The 1950s was a landmark decade for the automobile industry in the USA, with fast advancements which meant that smaller manufacturers found it hard to keep up with the Big Three of GM, Chrysler, and Ford. These iconic American car companies, along with Studebaker and AMC, produced some of their most treasured models in that era. Cars like the 1955 Ford Thunderbird and the 1957 Chrysler Plymouth Fury could be considered among the first-ever flashy cars, and their popularity and influence is still apparent in mainstream culture today.
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What Are The Best Cars From the 1950s?
With so many beautiful and revered cars from the 1950s, it is hard to choose which ones were the cream of the crop. Ford and Chrysler’s famous offerings were certainly up there. But there were some other great American models which also deserve a mention here. One thing that should be noted about the cars of this decade, is that they were arguably the first to really consider aesthetics. There is no denying that these are still some of the finest cars ever produced.
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Some would argue that the 1954 Cadillac Eldorado was the best car of the period and actually defined the era. At the time, the vehicle was available for purchase for around $4,700. If you wanted to get your hands on one now, you’d be looking at around $96,000 for a model in perfect condition. In terms of luxury cars on the market in the 1950s, the Buick Roadmaster Skylark was at the high end. This cool piece of engineering even featured electric window controls – a top-of-the-line feature at the time.
Where Can These Classic Cars Be Seen in Today’s Media?
The cars from the 1950s have featured in popular culture on many occasions over the decades since. The sleek aesthetics have been particularly popular in film, for instance. The 1978 musical comedy Grease, for instance, was set in 1958 and featured a 1948 Ford DeLuxe convertible which was restored to become “Greased Lightning.’”
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The 1950s drive-in diner has also remained hugely popular. For example, in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, John Travolta and Uma Thurman visit Jack Rabbit Slims. This is a 1950s-themed restaurant that features classic cars from the era. The two protagonists sit down in a Chrysler booth.
Car enthusiasts still hold the 1950s in high regard as one of the greatest eras in the American automobile industry. This is why these cars have been so perfectly suited to films and games over the years. These iconic vehicles are likely to always have a place in our hearts.
