic

What better car for the Jet Age than a Supersonic? The term barely existed when Giovanni Savonuzzi crafted what may well be his masterpiece. From nose to rear, it’s clearly influenced by the jet engine of the time and the aerodynamics can still astound.

The 2.0l V8 could gain up to 125 hp and a top speed close to 110 mph, impressive for the time. Sadly, various issues meant only eight were completed with one selling for $1.7 million. Yet its frame emphasized the jet age wonderfully for a ride ready to take off on the road.

Sources: hemmings.com, mecum.com, caranddriver.com