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The 1950s were a golden age for automobiles. The country was in a post-war economic boom, and cars were beginning to represent luxury and free time—the trappings of a successful man. The distinctive styles that emerged in this time period have become popular with antique car collectors around the world.  

Iconic Autos of the 1950s

1. 1955 Ford® Thunderbird

The '55 Thunderbird was a small, sleek alternative to the big cruise liner sedans. It was a two-seater, with a convertible top to get that wind-in-your-hair, movie screen vibe. It was also fun to drive, with a V-8 engine that made hugging turns on the California coast almost mandatory. The stylish white wheel spats, wider wheelbase, and luxury interior touches mean this is a car that never goes out of style either. 

2. 1954 Cadillac® El Dorado

antique carsWith only 2,000 cars produced, the '54 El Dorado was a collector's item even before it left the lot. It was pricey, too; to buy one back then would set you back about $90,000 in today's currency. The '54 El Dorado lost some of its distinctive body shell, focusing on decorative trim pieces instead, which allowed Cadillac to lower the price a little. However, the El Dorado still represented premium luxury in the post-war economy. 

3. 1957 Chevrolet® Corvette 

Chevrolet's answer to the stylish, fast Thunderbird was the classic Corvette. It also had a V-8 engine, and its distinctive design made it a favorite of antique car enthusiasts, especially because the '57 could be ordered with ready-to-race options already installed. For a moment, it looked like the Thunderbird might remain the dominant sports car model, but the Corvette sold itself as the less pretentious muscle car of the two and in the end, won the market and the public's heart. 

4. 1957 Chrysler® Plymouth Fury

Plymouth made its name by being practical—the kind of car that was affordable, without all the tricks. As demand increased, even Chrysler gave in to the flashy big style that the rest of the auto industry was discovering, and the '57 Plymouth Fury was a great example of this. With smooth curves and sculpted tail fins, what the Fury lacked in practicality, it made up for in first impressions. 

 

The Charlotte AutoFair in Mecklenburg County, NC, is the largest vintage car and trade show in the Southeast. Every year, over 150,000 antique car enthusiasts gather for the largest exhibit of collector cars in the region, with over 10,000 vendors and private sellers excited to talk vintage car shop. For more information on this four-day event, call (704) 841-1990 or visit them online today.

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