Cars of the 50s

TASCHEN 25 - Special edition
"Hot Rods and Hula Hoops"

For much of the world, the 1950s were a drab decade of rebuilding after the devastation of World War II. In stark contrast, the United States economy was booming, and colorful tract housing developments were flourishing across the country. And as cars became a key part of this new lifestyle, they were saturated with color too. The war sparked a technology boom in the U.S., giving automakers as well as a growing band of auto enthusiasts mechanical advancements and an unprecedented range of colors to apply to their cars. U.S. automakers were experiencing an industry-wide rejuvenation, and fins and jet engine intakes would become the styling cues that would define the decade.

This compendium of colorful advertisements brings automobiles from the 50s back to life. Featured makes include: Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, General Motors, Lincoln, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Studebaker, and many more.