CARS

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All full-sized GM models were restyled for 1958, with Buick exhibiting a radical departure from its traditional look with perhaps the most flamboyant (some might say outlandish) styling of the five divisions.
The overall look was longer and heavier with an abundance of brightwork. Newly legal quad headlights replaced the dual units of 1957. The grille was made up of 144 chromed squares and flanked on either side by pods containing the turn indicators; this assembly was surrounded by a heavy chrome bar that stretched from wheel well-to-wheel well and an equally substantial bumper. The rear quarters received a wide chrome-and-brushed metal missile-looking kinda thingy; this was substituted on the top of the line Limited model by twelve vertical chrome strips. The tailfins housed the tail lights and were capped by a chrome molding. For the first time since 1948, Buick's trademark Ventiports were absent from the front fenders (these would return in 1960.)
Five series were offered in 1958, with model designations were spelled out in block letters across the width of the trunk: the Special and Century, both built on a 122 inch wheelbase, and the Super, Roadmaster and Limited which all shared a 127.5 inch wheelbase. With an overall length of 227.1 inches, the Limited was nearly two inches longer than that year's Cadillac.
Standard engine in the Special was a 364 cubic inch V-8 engine with an output of 250 horsepower. All other models received a version the same engine with higher compression and a four-barrel carburetor which produced 300 horsepower.

The Mainline was the base model in Ford's 1954 line-up and was powered by either a 223 cid six or the new-for-1954 overhead valve 239 cid V-8 which produced 130 bhp and was the replacement for Ford's ancient flathead V-8. This appears to be a two-door business coupe which was Ford's lowest priced model this year, with a base price of $1625.
1954 Plymouth
The 1954 Plymouth was offered in three series: Plaza, Savoy and Belvedere. Standard engine for all models was a 100 bhp, 217.8 cid six. A 230.2 cid six cylinder engine producing 110 bhp was optional. Plymouth did not offer a V-8 engine until 1955. Also available was Plymouth's first fully automatic transmission, introduced mid-year as a $189 option.
The Super was slotted between the Century and the top of the line Roadmaster in Buick's 1955 line-up. It was built using the Roadmaster's larger body with mid-level interior materials and less distinctive exterior trim. The Super was available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door hardtop coupe or 2-door convertible, each priced $325 to $600 less than its Roadmaster equivalent. The only available engine was a 188 bhp V-8 displacing 264 cubic inches. Buick's Dynaflow automatic transmission was a $189 option on all models except the Roadmaster, on which it was standard.
The American was based on the 1955 Nash Rambler and was American Motors' entry level model. Three trim levels were available: Deluxe, Super and Custom. All Americans were powered by a 195.6 cid six-cylinder engine producing 90 bhp with the single barrel carburetor or 125 bhp with the optional two-barrel. A four-door model was available for the first time. Anti-freeze was a $3.80 option.
1960 was the last year for the Nash-based American; the model was completely redesigned for 1961.
Aside from Cadillac's nine-passenger Fleetwood 75 sedan, the Lincoln Continental convertible was the heaviest (5360 lbs) and most expensive ($6916) passenger car produced in America in 1963. A four-door hardtop sedan as shown here would have been priced at $6270. Both the sedan and the convertible were powered by a 430 cubic inch V-8 with a four-barrel Carter carburetor which produced 320 bhp.
The Continental had been completely redesigned for 1961; its designers were awarded a bronze medal by the Industrial Design Institute. This same design, which incorporated reversed hinged suicide rear doors, was used with only minor styling changes through 1969.
The Park Lane was Mercury's top-of-the-line series for 1964. The Marauder designation was given to the fastback hardtop models, available in either as a 2-door or 4-door. Standard engine for the full-sized Mercurys was a 390 cid V-8 with a two barrel carburetor which produced 250 bhp. The same engine was available with one of two optional four-barrel carburetors producing either 300 or 330 horsepower. For those with a real need for speed a 427 cid V-8 was optional with either a single four-barrel carb (good for 410 bhp) or dual four barrels with an output of 425 horsepower!
The Ninety-Eight was Oldsmobile's prestige model, as it had been since its introduction in 1946 and was offered on an exclusive 126 inch wheelbase chassis as a 2-or 4-door sedan or 2-door convertible. Base engine was a 394 cid V-8, producing 330 bhp. The optional Starfire engine was good for 345 horsepower from the same displacement.
Plymouth's full-sized models were downsized for 1962, with a reduction of two inches in wheelbase and over seven inches in overall length compared to the '61s. Styling was less flamboyant as well and the cars bore a likeness to the new-for-1961 Valiant.
The Fury was Plymouth's top-of-the line 4-door in 1962 and came standard with a 225 cid slant-six. Optional was a 317.6 cid V-8 which produced 230 horsepower. The Sport Fury was introduced mid-year and was available as either a 2-door hardtop or convertible. Standard engine for the Sport Fury was a 305 hp, 360 V-8.
A modified 1962 Plymouth captured the speed record for a stock-bodied car in August 1962 with a speed of 190.073 mph over a one-way run at Bonneville, Utah. Cadillac restyled its 1963 line-up for a more formal look. The grille was taller and veed in the center. The quad headlamps were set higher with the parking lamps located directly underneath, incorporated into the grille rather than in the bumper as in previous models. In the back, the tailfins were reduced in size and the lower fender 'skegs' were gone. Bodyside sculpturing was also eliminated.
Cadillac's 325 hp/390 cid V-8 engine was a completely new design this year. Although its displacement and horsepower rating were the same as in 1962, the new engine was smoother and more efficient.
The Mark III was unveiled in April 1968 as an early '69 model and was set to compete with the front wheel drive Cadillac Eldorado, introduced in 1967. Available only as a 2-door hardtop, the Mark III's styling incorporated a prominent Rolls-Royce like grille, hidden headlamps and a rear deck spare tire hump, echoing a styling cue from its spiritual ancestor, the 1956 Continental Mark II. These features remained a Continental trademark for over 15 years; a 1983 Mark VI is instantly recognizable as a descendant of the Mark III.
The Continental Mark III was powered by a 460 cubic inch V-8 engine with a four-barrel carborator, producing 365 horsepower.
Cadillac had extensively restyled its models for 1950 for a more massive look, thus changes for 1951 were minor: larger, bullet shaped bumper guards and a egg-crate trim panel beneath each head light.
Four models were available, each built upon its particular wheelbase; the Series 61, which was canceled mid-year (122 inch wheelbase), the Series 62, (126 inches), Series 60 Special Fleetwood (130 inches) and Series 75 Fleetwood (146-3/4 inches.) Convertibles and Coupe de Ville 2-door hardtops were offered only as Series 62 models.
All Cadillacs were powered by an overhead valve V-8 engine, first introduced in 1949, displacing 331 cubic inches and producing 160 horsepower.
All-new styling and Chevrolet's first-ever V-8 combined to make the radically redesigned Chevys "The Hot Ones!" for 1955. Although nearly identical in size to the 1954 models, the 55's appeared to be larger and more substantial, with slab sides, modest fins, large triangular tail lights and subdued chrome trim. The large egg-crate grille was said to mimic that of a contemporary Ferrari.
The Bel Air was again Chevrolet's top model and was distinguished from the One-fifty and Two-ten models by the use of more expensive interior fabrics, a higher level of standard features, including carpeting and additional exterior brightwork. Six bodystyles were available: 2-and 4-door sedans, 2- door hardtop, convertible, 4-door station wagon and the 2-door Nomad wagon which was introduced midyear
The standard engine for all 1955 Chevys was a 235 cid six-cylinder producing 136 horsepower with the optional Powerglide automatic transmission. The now-legendary small block V-8 had a displacement of 265 cubic inches and was good for 165 h.p. (185 h.p. with the optional Power Pack.)
Over 1.8 million Chevrolets were produced for the 1955 model year, including General Motors' 50-millionth car, a gold Bel Air sports coupe.
The styling of the 1959 Oldsmobiles was a major improvement over the chrome-encrusted '58 models.
Pairs of headlamps were set into a fine mesh grille and separated by a small, round turn signal lens. The name "OLDSMOBILE" was spelled out in block letters across the grille, giving the front end a low, wide look. Oval tail lights were housed in pods atop the rear fenders for that "jet-exhaust" look. The use of chrome trim was much more restrained than in previous years, Oldsmobile's stylists having apparently regained their sanity.
The Dynamic 88 was the entry-level model for Oldsmobile and was powered by a 270 H.P V-8 engine, with a displacement of 371 cubic inches. The standard engine for the higher-level Super 88's and 98's was a 394 CID V-8, producing 315 horses.
The Imperial was the Chrysler Corporation's entry in the high-end luxury market, set to compete against the likes of Cadillac and Lincoln.
Styling changes were minimal for the 1963 Imperial; the tail lights, which had been mounted in chrome pods atop the rear fenders in 1962, were now vertical strips recessed into the trailing edge of the taifins. Other changes included a new grille and slightly revised roofline. As in the previous two model years, the Imperial's headlights were mounted in free-standing, chromed assemblies tucked into coves beneath the front fenders.
The Imperial was available in three models, Custom, Crown and LeBaron, differing mainly in content and trim level. Convertibles were available only in the mid-range Crown model. The top-of-the line LeBaron, which were exclusively 4-door hardtops, had a crest in the roof quarter panels which was subject to the federal jewelry excise tax.
All Imperials were powered by a 413 cubic inch V-8 engine, which produced 340 horsepower
Ford's intermediate Fairline series received all-new styling for 1968. Quad head lights were set horizontally, replacing the vertical arrangement of the previous model, and the parking lamps wrapped around the leading edge of the front fenders. 2-door models were given a fastback roof and the beltline kicked up just past the rear side windows for a sleek appearance.
The Fairline GT was based on the Fairlane 500 model and was available as a 2-door coupe or convertible. A 210 hp, 302 cid V-8 engine was standard, as were bucket seats and a center console. The top Fairlane model for 1968 was the Torino, which had lower bodyside moldings and special crests in addition to the standard features of the 500.
The standard engine for all Fairlanes, except the GT, was Ford's 200 cubic inch inline-six; the 302 c.i.d. V-8 producing either 210 or 230 h.p. and the 390 c.i.d. V-8 were available as options.
A Fairlane Torino Convertible was the pace car for the 1968 Indy 500.
The 1957 Oldsmobile 88's retained the body shell of the previous two model years with only minor styling changes: round turn signal lenses were set into a grille with fine horizontal bars with the name OLDSMOBILE spelled out in block letters across its width. The grille was surrounded my a massive chrome bumper assembly which incorporated a mounting area for the front license plate. Each front fender was capped by a stylized winged "rocket" ornament; yet another rocket graced the hood. In back, oval tail lights were set high into the rear fenders and encircled by a hooded chrome cap; a chromed '88' was mounted on the trailing edge of the rear fender beneath each tail light unit. The rear roof line was perhaps the most significant change; on closed models, a small triangular quarter window sat on either side of the rear window and wrapped around the edge of the roof pillars. This window design is unique to the 1957 models.
There were three distinct models offered by Oldsmobile this year; the entry level Golden Rocket 88, the mid-level Super 88 and the top of the line Starfire ninety-eight. Both Eighty-eight models shared a 122 inch wheelbase while the Ninety-eight had a wheelbase of 126 inches. Standard engine for all Oldsmobiles was a 371 cubic inch V-8 with a 4-barrel Quadra-Jet carburetor, which produced 277 horsepower.
All Chryslers received a major facelift for 1963, resulting in a larger and more conservative appearance than in previous years. Quad headlights were paired, arranged horizontally at the extreme edges of the front end, replacing the slanted appearance of the '62 models. The grille was an arrangement of thin vertical bars overlaid by two horizontal crosspieces. The roof line had a more squared off look due to wider C-pillars and the elimination of a wrap around rear window. These design changes helped to increase sales, which had suffered, in part, because of the unusual styling of the '61 and '62 models.
Four series were available this year: the Newport, Chrysler's entry level model, the 300 Sport, New Yorker and the limited production 300-J, which was available only as a 2-door hardtop. All 1963 Chryslers were built on a 122 inch wheelbase, so differences were mainly in trim, interior appointments and engine displacement. Newports were powered by a 265hp V-8 displacing 361 cubic inches; the 300 Sport by a 383 c.i.d. V-8 producing 305 hp. The New Yorker came with a 413.8 cubic inch V-8 which produced 340 horsepower; the same engine was tuned for 390 hp for the high-performance 300-J.
The 4-door Newport sedan, like the one above, was Chrysler's most popular model in 1963 with just over 49,000 assemblies.
When the 1957 Mercurys were introduced, it marked the first time in the history of the marque that the bodies were not based on those of a Ford or Lincoln. Overall length had increased by almost 5 inches and width nearly 3 inches compared to the 1956 models.
Styling changes were dramatic, the result bearing little resemblance to previous Mercurys (or anything else on the road, for that matter.) The front fenders incorporated air intakes at their leading edge designed to reduce moisture inside the fenders; these vents formed prominent brows over the quad head lamps. (Dual lights were used in some states which had yet legalized the four light arrangement.) A grille made up of a series of thin vertical bars stretched the full width of the front end. The front bumper was divided into two sections, each with a large, rectangular air intake; a chrome "M" sat between these bumper units. The rear quarters of the '57 Mercurys were heavily sculpted, with a long, missile shaped scallop starting at mid-body and stretching rearward, along the tops of the fenders, to V-Shaped tail lights canted at 45 degrees. The rear bumper mimicked the split design of the front, with trim panels in place of the air slots.

The 1957 Mercurys came in three models: the entry-level Monterey, the Montclair and the Turnpike Cruiser, the last of which came standard with all power options as well as a retractable rear window and dual air vents mounted at the top of the windshield frame. The base engine for the Monterey and Montclair was a 312 cubic inch V-8 which generated 255 hp; a 290 horsepower, 368 inch V-8 was standard in the Turnpike Cruiser and available as an option for the other models.
A Mercury was the pace car for the 1957 Indianapolis 500.

List of Cars made in the 50's and 60's

1954 Ford/1954 Plymouth
1955Buick
1955 Plymouths
1960 Rambler American
1963 Lincoln Continental
1964 Mercury Marauder
1964 Olds Ninety-Eight
1962 Plymouth Fury
1963 Cadillac
1969 Lincoln Continental Mark III
1951 Cadillac
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
1959 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88
1963 Imperial
1968 Ford Fairlane GT
1938 Cadillac
1957 Oldsmobile 88
1963 Chrysler Newport
1957 Mercury Monterey
1958 Buick Super
1958 Chevrolet Biscayne
1964 Mercury Comet Caliente
1965 Plymouth Baracuda