1950s sports cars However, the more expensive and classic the car, the more expensive the maintenance. These aren't the basket cases or project cars that need everything — we're The 1950s Porsche Speedster is more than just a car; it’s an icon of automotive history that continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors. This was the decade when MGs, Triumphs, Austin-Healeys and Jaguars were the global yardsticks of open-topped, two-seater excitement. No recommendations are made; our attention has been drawn to them but we cannot say that they fully comply with our regs, or are still available. Other influences included the lure of the expensive, exotic, impractical and sheer whimsy of owning a powerful car which provided a great ride. Mar 17, 2025 · Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock. Although the 1960s are often Mar 11, 2025 · Though the Corvette became the only GM sports car to make it into production, its divisions unveiled several breathtaking sports car concepts during the 1950s. Here are 25 classic cars from the 1950s that you need to remember, each one a testament to the era’s unique blend of elegance and performance. It had a top speed of over 100 miles per hour and better acceleration than the competition. While models like the Chevrolet Bel Air and Ford Fairlane dominated the spotlight, many other exceptional family cars from this decade have been overlooked. Apr 13, 2014 · This footage from the 1950's highlights sports cars from the era, such as the M. Decades later, however, at least three dozen surviving examples became highly coveted at public Feb 7, 2022 · The 1950s was a crucial decade for the American car industry. Sep 25, 2021 · Having a lightweight sports car in the 1950s was a big plus, especially if you were participating in races. Appropriately, most of the advertisements featured in these pages were for brand-new sports cars, ways to modify your sports car, what to wear in your sports car, how to maintain your sports car, and the little race car to buy/build if you demanded even more Jul 16, 2021 · 1950s dragsters and sports cars in sunny California: racing's most-golden golden age? US Motor Racing News Preston Lerner July 16, 2021 Apr 19, 2025 · This is a Victress C2 Coupe, a handbuilt American sports car designed by Merrill Powell in the mid-1950s and now largely forgotten. The Alfa Romeo Alfetta 158 was the only true factory car on the grid and it won every round in that inaugural 1950 season, barring the Indianapo Apr 25, 2019 · The 1960s were a golden age for British sports cars, and the Midget stands out. The series becomes phenomenally popular, and attracts numerous domestic manufacturers. This site has archived a huge collection of race programs, entrants, and results from the 1950s sports car racing scene in the US. This era saw the rise of iconic American muscle Subscribed 51 4. These automotive gems defined an era—the sleek designs, powerful engines, and technological innovations that made the ’50s a remarkable Apr 9, 2019 · The 1950s were a golden era for automotive artisans and engineers in Italy. I've also included Jun 19, 2015 · Before there was Sports Illustrated and Car and Driver, there was Sports Cars Illustrated. Hoping to sell American-made autos to GIs who had caught the sports car bug while serving in Europe during World War II, the company introduced a pair of snappy little roadsters for 1950: the new Crosley Super Sports and Hot Shot. Regardless of whether you think Italy, Germany, Japan, USA, England or even France have produced the best vintage sports cars; England undoubtedly boasts some of the best classic sports cars in the world in terms of […] History, photo gallery and profile of Porsche racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1950s, including a wonderful period racing images. So, what was the greatest sports car of the 1950s? Here are a few ideas: The 1950s was a decade marked by significant advancements in the car industry. com The year 1950 marked a turning point in the auto industry. Curious Find the perfect 1950s british sports cars stock photo, image, vector, illustration or 360 image. May 16, 2021 · These highly successful race cars from the 1950s have now turned into desirable collectibles. Following closely after WWII, many countries had automobiles on the road which predated the war and were in terrible Mar 17, 2025 · This is a Kellison J6 Panther, it’s an American sports car that debuted in the late 1950s as a competitor for mass-produced sports cars like the Chevrolet Corvette. Jun 22, 2015 · Plenty of legendary cars—ever hear of Chevrolet’s sports car, James Dean, or Ferris Bueller?—are among the quickest to accelerate from zero to 60 mph that we performance-tested in the 1950s. Standing at less than 1,760 lbs, the Porsche 356 was by far one of the nimblest and fastest rally cars on the market. For car lovers like me, it’s hard not to daydream about those gleaming chrome-plated beauties that once ruled the roads. Their merger in 1926 created an industrial behemoth. com The 1950s were a golden era for the American automobile, with sleek designs, vibrant colors, and a growing demand for family-friendly vehicles. Dec 25, 2024 · A look at 1950s cars from Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, DeSoto, Plymouth, Ford, Edsel, and Cadillac that helped shape the automotive industry. Coming just after WWII, automakers brought up new styles and technology, making some of their brands exclusively luxury vehicles with some standing the test of time until today. Apr 29, 2022 · Famous 1950s Cars and Iconic 50s Automobiles For many reasons, the Fifties heralded a new era for the whole world. May 3, 2022 · The Most Famous 1950s Jaguars Jaguar has made some truly iconic cars over the years. Even some of the worst cars of the time are the most beautiful classic machines in existence. Here are the coolest muscle cars from that decade. Jun 16, 2022 · Explore some of the most iconic sports vehicles in the 1950s that paved the way for modern sports cars in America. Feb 5, 2024 · We spend a lot time here talking about post-war architecture, but maybe not enough about automotive. The book examines the technological advancements, design philosophies, and racing Feb 6, 2022 · Long-time writer online on sports, celebs, entertainment, etc. Come relive these fabulous 1950s automobiles read on Jan 28, 2022 · The 1950s saw great changes in the automotive industry. May 15, 2023 · These are our top picks of the rarest and most unusual vehicles from the 1950s – see what Buicks, Fords, Cadillacs, and Chevrolets made the list. In 1950, several companies all over The 1950s was an exciting era for iconic racing cars. From a 1953 Fiat to a 1955 Lancia, here are our top picks. One such coupe, produced in the early 1950s and styled by a renowned European coachbuilder, represents a unique fusion of transatlantic design. The industry was maturing in an era of rapid technological change; mass production and the Category Archives: 1950s Classic Italian Sports Cars Lancia Aurelia B20 The Lancia Aurelia B20 was the first GT – or, Gran Turismo car. There I wrote in to Jim's Letter's Worth Reading Again, identifying the name and model of the car. May 21, 2024 · The 1950s were an era of exuberance, optimism, and groundbreaking innovation, reflected vividly in the decade’s iconic automobiles. But born in the renaissance of car design and built to be driven, these '50s sports cars are simply in a league of their own. Parravano hired the very best drivers to race his cars, including Ken Miles, Richie Ginther, and Carroll Shelby, the latter of whom piloted both of these special cars. Dec 25, 2024 · The 1950s were a golden age for automobiles, marked by innovation, bold designs, and an explosion of luxury and performance vehicles. This 1950 Talbot-Lago Grand Sport T26 Coupe is one of just 36 Grand Sports constructed by Talbot-Lago between 1947 through 1953. While Chevrolet, Ford, and Cadillac produced powerful vehicles during The BMW 507 is a luxury grand touring convertible that was produced by German automobile manufacturer BMW from 1956 until 1959. As you know at Supercars we focus on classic, iconic and important historical cars so you won’t find everyday models here. As all Australian petrol was imported (purchased in US Dollars) petrol rationing continued after the end of the war and the use of US Dollars to import cars required a government GPL MOD 1967 V2. Length 3710 mm / 146. American Customer Sports Racing Cars of the 1950s Everyone has heard of the scandalously beautiful Scarabs, the ground-pounding Cunninghams and the tantalizing Corvette Monza SS. brought with it a new wave of design and technology. During this fabulous decade, visionary manufacturers unleashed stunning dream cars with space age styling. Virtually anyone with a dream and a few thousand square feet somewhere on the outskirts of town could become a low-volume automaker. While iconic models like the '57 Chevy Bel Air convertible command hefty prices today, plenty of 1950s iron remains surprisingly affordable for enthusiasts on a budget. Though the 1958 model year is the best, other years are fairly impressive too. Lightweight, analog, and simple—and, as the name indicates, extremely tiny—it was the perfect car for the Welcome to our full list of 1950s cars. From the racetrack to the drive-in, they defined what it meant to drive in the 1950s. Jan 22, 2022 · Muscle cars are cool. This article takes you on a chrome-laden journey down memory lane, exploring the automotive marvels 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, one of the most iconic autos of the era [1] The 1950s were pivotal for the American automobile industry. Roll down the windows and get ready for a drive Jul 7, 2014 · PART ONE AC Ace, Ace Bristol 1954-1963 Bespoke British sports cars with fine looks, excellent performance and, if you like crossplies, handling to match. What the hell’s that, you may ask? Welcome to the wide, wonderful world of post-war fiberglass sports cars. May 12, 2020 · A list of five sportscars from the 1950s that stood out for their style, engineering and performance, from Lancia Aurelia GT to Austin Healey 100. The Austin A30 and its successor, the A35, were small family cars manufactured by Austin Motor Company from 1951 to 1962. If you’re a new car enthusiast, the ‘50s are a decade you need to know. Let’s take a ride through 10 cars that made 1950 […] The 1950s can be considered as the golden age in many terms like music, fashion, and… cars! This decade was definitely the peak of the automotive industry, and these hot rods certainly made their mark during their time… and beyond. Having established his auto making firm as arguably the dominant force in Sports car racing during its debut 1947 campaign, Enzo Ferrari’s Maranello-based operation went from strength-to… Read More Ben Tyer Ferrari, Ferrari 212, Ferrari 212 Mille Miglia, 1950s Italian cars, 1950s Supercars, 1950s Sports Prototypes, Vignale, Ferrari pre 1960 Apr 2, 2012 · By Rick Feibusch The reasons that building your own sports car fell off the radar was simply because reasonable and usable second hand sports cars became available in the late 1950s shrinking demand considerably. 9 in Wheelbase 2690 mm / 105. Explore how 1950s icons like the Chevrolet Bel Air and Cadillac Eldorado shaped American car culture with bold design, V8 power, and luxury innovation. Although this Berwick, Pennsylvania, company had built a handful of cars from 1912 to 1913, its principal work was industrial machinery. Dec 16, 2016 · In the earliest years, this magazine hewed so tightly to the interests of sports-car owners that it was called Sports Cars Illustrated. Curious about Sep 4, 2017 · Sportscar 50s Mod includes iconic Sportscars from that era. We pick the most beautiful cars of the era. The XK120 was launched in open two-seater or (US) roadster form at the 1948 London Motor Show as a testbed and show car for the new Jaguar XK engine designed by Jaguar Chief Engineer William Heynes. Their bold looks, booming engines, and daring designs continue to inspire car lovers and collectors today. Originally planned for export to the United States at thousands per year, the car proved too costly, leading to just 252 units produced and major financial losses for BMW. Learn about the history of 1950s cars & browse over 150 pictures. Woodill Wildfire The Wildfire roadster was the creation of B. S. Woody, like many well to do young men of the time, was enamored with Dec 16, 2015 · The classic British sports car has its roots firmly planted in the 1950s. Especially the interior on these cars ( cockpits) and sounds is some of Oct 1, 2003 · The futuristic new 1953 Corvette embodied the era's whiz-bang spirit with constant improvements and two major upgrades in the ensuing six years. Best American made sports cars: 1. Feb 25, 2019 · Road racing is largely overlooked today in the annals of California’s motorsports history. American automakers, in particular, were engaged in horsepower wars, introducing ever-larger V8 engines, high-compression designs, and, in some cases, even early fuel injection systems. Facts and figures are sourced from reputable third-party sources, including Stellantis Heritage and official automaker websites unless stated Oct 8, 2025 · In the 1950s, Ford decided that they needed a sportier model to add to their existing line-up of cars. The Victress C2 was typically built on an MGA chassis and would compete with the Porsche 356, MGA, Triumphs, and various other sports cars in club competition. The book examines the technological advancements, design philosophies, and racing The finely restored 1950 MG TD gets inspected at the 2009 Greenwich (Conn. British sports cars are the forerunners in the sports car scene – they brought the sports car fever in the United States. Aug 30, 2016 · >The 1950s were a new kind of Golden Era in the world of competitive racing. In this video, we explore the 12 fastest cars of the 1950s – from American V8-powered beasts like the Chrysler C-300, to featherweight European legends like the Porsche 550 Spyder. 4 in 1990. Also check out the video of a 1950s race in Florida with General LeMay in attendance. Many of these classics have been forgotten over time, but they deserve to be remembered. These machines were bold, stylish, and full of personality, from swooping tailfins to rocket Nov 16, 2018 · At the Fairfield County Concours d’Caffeine a few weeks ago I ran into one Michael Palma, customer relations for Redline Restorations. We’re eager to hear what you think of our supercar countdowns – let us know if we’ve missed any supercars of the 1950s, and which ones from this and our 1940s list you’d have in your dream garage. R ‘Woody’ Woodill, a successful young Southern California Willys dealer. With its low-slung profile and minimalist design, the Speedster quickly became a symbol of both Aug 27, 2020 · Here are some of the best 1960s sports cars ever made. More: Best sports cars of the 1980s and 1990s Depositphotos. Jun 30, 2025 · The 1950s was a decade that brought some of the most iconic cars to life, showcasing a blend of style and performance. There were restrictions on the production and manufacturing of new automobiles in many countries. Within a very short time there were roadsters to suit every pocket – from the cheap-and Oct 21, 2025 · The '50s were an important decade all around, but for car aficionados it was a downright defining decade for vehicles. 1 in Width 1730 mm / 68. The owners The Kaiser Darrin, also known as the Kaiser Darrin 161 or in short as the Darrin, was an American sports car designed by Howard "Dutch" Darrin and built by Kaiser Motors for the 1954 model year. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the leading British manufacturers (Austin-Healey, Jaguar, MG, Sunbeam and Triumph) continued their run of success, furthered by the introduction of lower priced sports car models like the Sprite, Spitfire and Midget and world-class competitors like the immortal Jaguar E-Type, Lotus Elan and the Aston Martin DB The Jaguar XK120 is a sports car manufactured by Jaguar between 1948 and 1954. Cars became symbols of freedom and prosperity, with designs emphasizing chrome accents, tailfins, and powerful V8 engines. Ken Fermoyle got a look at an early prototype of the C-300 in early Jul 7, 2014 · Also news to me was a club called ARCA, which alone flew the flag of European-style amateur road-racing in the ’30s. From the birth of the American muscle car to the introduction of compact European wonders, the 50s sculpted the roadmap for automotive design and performance. Many of these vehicles still turn heads today, with their timeless appeal and vintage charm. Magazines like Motor Trend and Hot Rod Magazine provided national exposure, car These cars didn’t just move people, they moved a nation. Car makers brought in a variety of styles missing from earlier car concepts. While T-series MGs were somewhat fussy and fragile and XK series Jags were not only fussy and fragile, they were expensive to maintain. Oct 13, 2021 · That drive hasn’t ever fully subsided, and cars and trucks of the 1950s are still very popular with car enthusiasts and collectors, including many who hadn’t even been born when those models were new. For a brief period of time, companies like Bocar, Devin, Kellison, Cheetah and Woodhill flourished. Jul 27, 2021 · British sports cars are an institution, but some have survived the march of time better than these ten models you've probably forgotten. After the Great Depression and World War Two stunted the automobile industry, the 1950s saw an explosion of production and a styling shift influenced by the Jet Age. Though dated by today’s standards, the bold and brash classics of the 1950s retain an undeniable charm Dec 20, 2009 · The 1950s were the Wild West for sports car makers in the U. Read on to find out about the best of the 1950s Jaguar cars, including one of the greatest sports cars of all time. Aston Martin DBR1, Jaguar D-type, Ferrari 250 F. Due to World War II, most countries had cars on their roads that preexisted before the war and were in very bad condition. These Jul 5, 2013 · Ford Glasspar Roadster 1951 By the early 1950s, American car companies were working on designs of their own (still mostly big powerful "parade floats" with huge postwar V8 power) and rodders, many fresh from military motor pools and aircraft mechanic work, were trying to make sports cars out of parts from prewar cars. Feb 18, 2024 · In the article "40 Coolest Cars Released in the 1950s," we'll take a trip down memory lane when fins were in! With photos! May 8, 2025 · Today, many of these machines reside in private collections or occasionally surface at Concours events, offering a glimpse into a forgotten chapter of American sports car history. It was Jaguar's first sports car since SS 100 production ended in 1939. Available for both RF and RM licensing. These 9 Rare 1950s Family Cars That Deserve Another Look will surely excite collectors! Oct 5, 2024 · The 1950s was a golden era for automotive design, filled with iconic cars that captured the spirit of innovation and style. Even a quick look at some of the finest cars made back then is enough to understand why. Many of these have sold for several million dollars in the past few years. Cars became a necessity rather than just a luxury, and car manufacturers strove to create stylish designs and improved performance. It has coachwork by the flamboyant coachbuilder, Jacques Saoutchik of Neuilly-sur-Seine. It gained immense popularity in the 1950s and became one of the best-selling British cars of all time. Builders refined late- 1940s techniques and pushed them to extremes, fueled by returning WWII veterans with disposable income and mechanical skills. This decade saw the rise of powerful V8 engines, wraparound windshields that challenge today’s glass repair experts, and the unforgettable space-age tail fins. Discover the limited number of these iconic cars that still exist today. These classic cars have become symbols of their era, admired for their design, power, and lasting impact on the automotive world. 2 days ago · The 1950s were a golden era for American automotive design, with chrome-laden land yachts and sleek hardtops rolling off assembly lines in Detroit. Enjoy cars in movies and various TV shows (reality and fiction) and enjoying learning more about them even as I share that with others. If you're a new car enthusiast, the ‘50s are a decade you need to know. In this article we discuss twenty cars built by American entrepreneurs and eccentrics in pursuit of the fast and loud, with plenty of cross-fertilization from companies abroad. Nearly forty concept, dream and show cars – all built of fiberglass – were created by the major manufacturers in Detroit from 1953 to 1956. Triumph Roadster (prototype) This ambitious and very advanced model, revealed by Triumph in 1950, was a Vanguard-engined sports car fitted with striking, aerodynamic bodywork and featuring fully retractable electrically-operated headlamp covers, curved windscreen, hydraulically-operated top, windows and seats, large boot with wind-down tray for Mar 12, 2021 · While the '60s indeed saw muscle cars reach their most brutal form, the '50s were their origins. From here the book gets down to the wonderful mixed grids of the early post-war years, where old Alfas Dec 13, 2024 · The golden age of motorsport was a thrilling era marked by innovation, speed, and unforgettable races. The resulting T-Bird was a two-seater canvas-topped car with a V8 engine, and it was competitively priced for a sports car of its type. Grids were varied, with production cars from Jaguar XKs, MGAs, T-Types and Lotus Elites competing with small volume sports racers from Lotus, Cooper, Lola and Elva. In fact, we can say it was a defining decade and there were some truly memorable 1950s classic cars that stood out from the rest. Sophisticated engineering advancements paired with exuberant optimism to create a golden era of motoring. The 1950s weren’t just a great era for homes and furniture and today we’ll prove it. F1 stars Juan Manuel Fangio and Mike Hawthorn both drove B20s – when off-duty, of course! Category Archives: 1950s Classic Italian Sports Cars Lancia Aurelia B20 The Lancia Aurelia B20 was the first GT – or, Gran Turismo car. In this article, we’ll explore 25 of these iconic vehicles, each one a testament to the engineering prowess and competitive spirit that defined motorsport’s golden years. These cars weren’t just transportation — they were symbols of style, status, and the future. Among those were Buick's Wildcats Aug 30, 2025 · FISCAR - The Fifties Sports Car Racing Club is specifically for GT and production cars that raced in period and are still prepared to the same specifications. See prices, photos, and find dealers near you. Arnolt-Bristol. Mar 14, 2025 · The 1950s were the beginning of the golden era of the car industry, with manufacturers pushing the limits of speed, power, and engineering. 150 photos of post-war British sports-cars (MG, Triumph, TVR, Jaguar etc), ie those of the late 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and the beginning of the 1970s, make up this slideshow video. Mass production dramatically increased the speed in which cars could be manufactured and led to automobile manufacturing Jun 23, 2025 · The 1950s were a golden age for automobiles, blending luxury and performance in sleek, sporty two-door cars that shaped the future of car design. This era marked a distinct transition in car design and consumer preferences, seeing the birth of vehicles The 1950s boom of automobile production in the U. The post-World War II era brought a wide range of new technologies to the automobile consumer, and a host of problems for the independent automobile manufacturers. 9 in The Allard K2 is a 2-seater sports car Aug 2, 2025 · Ah, the fabulous ’50s—a time when sock hops rocked the gym, jukeboxes played the soundtrack of youth, and cars weren’t just transportation—they were rolling works of art. Experience the elegance and rarity of 1950s Ferrari models. This period witnessed a remarkable flourishing of creativity and innovation, producing some of the most celebrated and desirable sports cars in history. Apr 23, 2025 · Iconic 1950s cars defined an era—discover timeless models, design trends, and tips for collectors in this essential guide to vintage automotive style. Welcome to Hemmings , the go-to destination for classic car enthusiasts and collectors around the globe. A time when the craft evolved more in ten years than it would in the following five decades. Nov 6, 2025 · The 1950s were a golden age for automobiles, blending luxury and performance in sleek, sporty two-door cars that shaped the future of car design. Apr 6, 2024 · The 1950s were a defining decade for the automotive industry, with a significant boom following World War II. Jul 22, 2014 · Throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, handcrafted sports cars were celebrated across the land at shows as large as GM’s Motorama. It passed through six production phases – from 1950 to ’58. These decades saw the birth of iconic muscle cars, sleek sports cars, and futuristic concept cars that continue to seize our attention today. In the history of the automotive industry, the 1950s stand out as a pivotal era that saw innovation and breathtaking vehicles. Its classic design and engaging driving experience make it a beloved classic. The increasingly prosperous post-war boom was in full swing and this renewed sense of optimism stretched as far as the motoring industry. Feb 24, 2025 · The 1950s are widely considered to be the golden age of automobiles. Road & Track Magazine featured many of the important up-and-coming fiberglass sports cars of the 1950s, helping them gain nationwide fame. Mercedes and Benz both enjoyed significant success as separate firms during the early days of motor racing. Turner Sports Car Company Limited was a 1950s British sports car manufacturer, that closed in 1966. Oct 22, 2025 · After spending days immersed in wallpaper-worthy images of classic cars, I selected the most beautiful Italian sports cars ever made — at least in my opinion. Jul 1, 2019 · Learn about the features, history and performance of the Jaguar XK120, AC Ace, Triumph TR3A, Austin-Healey 100M and MGA. Jul 10, 2020 · Here are five of the best '50s sports cars, created in a time when body panels were hand-shaped with hammers and wheels, dashboards were made of metal, and seat belts were optional. View 50+ covers from the fifties. When Adolf Hitler’s Nazi party… Read More Ben Tyer Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz W194 300 SL, 1950s Supercars, 1950s Sports Prototypes, 1950s German cars, 1950s GT Racers, Mercedes Mar 22, 2021 · The 1950s were blessed with a plethora of great Ford cars, including the Thunderbird. These cars and others were the products of companies determined to win at any cost… which was a good thing since Lance Reventlow, Briggs Cunningham and Chevrolet spent fortunes building their creations without Jun 26, 2020 · Bid Garage offers a glimpse into the world of classic British sports cars including what makes them collectible, how much they cost, and which models to buy. Equipe 50s will reimagine this period with Sports Racing classes divided into pre- and post -1956 to account for performance and braking differentials, and unique classes for Jul 15, 2024 · 1950s Sports & GT Cars for Sale FISCAR suitable cars noted for sale. As a racing fan, he was instrumental in the airport racing of the day after many road courses were closed. Crosley Motors was the first of the better-known independents to field a sports car. May 11, 2022 · The results were mixed. Porsche 550 is also there in BETA, its not a finished car model. The term “ Speedster ” refers to a model that Porsche designed to be both lightweight and high-performing, embodying the essence of a true sports car. Jul 25, 2020 · Here is a selection of America’s abundance of sports car makers that made their debut prior to the Corvette’s on June 30, 1953 - even if those many makers didn’t make very many cars. He was hard to miss, putting on a flamboyant entrance in a sporty bright red 1959 Bocar. We appreciate the joys of driving 1950s cars were some of the most classy, exotic, powerful and unsafe cars ever made. Find out more with Hertz. British Automotive from the 1950sAllard K2 From 1950 to 1952. This article showcases jaw-dropping Italian sports cars built between 1950 and 2000. 5K views 8 years ago The Top Ten Sports Cars of the 1950s 10-Fiat 8Vmore May 26, 2025 · Today, far fewer than the original run of 300 of these fiberglass-bodied sports cars remain, making them rare and significant since they paved the way for the future of the American sports car. 20 Categories: Car Mods, Car Packs, Open Wheel | Mar 31, 2023 · The American car industry in the 1950s and 1960s was booming and thanks to the nation's hunger for bigger and better, its model lineups became fantastic, with these being 10 iconic American classic cars from the '50s and '60s. American Cars Sold in Australia in the 1950s After the end of World War II, Australia, like all Pounds-Sterling based countries, legislated to restrict the use of US Dollars which were in desperately short supply. Whether you are a car enthusiast or simply appreciate Jun 3, 2019 · In 1950 Muntz had a falling out with Henry J, Kaiser, so he purchased all the tooling and dies for one of Frank Kurtis’ sports cars and then, along with Kurtis and race driver Sam Hanks, set about reworking the car to give it wider appeal. Late in the decade, the Corvette would adopt a V8 engine and become heavily competitive in endurance Sep 16, 2024 · The 1950s and 60s marked a golden era for automotive design, where creativity, innovation, and a touch of rebellion all came together on the open road. This period gave rise to some of the most legendary racing cars that continue to inspire awe and admiration. 1950 Airports Racing in the US. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (chassis code W 198) is a two-seat sports car that was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1954 to 1957 as a gullwinged coupé and from 1957 to 1963 as a roadster. The 1950s were a time of change for the automotive industry. 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. The immense success of drag racing stole a lot of the limelight. Styling incorporated the sports car clichés of the early 1950s -- the fender line, for example -- but in stretched form so that the body could be attached to American sedan chassis. Although the British sports car came of age globally during the years after World War II, they laid down the road to success during the 1920s to 1930s when the British automakers started to create more affordable cars with 1950s Cars - Pontiac - Year by Year with pictures, info and prices. Oct 24, 2021 · Part of the lure of the sports car came because they were smaller and far more stylish than the typical family cars produced in Detroit. They appeared in shows which including: Mar 23, 2025 · In 1955, around the Corvette got its first V-8 and Ford’s two-seat Thunderbird first took flight, Chrysler introduced the first of its mighty “Letter Cars”: the formidable Chrysler C-300, boasting the most powerful production engine in the United States — and one of the most powerful then offered in the entire world. Carmakers emerged from the shadow of war to embrace bold designs, improved technology, and a booming American economy. See photos, specifications and valuations of these iconic open-topped roadsters from the 1950s. Due to the rising popularity of stock car racing, the new Strictly Stock Series is established as the Grand National. Essentially a revamp of Kaiser's Henry J compact, the Kaiser Darrin was one of its designer's final achievements and was noted for being the second (behind the 1953 Corvette) American car equipped with Jul 7, 2014 · Since 1923, when Charles Faroux organised the first Le Mans 24 Hours, it has been the principal aim of serious sports car manufacturers to both compete and win at the… The subject of the 1953 Nash-Healey sports car first came up in Jim Nolt's TAC issue no. Automobile Model List (1950 - 1959) The 1950s were a decade of flamboyant style and horsepower in the automotive world, as the post-war economic boom and suburban expansion in America fueled a love affair with the automobile. Yet, ’50s cars still make for an excellent enthusiast ownership experience. Things changed after the war, when new optimism brought the Sports Car Club of America, and when Watkins Glen came into being, road-racing had found new and fertile ground. May 6, 2023 · The Morris Minor was an iconic compact car that was produced by the Morris Motor Company from 1948 to 1971. Nov 14, 2025 · Custom Cars of the 1950s The 1950s stand out as the golden age of customs. However, they are certainly worth checking out if you are in the market for an appropriate FISCAR entry. A Twin Cam, being demonstrated on tracks at competitions like Le Mans 1955 1950 Classic cars for sale near near you by classic car dealers and private sellers on Classics on Autotrader. The Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Thunderbird become the first true American sports cars. May 26, 2023 · The 1950s was a very important decade of progress, thriving production and creativity in many areas. Jun 16, 2014 · Woodill Wildfire The Wildfire was a fiberglass bodied sports car that was mostly sold in body-kit form from 1952 to 1958. Aug 11, 2023 · MacMinn later extended the designs in his 1959 book “Sports Cars of the Future” to include several versions of the LeMans Coupe that encompassed race and sports cars. Learn about their history, specs and achievements in motorsport. List of French Sports Cars Production years history and specification. ) Concours International, and takes home the award for Best English Sports Car 1946-1952. " We're talking everything […] Jun 6, 2025 · Revisit the classics and discover new favorites with our list of the most popular cars of the 1950s including the Bel Air, Porsche 550 Spyder and Buick Skylark. 1 in Height 1190 mm / 46. Whether you’re a seasoned trader, a passionate hobbyist, or someone dreaming of owning a MULTIPLEX While most American racing cars of the early 1950s were intended for big V-8 power, Multiplex chose to concentrate on the 1500cc class. This ebook delves into the golden age of British sports car manufacturing, exploring the iconic models, influential designers, and cultural impact of the 1950s. If you are looking for important 1950s cars, this is the list of the all the iconic and amazing 1950s car models of the era. The 300 SL traces its origins to the company's 1952 racing car, the W194, and was equipped with a mechanical direct fuel-injection system that increased the power output of its three-liter overhead camshaft Oct 13, 2021 · The best racing car of the 1950s was actually designed at the end of the thirties and had won plenty of races by the time the first ever Formula 1 World Championship was held. The world was finally recovering from the devastation of World War II, and the car industry restarted all production in a big way. Hundreds of photos Click the links below. For example, in 1950 automakers were keen on making convertibles while also retaining Jaguar cars of the 1950s A complete list of Jaguar cars from the 1950s is: Saloon cars Jaguar Mark V 1948-51 Jaguar Mark VII 1950-56 Jaguar Mark VIII 1956-8 Jaguar Mark IX 1958-61 Jaguar Mk1 1955-9 Jaguar Mk2 1959-67 Sports cars Jaguar XK120 1948-54 Jaguar XK140 1954-7 Jaguar XK150 1957-61 By Steven Braggs, October 2022 Add your comments . These rare gems offered style, […] Find the perfect 1950s sports car stock photo, image, vector, illustration or 360 image. The world was finally recovering from Jul 18, 2018 · Both of Copley Motorcars’ Ferrari sports-racers both derive from the former stable of Tony Parravano, the construction tycoon and 1950s West Coast racing pioneer who had more than a penchant for Enzo Ferrari’s exotic cars. The 1950s was the golden era for racing cars and competitive racing. Jan 18, 2024 · The 1950s bore witness to some of the most classic cars in automotive history. Besides horsepower becoming an increasingly important factor during this time, which led to the foundation of the muscle car era, there were also a number of technological innovations either invented or mass produced during the years known as the "Happy Days. Two things made this possible: […] Feb 26, 2019 · In retrospect, Italian sports cars of the era were rough riding, demanding cars with temperamental engines, carburetors that seemed to go out of adjustment if you looked at them the wrong way, and interiors that were designed for looks more than comfort. Each one, from the stunning roadsters of the fifties and sixties to the world-beating XJ220 in the nineties, evokes a distinct and quintessential British charm. Numerous 1950s vehicles featured innovative designs and powerful performance, and many manufacturers released stylish sports cars that are still highly sought after today. F1 stars Juan Manuel Fangio and Mike Hawthorn both drove B20s – when off-duty, of course! The question of which country produced the best classic sports cars (pre 1970) is a topic of great debate. Jul 27, 2022 · In the 1950s and ’60s, the resin revolution turned dreamers into car manufacturers with a steady supply of unique fiberglass kits. Dec 11, 2024 · The MG TC, produced from 1945 to 1950, is credited with sparking American interest in British sports cars. G. Here at Classic Auto, we’re more than just a classic car insurance company — we’re also car lovers. These cars were affordable, reliable, and achieved considerable Jul 28, 2018 · All through the 1950s, Crosley ruled the H Modified, 750 cc category in SCCA sports car racing, supplying the engines and drivetrains for countless Crosley-based homebuilts. This era brought us some of the most iconic classic cars in history, characterized by their sweeping lines, chrome accents, and a focus on style and comfort.