Welcome to 1950s Cars – Ford – Photo Gallery

The 1950s were a golden age for Ford, when cars grew bigger, bolder, and a whole lot more stylish. From sleek Fairlanes and family-friendly wagons to the legendary Thunderbird, Ford offered something for nearly every American driveway. Take a look through our photo gallery and enjoy a trip back to the cars that helped define the decade.

1950 Ford Tudor1950 Ford Crestliner1951 Ford Victoria

1951 Ford Custom Fordor1952 Ford Crestline Victoria1953 Ford Crestline Sunliner Convertible1953 Ford Crestline Victoria1953 Ford Customline1954 Ford Crestline Convertible1954 Ford Crestline1955 Ford Thunderbird (T-Bird)1955 Ford Thunderbird (T-Bird)1956 Ford Crown Victoria1956 Country Squire Wagon1956 Ford T-Bird1957 Ford T-Bird1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner1958 Ford Faitlane 500 Sunliner1958 Ford Fairlane Victoria1958 Ford Pacer1959 Ford Galaxie Convertible

1959 Ford Country Squire Wagon1959 Ford Thunderbird Convertible1959 Ford Thunderbird

1959 Ford Galaxie

Ford Trivia

1. The Thunderbird almost had a very different name. When Ford was developing its new two-seat sports car for 1955, the company received about 5,000 suggested names. Some of the rejected ideas included Beaver, Detroiter, Runabout, and Savile. The name Thunderbird was eventually suggested by Ford stylist Alden Giberson, winning the approval of the team.

2. Ford’s 1956 cars were getting serious about safety. Ford introduced its Lifeguard Safety Package in 1956, featuring innovations such as a deep-centered steering wheel, padded dashboard, safer door latches, seat belts, and a safety rearview mirror. Ford even sold the safety options below cost because the company wanted to encourage buyers to choose them.

3. Ford’s V-8s were no slouches in the 1950s. Ford’s new Y-block V-8, introduced for 1954, quickly became an important part of the company’s performance image. The engine powered the 1955–57 Thunderbirds and helped Ford win two consecutive NASCAR Manufacturer’s Championships in 1956 and 1957. The 1957 version could produce as much as 300 horsepower with an optional supercharger.