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The 1950s were a good time to be alive. The Second World War had ended and people were optimistic about the future. That sense of positivity bled over into the automotive industry to usher in a golden year for cars. Great news for today’s enthusiasts!

As everybody tried to make the most of their lives post-war, the car industry experienced an increase in demand. Designers sought inspiration from the transport industry and many cars were built with chrome exteriors – some even sported tail fins and shiny wheels. It was truly a unique decade for the automotive industry, and trying to pick the cream of the crop is no mean feat.

If you’re the owner of a classic from the 1950s, don’t forget to take out adequate classic car insurance. The last thing you want to do is damage your pride and joy and not be able to afford to make the necessary repairs to restore it.

More on your classic car insurance options later, but first let’s try to whittle down the many wonderful cars of the 1950s to just six. We’re not expecting you to agree with all of our choices, of course. Which one would you have in your garage?

Morris Minor

The Minor was technically born in the 1940s, having been designed without fanfare by Sir Alec Issigonis (who would later pen the Mini) during World War 2. But it truly came of age in the 1950s, when it became a quintessentially British icon.

Many believe it was the Minor which brought the motor industry out of its 1940s slump. The industry was desperate for a car that could inject a little spice. And between the Morris Minor and the Jaguar XK120, both of which were unveiled at the 1948 British Motor Show, it got more than it could have wished for.

Where the XK120 brought speed, passion and sex appeal (it was the fastest production sports car in the world at the time) the Minor brought style and practicality, for an affordable price. “Thoroughly tested, new from radiator badge to rear bumper, the Morris Minor brings motoring perfection within reach by satisfying your ideas and your pocket,” the adverts said at the time.

Indeed, the Minor felt new and exciting. Although it wasn’t the quickest car ever made – reaching 50mph took a lumbering 35 seconds – the Minor’s impressive handling meant that it could cover ground as quickly as more powerful vehicles which weren’t built to the same standards of road-holding.

The four-door Minor of the 1950s also came with an interior heater, new raised lights, an interior light, ashtrays and twin windscreen wipers. All of these things were considered the height of luxury at the time.

In 1953, Morris introduced the ash-framed Minor Traveller, which is many classic car enthusiasts’ favourite model of the lot. It came with even more ‘luxurious’ features including a passenger sun visor, leather seat facings and bumper over-riders.

In 1956, the Minor was fitted with the engine its handling deserved. The Minor 1000 was powered by a 948cc BMC A-series engine, enabling it to hit speeds of over 70mph.

The Minor truly left its mark on British culture and society in the 1950s, becoming the first British car to sell a million units along the way.

Citroen DS

With its futuristic styling and superb handling, this French classic was truly worthy of the name Goddess. The ‘déesse’ became an instant hit when it was launched back in 1955.

From the powered disc brakes to the self-levelling suspension, this car was truly ahead of its time in terms of engineering and styling and had no direct rivals for years after rolling off the production line.

The seemingly space-age design wowed the crowds at the Paris Motor Show, sparking 79,000 orders at the time, and ignited the passion of an army of fans that included everyone from artists to astronauts! Marc Chagall was one famous owner, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin another.

It wasn’t just celebs that loved the DS. Its practical capabilities made it the perfect choice for the ambulance service, taxis, government officials and the police. It even helped one French president escape an assasination attempt.

Whether you love the Pallas, Prestige or the Safari Estate, this classic wouldn’t look out of place on the road today. In fact, this might just be the perfect family car if you’re looking for a comfortable daily driver. It has been said that travelling in the DS was akin to flying on a magic carpet, so smooth was the ride. In fact, you might have to magic up a wad of cash to be able to afford one now, with prices starting from £15K up.

Flaminio Bertoni’s futuristic styling will be sure to capture the imagination of the Instagram generation, too. That single-spoke steering wheel is still one of our favourite classic car styling features ever.

With 1.5 million being produced in its incredible 20-year run, and the car celebrating its 66th anniversary in 2021, you can still find these great old ladies for sale today but many have had resprays, new engines and heavy restorations, all of which can affect the classic car insurance. So make sure you speak to the specialists at Lancaster to agree on a value if you do take the plunge.

Jaguar XK120

We couldn’t not let the Jaguar XK120 have its name in lights in this article, having been mentioned in passing earlier when talking about the Morris Minor. 

The XK120 was one of the first cars after the war to not just meet people’s expectations of their sports cars, but exceed them. People had seen incredible technological advances happen ‘overnight’ in the war, including the transition from piston-engined planes to jet fighters, the splitting of the atom and the development of radar. Now they wanted the motoring industry to make similar leaps.

Jaguar didn’t waste any time, stealing the show at Earls Court in October 1948 with a car which put its rivals well and truly in the shade. The XK120 was capable of a whopping 120mph-plus (it officially became the fastest production car in the world when it clocked 126mph at Jabbeke in 1948).

In 1951, the XK120 became even more refined with the fixed-head coupé which offered a quieter, more relaxed cabin and more headroom than a roadster. Its practicality was enhanced further by external door handles that could be locked and glass wind-up windows with front and rear quarter lights.

In 1953, another new model was released, the drop-head coupé, which aimed to provide the benefits of open-top motoring, but with a quick-action hood and luxury features. The XK120 stayed in production until 1954 before it was superseded by the XK140.

Aston Martin DB4

Aston Martin’s output after the war was largely considered to be a bit stale. While increasingly attractive to look at, they hadn’t embraced the technological revolution like other manufacturers. However, it took a big step forward in 1957 with the DB 2/4 Mk.III, which would introduce front disc brakes, a new clutch and four-speed overdrive transmission and, from an aesthetic point of view, the brand’s new signature grille.

Then along came the even more revolutionary DB4, which was faster, more elegant and more modern in pretty much every way. The DB4’s bodywork was designed and constructed by Touring of Milan, which sat on a steel platform chassis designed by Harold Beach.

Under the bonnet was a new 3.7-litre, inline six-cylinder engine, which was balanced with four-wheel disc brakes, enabling the 1308kg grand tourer to go from rest to 100mph and then back to standstill again in under 30 seconds.

Just over 1,000 DB4s were built between 1958 and 1963, when production ceased to make way for the DB5. During its run, the D4 vaulted Aston Martin effortlessly into the top flight of the world’s most desirable marques. The manufacturer’s reputation was further enhanced when it took the Le Mans in 1959 and claimed the World Sportscar Championship. It was said that Britain had its own Ferrari. Then along came the E-type at the start of the 1960s…

Mercedes 300SL

The 1954 Mercedes 300SL has become synonymous with its door design – so much so that it is commonly known as the ‘Gullwing’. It was given the nickname because it perfectly describes the Mercedes’ lift-up doors, a design element which allowed for the massive sill structures that give the car its strength.

Available as both a coupe and a convertible, the 300SL had buckets of style and charisma, which saw it fly out of showrooms – no mean feat considering it was a specialist car in its day.

Based on the SLR racers of the early 1950s, which cleaned up at Le Mans in 1952, the 300SL had an all-aluminium space frame construction, which played a big part in giving Mercedes an edge on the track. It is this innovative space frame which made the gullwing doors a necessity.

Production 300SLs produced an impressive 212bhp, giving it a top speed around twice that of the typical contemporary family saloon.

The 300SL Roadster – which came after the Gullwing – had a more rigid body which meant that the fancy doors were no longer required, so Mercedes reverted to normal, easier-to-use doors.

However, the Gullwing, despite only being produced in limited numbers, was a big hit among the rich and famous at the time, from Clark Gable to Zsa Zsa Gabor.

It continues to be a highly sought-after classic. In a recent auction in Vienna, a 300SL sold for €1,492,600 (£1.3m).

Ferrari 250 GTO

We conclude our list by talking about arguably the most celebrated of all GT racing Ferraris, the 250 GTO. Officially recognised in Italy as a work of art, it also has the title of the world’s most valuable classic car, with one example selling at auction for a cool $70,000,000 (£52,300,000).

Those classic car enthusiasts with extremely deep pockets can’t resist the 250 GTO’s stunning shape and incredible 3.0-litre V-12. With just 36 ever made, the Ferrari GTO is considered "the Holy Grail in collectible cars.”

It really is the complete package and is the desire of just about every classic car owner – including Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason who has managed to get his hands on one of these Italian beauties. Just to see one in the flesh is a thing of wonder for the rest of us.

Other cars from the 1950s we can’t forget

Looking at our list, you can’t help but think about some of the cars we have left out. Cars like the Ford Thunderbird which came out in 1955. This two-seater convertible was a big hit with car enthusiasts, largely thanks to its powerful V8 engine which made it a wonderful vehicle to drive.

We also reserve a mention for the Thunderbird’s direct rival, the Corvette, another icon of the 1950s. The Corvette had a monstrous 283bhp and a top speed of 132mph – it still puts many of today’s cars in the shade.

What cars would be on your list of the best motors of the 1950s?

Protect your investment with classic car insurance

If you’re lucky enough to be a collector of classic cars – be it cars from the golden era of the 1950s or another era in history – you’re going to need specialist classic car insurance to match. The last thing you’d ever want is for your classic car to endure any damage – but having adequate cover gives you the confidence to use these cars as intended.

Lancaster Insurance is the classic car insurance broker of choice for owners of 96,000 vintage, historic and retro vehicles, from MGs to Land Rovers and everything in between.

Choosing classic car insurance from Lancaster means you get a range of benefits and discounts including:

• Static show cover
• Historic rally cover
• Salvage retention
• 90 days EU cover
• Limited mileage discounts

We can also offer a 25% discount for members of certain car clubs around the UK. Ask the team when you get a quote.

You’ll also have access to our 24-hour claims line so if you do have an issue, our experienced team will be on hand to help.

Get a quote for classic car insurance today.