In the 1950s, European automakers produced some of their most famous and memorable models, especially from those automakers that were located in Germany, France and Italy.
Cars built in Germany of this period were a sign of the economic miracle that the country enjoyed when it was built after the end of World War II.
The two companies that built classic European cars of the 1950s in Germany were Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen. By running the W186 and W189 at the beginning of the decade, Mercedes Benz continued to produce what was described as the largest car they ever built - the 300S.
Launched in 1952, this wonderful car was accompanied by a limited edition of 300SC, complete with fuel injection and also featured an independent rear suspension. By the end of the 1950s, Mercedes produced the final luxury models with Fintail, which included a crumpled zone, disc brakes and air suspension.
Another German car manufacturer, to survive as a result of the devastating war and become part of the economic miracle of countries, was Volkswagen. Volkswagen Type 1 or "Beetle" was destined to become extremely popular in the 1950s and far beyond. VW Beetle production reached one million in 1955, and it was the best seller in the United States.
In France, the classic European car of the 1950s was the Citroen 2CV. Sold mainly in France and in Europe, the 2CV was by no means the most majestic of cars, but it was to become one of the most beloved and iconic cars ever created by a French manufacturer.
High import taxes and the fact that 2CV, for some, looked ugly, means that the model has never enjoyed large sales in the UK or the USA. It was Citroen’s futuristic DS style, designed by Flaminio Bertoni, for a French company that calls its name in the American market.
In Italy, Lancia is the well-known name for the production of classic cars in the 1950s. In 1950, Lancia launched the Aurelia, famous for its success in motorsports, at the Turin auto show. By 1953, Lancia added Appia to its range.
The great Italian rivals Lancia were Alfa Romeo. Alfa Romeo was supposed to begin the 50s with the production of such classics as the 1900 Saloon, the company's first assembly line. Later models that became classics of the Alfa Romeo were the Giulietta, released in 1954, and a year later the Berlina had four door salons and a Spider Cabriolet.
