what was the big thing with the cars in the 1950's?

Question

i need to do a report on the 1950 cars and i need to figure out what started the whole rave about the cars.....so any information would be kindly appreciated

Answer 1

hhhhhmmmmm why don't you ask hamza.....you know that one smart guy

Answer 2

At the time there was only one country in the world that really had much of an industrial infrastructure (manufacturing and raw materials) capable of mass producing much of anything. As noted by the first responder, the Second World War had just ended and most of the industrial world was in ruins.

The American economy was booming and anything that came from overseas was incredibly cheap, so just about whatever Detroit rolled off the production lines was both pretty affordable and a big seller. Style excesses were marketed as engineering breakthroughs and almost every year the model styles were changed. "Keeping up with the Jones'" became a way of life.

There were some busts, of course (search Wikipedia for "Edsel") but for the most part the domestic automakers could do no wrong - they had a wealthy, consumption-driven customer base and the means to deliver a highly desired and relatively inexpensive product.

Answer 3

Another big thing to add to what's already been said is that during the war, many things were rationed or not available to the public because they were going into military equipment. Gas, rubber, steel, etc. People had to recycle all of that kind of stuff and were severly limited as to how much they could purchase/have. After the war ended, the restrictions were lifted, and the American public went crazy buying things they had to do without for years. Also, the infrastructure of huge interstate highways got built (or started to get built) and for the first time people had the ability to go farther, faster. The cars of the 50s represented freedom. People could go where they wanted, when they wanted, and do so in style and excess.

Answer 4

steel became commercially available with the end of WW2. we had a bustling economy, numerous factories and an unprecedented amount of labor provided to us from the production of war machines. at this point, even the women were entering the workforce. we had an egotistical attitude as we had just saved the world. You will note the large body styler, and increasing engine sizes all the way up to the early 70s.

Additionally, you will notice that in the late 50's "fins" became prevalent. It is said that this is due to the race for space we were experiencing at that time. the US shifted a ton of resources toward space exploration, and this theme carried into the cars, from the 50s Studebaker with the bullet nose, resembling a jet engine or rocket, to the fins on the caddilacs meant to look like wings as we headed toward aerospace.

Answer 5

Cars of the fifties were special creations of both styling and new engineering innovations. With the end of WW2 and the industry getting back into business making cars for consumers instead of the government, a whole fresh approach was needed.
The designs of the pre war era continued to 1949 when the newly designed models hit the road. Things like overhead valve V8 engines, aircraft inspired designs, automatic transmissions, sportier models mixed with family station wagons began the early fifties. Horsepower jumped, safety features began to be developed like the lap belt, padded instrument panel, and collapsible steering wheels were introduced. New colors like pink and black and plenty of two tones ushered in the scalloped designs of the mid fifties. By the late fifties the surge was towards big cars with lots of power and creature comforts like the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado's.
By the sixties designers were pulling back and becoming more conservative in their styling. The fifties was an era of if you could design it you could build it.

Answer 6

artistic flair was a must in that time as well, just as the others have mentioned, World War 2 had just ended, and the manufacturing companies switched from making bombs and airplanes and tanks; to making refrigerators, cars, and other household appliances.

since the war barely touched our soil, all of our factories were still moving and in working condition. our European Allies weren't as lucky as the war happened on their soil. they sustained the most damage.

Answer 7

Steel became readily available again after the war.

Answer 8

Wide white sidewall tires!

Answer 9

Big fins and lots of chrome!

Answer 10

It had alot to do with WW2 ending.