The 1950s was a golden age in the automotive era. After World War II, automakers worked round the clock to bring up new stylish and technology-focused models – some that would stand the test of time until today. In this period, car designers also brought a variety of styles that were missing from earlier concepts.
From vehicles with long flowing lines and futuristic tailfins, the 1950s brought to the roads some of the most irresistible cars in history. Even some of the worst vehicles of the time became some of the most beautiful classic machines in existence. That said, here is a memory lane to some of the most beautiful classic cars of the 1950s.
8 Maserati A6GCS Berlinetta
The Maserati A6GCS Berlinetta was one of the prettiest cars styled by the legendary Pinin Farina, and its flowing lines and taut proportions defined its racing pedigree. Underneath its elegant skin, the A6GCS hid a powerful 2.0-liter engine that produced 170 horsepower and attained a top speed of 146 mph. The powertrain was built off a race-bred chassis designed by Gilco and intended for the Mille Miglia.
In all, the elegant bodywork made the Berlinetta one of the most exotic cars in automotive history. And one of the most beautiful creations from the Italian automaker.
7 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
The 300SL is another rare car designed to perfection – one of the most beautiful Mercedes-Benz classics ever. It launched in 1954 at the Motor Sports Show in New York and was based on the W194 Mercedes that dominated in the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1952.
The 300SL was also the fastest production car, as it came equipped with a 3.0-liter straight six-cylinder engine that put out 215 horsepower and accelerated to a top speed of 155 mph. What’s more, its gull-wing doors made the car stand out and a masterpiece to be desired by many. Indeed, it was a beauty and a beast.
6 Porsche 356 Speedster
The 356 Speedster was unique in every sense, from its body style to its 1.5-liter engine that produced 60 horsepower, but enough to push the vehicle to a top speed of 99 mph.
In addition, the car became a tremendous hit as it was less expensive than the rivals in its class, with an accessible price of $2,995. The 356 Speedster was in production from 1956 to 1959, and since then, it has become one of the most beautiful classics thanks to its flawless and timeless design.
5 Ford Thunderbird
The Ford Thunderbird was a two-seater vehicle with a detachable fiberglass roof launched in 1954 at the Detroit Auto Show. Ford developed the Thunderbird in response to Chevy, who had unveiled the first-ever Corvette. The Thunderbird featured a V8 engine with 245 horsepower and a top speed of 150 mph, perfect for the 1950s.
The car became an instant hit among Americans and sold over 16,155 units in its first year. Today, this beautiful work of art is considered the first model that kicked off the sports car era for the automaker.
4 Alfa Romeo 1900 SS Cabriolet
The 1900 SS was an attractive, all-steel unit-body, popular for its envelope-bodywork and left-hand steering. Other Alfa models came equipped with a right-hand drive. It came powered by a twin-overhead-cam, inline 4-cylinder that generated 115 horsepower and attained up to 112 mph.
In addition, its chassis featured coil-spring suspension, warm-and-roller steering, and hydraulic drum brakes. With this underpinning, the car became a blueprint for sports cars for the next generation and one of the most beautiful Italian cars ever built.
3 Chevrolet Corvette
The Corvette is one of America’s first cars produced with a fiberglass body frame. This gorgeous-looking masterpiece debuted in 1953 at the New York Auto Show.
The Corvette came with a straight-six inline engine that cranked out 150 horsepower and a top speed of 108 mph. With only 300 units built, the 1953 version is considered one of the rarest Corvettes Chevrolet ever made and a great American sports car of all time.
2 Chrysler 300
The 1955 Chrysler 300 is among the most iconic cars of the 1950s. It featured attractive styling cues such as a low roofline and long hood that set it apart. What’s more, it was not just a luxurious and stylish vehicle, but also offered impressive performance. The car came with a Hemi 5.4-liter V8 engine that generated 180 horsepower.
Although this stunning design was a success, only 1700 units were built, thus making the Chrysler 300 one of the rarest classic cars of the 1950s.
1 Buick Skylark Convertible
The Buick Skylark convertible is arguably one of the most significant cars of all time, and certainly one of the most outstanding cars of the 1950s. This two-door coupe came with a beautiful Reef Blue shade that contrasted with the two-tone, red, and white interior.
And although it was based on the Buick Roadmaster chassis, the Skylark came with unique features such as the Kelsey-Hayes 40-spoke chrome wheels that collectors highly regard as the most beautiful wheels ever to grace the automotive industry. The Skylark also packed the first modern V8 engine – a 5.3-liter Nailhead V8 engine and a 12V electrical system, which matched its racy appearance. With only 1640 units produced, the Skylark is one of the most-rarest 1950s classic cars.