The Fifties—sometimes called the Fabulous Fifties—was the era following World War II and the Great Depression in which people explored and enjoyed their newfound economic comfort. Sociologists have sometimes categorized the Fifties as a filiarchy: an era ruled by the perceived needs and wants of children by their indulging parents.
In his book Panati’s Parade of Fads, Follies, and Manias, Charles Panati writes:
“The nostalgic richness of the Fifties has much to do with the decade being a period of genuine and sustained economic growth. Upward mobility then meant something to every middle-class family.”
This was a time when the United States had a relatively large and still growing middle class.
With regard to automobiles, Nick Georgano, in his book The American Automobile: A Centenary 1893-1993, reports:
“During the 1950s, the V8 became established as the logical power unit for American cars. The straight-6 was relegated to the lowest-priced lines and the straight-8 was consigned to oblivion.”
In 1852, the brothers Henry and Clement Studebaker opened their blacksmith shop in South Bend, Indiana. Operating initially under the name H & C Studebaker, the business would eventually evolve into the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of wagons and buggies. In 1902, Studebaker began to make cars.
Following World War II, Studebaker introduced new styling and attempted to establish itself as an automotive style leader. In 1950, it introduced the “bullet nose” styling. However, during the 1950s competition in the automotive market was stiff and Studebaker sales declined.
1950 Studebaker Champion
This car was displayed at the Veterans Car and Motorcycle Show in Vancouver, Washington.
1950 Studebaker Starlight Coupe Pro Stock
This car was displayed in the LeMay Family Collection in Tacoma, Washington. Built for the drag strip, but street legal.
1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight 2-Door Coupe
This car was displayed in the LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington.
This car was a 6-cylinder, 170 cubic inch, 85 horsepower engine with a 3-speed manual transmission.
1950 Studebaker Champion
This car was on display at the Montana Auto Museum in Deer Lodge, Montana. It features “bullet-nose” front and rear bumpers. It sold for $1,981.
1950 Studebaker 1 ½ Ton Flatbed Truck
This vehicle was on display in the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River, Oregon.
1953 Studebaker Champion Deluxe
This car was displayed in the LeMay Family Collection in Tacoma, Washington.
This car was customized by George Barris (“King of Kustoms”). It was converted to a convertible from a Starlight hardtop original.
Notice that George Barris signed the dashboard.
1955 Studebaker President
This car was displayed at the Veterans Car and Motorcycle Show in Vancouver, Washington.
1955 Studebaker President Speedster
This car was on display in the LeMay Family Collection in Tacoma, Washington. The Studebaker President Speedster was only built during the 1955 model year and 2,215 were produced. It had a new price of $3,253.
1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Coupe
This car was displayed in the LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington.
This is a one-year only model and just 4,389 were built. The sticker price on this car was $2,852. This car has a 6-cylinder, 186 cubic inch, 101hp engine with a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive.
1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk.
This vehicle was on display in the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River, Oregon. The Golden Hawk was produced from 1956 to 1958.
More automobiles
Museums 201: Packard automobiles of the 1940s (photo diary)
Museums 201: Cadillac automobiles of the 1940s (photo diary)
Museums 201: Fords of the 1960s
Museums 201: Ford coupes of the 1930s (photo diary)
Museums 201: Chrysler automobiles of the 1960s (photo diary)
Museums 201: Plymouth automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s (photo diary)
Museums 201: Oldsmobile automobiles (photo diary)
Museums 301: Corvettes (photo diary)
