Can You Identify These Cool Cars From the '50s?

By: Robin Tyler
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Identify These Cool Cars From the '50s?
Image: Pixabay / werner22brigitte

About This Quiz

If there is one thing that stands out about cars in the 1950s, particularly those designed in North America, it is the chrome, lots of chrome. And pointy tailfins, sometimes to the extreme.

The '50s were an exciting time in the world of motoring and definitely saw a styling shift as cars moved from the rounded looks of the 1930s and 1940s into the long, sleek cars of the 1950s, especially when it came to American models. Across the pond, however, designs kept their distinctive European styling. Here, sports cars were the order of the day and many of them were in demand all over the world, particularly in the United States. Smaller than their American counterparts, these cars are sold for astronomical amounts today.

The question is, how much do you really know about cars from the 1950s? Would you be able to name an American classic from just one image? Or would you be able to pick out the sleek lines of a 1950s model European sports car? What about a classic American truck, would you be able to identify the make and model? Make no mistake; This quiz will test your auto knowledge like no other. That's why getting close to 80% right is certainly a major achievement.

But you can do this! Your knowledge of cars will see you through.

Jeep M422 Mighty Mite
Wiki Commons by Jessica L. Martinez
Produced as a vehicle for the military, what make and model is shown in this image?
1959 Citroën DS
1955 Triumph TR3
1956 Pontiac Safari
1959 Jeep M422 Mighty Mite
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Designed as a combat vehicle, research on the Mighty Mite started in 1946 but it was only in the late 1950s that it went into production. The body was made from aluminum to keep weight down for airlifting while the Mite was powered by an AMC V-4 air-cooled engine. 3,922 Mighty Mites were manufactured, with most serving with the US Marines.

Advertisement

1957 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
Christian Jansky (User:Tschaensky) via Wiki Commons
Ultimate luxury, that's what we have in this image. Fit enough for kings, queens and statesmen. Can you name the car?
1957 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
1955 Alba Regia
1956 Ford Squire
1958 Pegaso Z-103
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The bulk of the Rolls Royce models sold from the mid-'50s to 'mid-60s were the Silver Cloud model - 7,322 in all. During that 11-year period, three generations were produced all available as either a 4-door saloon, 2-door coupe or 2-door convertible.

Advertisement

1956 Ford Parklane
JOHN LLOYD from Concrete, Washington, United States via Wiki Commons
A classic '50s family car, which make and model is featured in this image?
1956 Ford Parklane
1954 Austin A40 Somerset
1952 Fiat 8V
1955 Siata 208s
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Launched in 1956, the Parklane was a two-door station wagon. It was powered by either a straight six or V8 engine and had a 3-speed transmission. Of course, it had that classic mid-'50s look as well.

Advertisement

1950 Studebaker Commander
Wiki Commons by Sfoskett~commonswiki
This make and model had been made since the 1920s. The '50s convertible, however, is pictured here. Do you know what it is?
1958 Bristol 406
1954 Moskvich 404 Sport
1950 Studebaker Commander convertible
1955 TVR Grantura
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Commander badge has been put on a number of Studebakers since the 1920s. The vehicles from the 1950s, however, are in demand with restorers, especially the 1950 Studebaker Commander convertible. This is indeed a classic car.

Advertisement

1959 Cadillac Eldorado
Sicnag via Wiki Commons
Tail fins don't get much pointier than that! What vehicle is shown here?
1955 Alvis TC 108G
1959 Cadillac Eldorado
1957 Bentley S1
1955 Lloyd 600
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Established in 1902, Cadillac is the second oldest automotive brand in America. The Eldorado, introduced in 1959, had everything you could wish for in a ‘50s classic, including ridiculously long and pointy tailfins and chrome, lots of chrome. Sadly, finding one today is like finding a needle in a haystack.

Advertisement

1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible
Ermell via Wiki Commons
Can you name this vehicle, first introduced in the 1950s and still marketed today?
1955 Meteor Rideau
1959 Chevrolet Impala
1954 Vauxhall Cresta
1956 Packard Pacific
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Impala brand has been used by Chevrolet since the 1950s. Introduced in 1958, the first generation had the classic '50s look. Interestingly the name was first used on the Bel Air model, with Impala added to the top-of-the-range vehicle. In 1959, the Impala became its own model.

Advertisement

1959 Dodge Polara
Youtube via Lloyd Hammond
Built to compete with full-sized offerings from Chevrolet and Ford, what vehicle is featured here?
1952 Allard Palm Beach
1959 Dodge Polara
1953 Hudson Wasp
1955 Panhard Dyna Junior
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Introduced in 1959, this full-spec vehicle was aimed to compete with both Ford and Chevrolet offerings in the full-sized vehicle segment. Through the years of production, various models were introduced including coupes, convertibles and station wagons. Production ceased in 1973.

Advertisement

1955 Porsche Spyder
Thesupermat via Wiki Commons
In this image, we have the sports car James Dean lost his life in. Do you know what it is?
1959 Peugeot 403
1958 Sunbeam Rapier
1955 Porsche 550 Spyder
1957 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria Skyliner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This racing sports car was produced by Porsche from 1953 to 1956. The 1.5-liter Type 547 engine produced 108 horsepower. Another popular car at auction time, a 550 sold as recently as 2016 for $5.4 million. It is also famous as the car in which James Dean had a head-on accident and died.

Advertisement

1958 Cadillac DeVille
Wiki Commons via GPS 56
Classic '50s tailfins are found on the vehicle pictured here. But what is it?
1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale
1951 Ford Zephyr
1959 Bugatti Type 101
1958 Cadillac Deville
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Certainly an iconic name in American motoring, the Cadillac Deville was first produced in 1959. The first generation has massive pointy tailfins, much like its stablemate, the Eldorado. Available as a 2- or 4-door hardtop, the Deville was powered by a 6.4-liter V8 engine.

Advertisement

1953 Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet via Wiki Commons
A true beaut from the 1950s, can you identify this first generation car that is still produced today?
1954 Dodge Custom Royal
1956 Fiat 600
1953 Chevrolet Corvette
1957 Saab 93
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Corvette name is loved around the world. Since its inception in 1953, the Corvette brand has been the jewel in the Chevrolet crown. Of course, everyone has their favorite Corvette with many citing the C1 and the C2 Stingray as personal preferences.

Advertisement

1956 Volvo Amazon
FaceMePLS from The Hague, The Netherlands via Wiki Commons
Can you name this vehicle, a mid-sized offering produced in Europe?
1954 Simca Vedette
1959 Auto Union 1000
1958 Alvis TD 21
1956 Volvo Amazon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built between 1956 and 1970, the Amazon was one of Volvo's mid-sized car offerings marketed globally. Over 600,000 were produced in those 14 years, with more than half exported.

Advertisement

Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
Wiki Commons By Kure
Name this German sports car, please. It was available as both a 2+2 coupe and a convertible.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
1959 Toyota Crown
1956 Fuji Cabin
1955 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 1955, Volkswagen offered the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia sports car as a 2+2 coupe. Starting in 1957, the Karmann Ghia was also offered as a convertible. Both models combined the chassis and mechanicals of the classic Volkswagen Beetle with the design of the Carrozzeria Ghia and the bodywork of Karmann, the German coachbuilding house.

Advertisement

1956 BMW 507
Wiki Commons by David Merrett
What is the name of this European convertible? Elvis once owned two!
1959 AC Greyhound
1956 BMW 507
1952 Goliath GV800
1951 Allard M2
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Only 252 units of the 507 convertible were built by BMW between 1956 and 1959. Elvis Presley owned two 507s, which he bought in Germany while stationed there with the U.S. Army.

Advertisement

1958 Ford Edsel
GPS 56 from New Zealand via Wiki Commons
A major flop that cost an American auto manufacturer millions. Can you identify this vehicle?
1955 Bandini GT
1958 Ford Edsel
1957 Chrysler 300
1954 Chevrolet Corvette
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Named after Henry Ford's son, the Edsel was a massive flop and only sold between 1958 and 1960. It's not that the car was bad, it was just really overpriced. That said, for the time, the Edsel presented a fairly interesting design.

Advertisement

Willys DJ-3A Dispatcher 2x4 Jeep
Government Liquidation via Youtube
With a military background, are you able to identify this vehicle, often used as a delivery van?
1951 Hudson Hornet
1955 Jeep DJ-3A Dispatcher
1959 Austin Healy 3000
1958 Ford Anglia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built between 1955 and 1964, the Dispatcher used an L-Head 134 engine with the body of the Jeep CJ-3A. It was available as both a soft and hardtop and often used as a delivery vehicle.

Advertisement

1953 Dodge B Series
AutoBarn Classic Cars via youtube
Produced in America, what is the name of this 1/2-ton pickup?
1957 Plymouth Belvedere
1955 Meteor Rideau
1954 Austin Westminster
1953 Dodge B Series
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced between 1948 and 1953, the B Series was a pickup truck available as either a 1/2-ton or 3/4-ton option. A version with wood paneling, called the Suburban was also made available for sale.

Advertisement

1954 Jaguar D-type
Wiki Commons by Christian Kath
One of these sports cars recently sold for over $20 million. Can you identify it?
1954 Jaguar D-type
1959 Henney Kilowatt
1951 Henney Kilowatt
1953 Ford Consul
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2016, a buyer paid $21.7 million for a 1950s Jaguar D-Type! It was designed expressly for the purpose of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, which it did from 1955-1957.

Advertisement

Ford Fairlane
JOHN LLOYD from Concrete, Washington, United States via Wiki Commons
Do you know the make and model of this famous 1950s car?
1952 Rometsch Beeskow
1955 Ford Fairlane
1951 Jaguar C-type
1959 Wolseley 6/99
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Ford Fairlane was produced by Ford between 1955 and 1961 in the full-size car segment. The model was available in six body styles, with the Crown Victoria Skyliner the top of the range model. It even had a transparent roof.

Advertisement

Dodge Crusader 1956
puh shaw via Youtube
A rebranded Plymouth Cambridge, this vehicle was only marketed in Canada. What is it?
1955 Bandini-Maserati 1500
1954 Jensen 541
1958 Ford Crown Victoria
1956 Dodge Crusader
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Crusader was produced by Dodge in Canada for the Canadian market. Its production ran from 1951 to 1958. Essentially, it was a rebadged Plymouth Cambridge.

Advertisement

1953 Willys BC Bobcat
Sonu Monu via YouTube
Known as the "Aero Jeep," what is the make and model pictured here?
1951 Lloyd 300
1957 SEAT 600
1953 Willys BC Bobcat
1959 Opel Rekord P1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Bobcat, also known as the "Aero Jeep" was a prototype produced in the 1950s and shared many parts with the M-38 and M-38A1. This vehicle was intended to be used by paratroopers and dropped out of aircraft with them. It never went into production.

Advertisement

1955 Chev Task Force
John Phelan via Wiki Commons
This pickup competed with the Ford F-100 and F-150. Are you able to identify it?
1957 Dodge Royal
1956 Hillman Husky
1955 Chevrolet Task Force
1954 AC Aceca
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Along with the Ford F-150, the Task Force was the quintessential pickup in the 1950s. With its incredible lines, this body shape is still in demand to this day, especially for restorations. Power plant options including a 3.9-liter straight six as well as a 4.6-liter V8.

Advertisement

1959 Austin Healey 3000
John O'Neill1 via Wiki Commons
90% of these English sports cars were exported to the United States. Do you know the make and model?
1959 Austin Healey 3000
1953 Chevrolet Corvette C1
1959 Nash Healy
1953 Talbot Baby
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built between 1959 and 1967, the Austin Healey 3000 was powered by a 2.9-liter straight-6 engine. This two-door vehicle was available as a roadster or convertible and many 3000s made their way to North America. In fact, in 1963, over 90% of the 3000s produced actually ended up in the USA.

Advertisement

1952 Studebaker Starlight Coupe
Classic Car Investments LLC via YouTube
With its long trunk and wraparound rear window, this car certainly looks unique. It is a _________.
1955 Swallow Doretti
1959 Plymouth Belvedere
1952 Studebaker Starlight Coupe
1958 Packard Hawk
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Starlight Coupe was a classic car from the 1950s produced by Studebaker. It was known for its excessively long trunk which gave it a very unique look. It also featured an interesting wraparound rear window which was supported by two separate pillars. Models from 1951 onward also had a unique front end called the bullet nose.

Advertisement

1952 Lincoln Capri
Sicnag via Wiki Commons
This vehicle won the Pan American Road Race in 1952 and 1953. Not bad for a luxury sedan! What is it?
1958 Daimler Majestic
1952 Lincoln Capri
1959 Ford Galaxie
1954 Subaru 1500
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built between 1952 and 1959, the Capri was a full-sized luxury sedan. Three generations featured in those seven years with the Capri available as a coupe, convertible, sedan and hardtop and as either a 2-door or 4-door. The Capri was often used in racing and won its section of the Pan American Road Race in both 1952 and 1953.

Advertisement

1958 MG MGA Twin Cam
Sicnag via Wiki Commons
Can you name this classic British sports car, available as a roadster or coupe?
1957 Biscuter Pegasin
1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner
1958 MG MGA Twin Cam
1950 Lancia Aurelia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Available as a two-door roadster or coupe, the MGA was extremely popular outside Britain, with over 95% of the over 100,000 built exported. Over its production run from 1955 to 1962, six distinct models were available, including a Twin Cam version powered by a 1.6-liter engine.

Advertisement

1959 BMW 700
Automobile Classics via YouTube
Over 180,000 examples of this European car were built from 1959 to 1965. Do you have any idea what it is?
1959 BMW 700
1950 Bandini 750 sport siluro
1951 Ferrari 195 Inter
1957 Autobianchi Bianchina
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Around 180,000 models of the BMW 700 were built during its production run from 1959 to 1965. The 700 came in various body styles including a saloon, coupe and convertible. The 700 was powered by a 700 cc motor.

Advertisement

1957 Maserati 3500 GT
Petrolicious via youtube
Powered by a 3.5-liter straight-6 engine, can you name this beautiful Italian sports car?
1957 Maserati 3500 GT
1951 Simca Aronde
1953 Renault Frégate
1959 Studebaker Lark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Available as a two-seat convertible and hardtop, the 3500 was built by the legendary manufacturer Maserati from 1957 to 1964. This was a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive car powered by a 3.5-liter straight-6 engine which produced around 220 horsepower.

Advertisement

1955 Mercedes-Benz W196
Wiki Commons by Thesupermat
Which of these was a Formula 1 racer from the '50s?
1954 Aston Martin DB4
1955 Mercedes-Benz W196
1954 Dodge Royal
1956 Kaiser Darrin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the hands of Juan Manuel Fangio, the Mercedes-Benz W196 was a formidable car and saw the Argentine become world champion in 1955. The Mercedes team were famously nicknamed the "Silver Arrows."

Advertisement

1952 Sears Allstate
Wiki Commons by DougW
Believe it or not, you could order this vehicle in a catalog from a chain store. What is it?
1958 Hindustan Ambassador
1952 Sears Allstate
1959 Hindustan Ambassador
1954 Maserati 250F
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Between 1952 and 1954, a vehicle model called the Allstate could be bought through the Sears catalog. The vehicle itself was actually a Henry J, a two-door sedan which was the brainchild of Henry J. Kaiser. Interestingly, this was not the first time Sears offered a vehicle as part of its catalog. It had done so between 1908 and 1912 as well!

Advertisement

1959 Renault Estafette
Wiki Commons by CrazyD
Do you know the make and model of this van? It was produced in Europe.
1958 Austin A40 Farina
1954 Austin Cambridge
1956 DB HBR 5
1959 Renault Estafette
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This classic French light commercial front-wheel-drive van was first released in 1959 and was the flagship of the Renault commercial vehicle range for two decades. Styles offered included a 4-door minibus, a 2-door pickup and a 2-door chassis cab. The Renault Estafette initially had the Renault Ventoux engine.

Advertisement

1952 BMW 501
Wiki Commons via nakhon100
A mid-sized luxury can, can you name this vehicle produced in Germany?
1952 Lloyd LT 500
1953 Riley RME
1952 BMW 501
1954 Ford Taunus P1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The beautiful BMW 501, a mid-sized luxury car designed by Peter Schimanowski was marketed by the Bavarian auto manufacturer from 1952 to 1962. It was available in three body styles - 4-door sedan, 2-door cabriolet and 2-door coupe. Top-of-the-range models were driven by a 2.5-liter V8 engine.

Advertisement

1952 MG ZB Varitone
Andrew Bone from Weymouth, England via Wiki Commons
Can you name this classic British sports car, first introduced in 1953?
1953 Fiat 1900
1953 MG ZB Varitone
1953 Siata 208 CS
1953 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Introduced in 1953 and produced until 1958, around 36,000 of the ZB Varitone Model by MG were made. This MG model had a top speed of around 86 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 18.2 seconds. It was powered by a 1.5-liter engine.

Advertisement

1958 Gaylord Gladiator
Lou Costabile via YouTube
Certainly a very different-looking vehicle, this car never made it into production. Can you name it?
1958 Austin-Healey Sprite
1954 Jaguar XK140
1958 Gaylord Gladiator
1955 Škoda 1201
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Certainly an interesting-looking vehicle, the Gaylord Gladiator was a concept car that never went into production. Powered by a Chrysler Hemi V8, this vehicle was to be a luxury car which Jim and Ed Gaylord hoped would rival other manufacturers, such as Rolls Royce. The Gladiator featured a retractable hardtop roof.

Advertisement

Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
socalspeedzone via youtube
Truly beautiful! What make and model is featured in this image?
1958 Pontiac Pathfinder
1954 Kaiser Darrin
1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
1955 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This classic Ferrari from the 1950s is still in demand today. Powered by a 3.0-liter V12, a 250 GT LWB California Spider sold for $5.74 million at auction in 2012.

Advertisement

1955 Saab Sonnet
Wiki Commons by Liftarn
Name this open-top 2-seater made in Europe but sold in the United States as well.
1951 Delahaye 235
1959 Bentley S2
1955 Saab Sonett
1951 Mercedes-Benz W187
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Swedish car manufacturer Saab manufactured the Saab Sonett between 1955 and 1967. The Sonett was a 2-seat, open-top, lightweight roadster racer.

Advertisement

1951 Holden 48-215
sv1ambo via Wiki Commons
Produced only in Australia, what is the name of this vehicle?
1955 Jaguar Mark I
1957 Packard Four Hundred
1952 Borgward Hansa 2400
1953 Holden 48-215
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Also known as the Holden Business, the 48-215 was a Holden model produced in Australia from 1948 to 1953. It was the first model from General Motors to be marketed under the Holden name.

Advertisement

1955 Toyota Crown
Taisyo via Wiki Commons
Today, this vehicle is the longest-running model in the automaker's fleet. It was first introduced in 1955. Do you know what it is?
1955 Toyota Crown
1959 Buick Electra
1959 Ford Comète
1951 Packard Mayfair
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

First released in 1955, the Crown is the longest-running model in the Toyota fleet. It is now into its 15th generation. Today, the Crown is a luxury four-door sedan but over the years there have been many different models.

Advertisement

1959 Subaru 360
Wiki Commons by ocean yamaha
This small city car was first produced in 1958 and was sold in Asia. Any idea as to what it is?
1959 Rambler American
1958 Rover P5
1959 Subaru 360
1958 Abarth 1000 GT Coupé
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This small city car was manufactured by Subaru from 1958 until 1971. This was the first model produced by Subaru and over 392,000 were manufactured. The 360 came in a number of body shapes including a 2-door sedan and a 2-door convertible as well as a 3-door station wagon.

Advertisement

1952 Woodill Wildfire
DMAX via YouTube
Pictured here is one of the first vehicles ever to be made from fiberglass. Name it, please.
1954 Siata Daina
1952 Woodill Wildfire
1951 Gutbrod Superior
1950 Alfa Romeo 1900
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The brainchild of Blanchard Robert "Woody" Woodill, the Woodhill Woodfire was manufactured between 1952 and 1958. Made from fiberglass, the Wildfire was the first vehicle ever to be produced using this material. 15 were originally made, with another 285 then sold as kit cars. Interestingly, the Woodhill was capable of speeds of up to 120 mph.

Advertisement

You Got:
/39
Pixabay / werner22brigitte