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POWER, PERFORMANCE

AND POSSIBILITIES

STUNNING RIDES OF THE 1950s

Power, poise and styling that defined the bravado, the and land yachts cruised the boulevards, each staking out
confidence, the spirit of possibility and optimism of a unique space, niche and statement.
the first post-WWII decade - the cars of the ’50s were There was an explosion of concept, along with fierce
this and more. Every generation of automobile reflects competition. The latter portion of the 1950s had
that singular brew of culture, attitude and mechanical Detroit’s most prestigious luxury marques battling
achievement, but few speak so compelling as the 1950s in newly minted suburban neighborhoods and on
when the Motor City had fully transitioned from showroom floors alike. The Chryslers and Cadillacs
war-time production to the newly surfaced interstate of the era sported wings and fins large enough to
highways of the U.S. make even a demur jetliner blush. Brash, brawny and
America’s economy following World War II was shamelessly unapologetic design concepts were soon
simply ascendant, and possibilities seemed endless. spotted on the boulevards of American cities. More
The optimism that infused the postwar United States could be said, of course, and some fine examples, from
redefined art, industry, design and, of course, the Studebaker to Hudson, among others, had their day.
automobile. It was stellar (no pun intended) ambition, But common to all were the cultural, economic and
literally the Jet Age, and what might take flight could mechanical accomplishments that defined the period,
beautify the road and scorch it, too. Displacement, and took form in a motorized America. Here’s a selection
horsepower and torque, measures of speed and power, of No Reserve ’50s Americana ready to cross the block at
were mated to design from outright flamboyance to the 2022 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction!
understated elegance. Detroit’s wing-adorned speedsters

148 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE WINTER 2022