Classical cars

The 1950s are referred to as the decade of car culture. Following WWII, the economy was booming. Prior to the war, cars increasingly became a staple in the American family. However, during the war car production was overshadowed by the production of military vehicles. Once society returned to a normal state, car production resumed. During the middle of the decade, the Interstate Act was established which further promoted car sales. Also during the 1950s, the concept of  “taking a joy ride, without any particular destination,” became a popular pass time. With the advent of the Interstate Act, more and more families traveled by car, while gas stations popped up along the highways and interstates to support this new trend.

Along with the popularity of cars was the popularity of celebrities. Elvis Presley, a young, iconic star, made the 1955 Cadillac El Dorado a widely sought after vehicle. Presley’s El Dorado was a pink convertible, with white wall tires and lots of chrome. By 1957, the Cadillac El Dorado “added power steering, adjustable seats and in car air conditioning, and by 1959 the Cadillac convertible looked the ultimate dream with tail fins, chrome and a powerful 325 horsepower engine.” To this day, Elvis Presley’s, pink convertible El Dorado is one of the most sought after cars.

One of the most defining features of the 1950s car is the tail light. The rear of the 1950s cars was extravagant, with taillights that resembled fins or wings. The actual lights themselves were bright red, like lipstick, and the fin or wing was lavished in chrome and metal. The tail end of these 1950s cars was truly a flamboyant statement. As the decade progressed and cars became more popular and luxurious, chrome on the 1950s cars became a dominant feature. Cars were “ornately trimmed with bumpers, fenders and hood ornaments all made of chrome, while inside the car, window knobs, door handles and dashboards were also made of chrome.” Also, to enhance the luxury of the 1950s automobile, drivers could expect to find, power steering, power brakes and automatic transmissions.

Some of the other features found in a 1950s cars are a “wraparound windshield, to improve drive visibility; interiors included cigarette lighters, tinted glass, map lights, armrests and air conditioning. Wide, soft seats provided comfort for the whole family, and it was during this time that radios were installed in the majority of cars.”