Highlighted here are just a small sampling of the fantastic cars from the Fabulous ’50s that will be headed across the auction block during the 2024 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, January 20-28 at WestWorld. See you there, Daddy-O!
After World War II, the United States saw an unprecedented surge in economic prosperity – and a newfound fascination with cars. The 1950s saw families moving out of the cities and into the suburbs, meaning a vehicle was pretty much a necessity for a commute to work. The automobile also signified freedom for the average American – a chance to hit the open road to explore via the burgeoning highway system (hello, Route 66!). Car culture flourished: drive-in movies, drive-thru restaurants and car clubs popped up everywhere.
This era saw the United States become the world’s largest manufacturer of automobiles – by the end of the 1950s, one in six working Americans were employed either directly or indirectly in the automotive industry. The decade began with some 25 million registered vehicles on the road; by 1958 there were more than 67 million.
American car designers let their imaginations run wild, and the advent of the jet age proved to be a major influence. As a result, Fabulous ’50s cars were resplendent with chrome, tailfins, chrome, wings, chrome, turbines, chrome and afterburner taillights. Did we mention chrome?
Ford, GM and Chrysler – known as the “Big Three” automakers at that time – led the way in automobile production during the 1950s boom. Vehicles forever emblematic of the decade of their creation include Chevrolet’s Bel Air and Corvette, Cadillac’s Eldorado, Ford’s Thunderbird and Fairlane, and Chrysler’s New Yorker. But smaller entities made waves, too – as evidenced by cars like the Kaiser Darrin roadster with its unique pocket doors and DeSoto’s impressive Adventurer – some of which even came with built-in record players.
Highlighted here are just a small sampling of the fantastic cars from the Fabulous ’50s that will be headed across the auction block during the 2024 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, January 20-28 at WestWorld. See you there, Daddy-O!
1954 KAISER DARRIN ROADSTER – NO RESERVE
Pictured above and previously owned by renowned Kaiser Darrin collector Bob Adams. Powered by an original 2.6-liter Straight-6 engine backed by a 3-speed manual transmission with fourth-gear overdrive. Mechanically sorted, including redone brakes and full tune-up.
1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM COUPE – NO RESERVE
Recipient of a frame-off nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration. Powered by a Hilborn electronic fuel-injected 383ci stroker engine backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. Modified frame, custom interior and smoothed firewall. 28 miles since completion.
1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM COUPE – NO RESERVE
Powered by an LS2 V8 engine paired with a 4L60E automatic transmission. Recipient of a full frame-off restoration; now rides on a Roadster Shop chassis. Everything from the top to bottom has been improved.
1957 DESOTO ADVENTURER – NO RESERVE
Powered by a factory 345ci HEMI V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors. Equipped with power brakes, power steering, Continental kit and a Highway HiFi 45 record player under the dash.
1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM COUPE – NO RESERVE
Powered by a new Wegner LS3 427ci V8 engine mated to a Stage-4 4L80E Performance automatic transmission with a billet converter. Has an Art Morrison Tri-5 frame, multi-link rear suspension, Wilwood brakes, Vintage Air and a custom Alpine stereo.
1959 CADILLAC SERIES 62 CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
Recipient of a complete nut-and-bolt restoration. Powered by the factory 390ci engine paired with a Hydromatic transmission. Rides on a custom air-ride suspension with AccuAir controls. Also has a JL Audio system built into the car for a modern feel.
1957 FORD THUNDERBIRD CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
Powered by a modern 5.0-liter Coyote engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Features modern amenities with all power options, removable hardtop, custom interior and a custom-finished engine bay. With 400 miles since the build completion.