9. 1955 Citroen DS
The 1955 Citroen DS was a revolutionary car that was ahead of its time in many ways. It was a front-wheel drive, front-mid-engine executive car that was manufactured and marketed by Citroën from 1955 to 1975.
It was available in fastback/sedan, wagon/estate, and convertible body configurations.
The DS was known for its aerodynamic, futuristic body design, and unorthodox and innovative technology, and it set new standards in ride quality, handling, and braking.
Specification:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | 1955 Citroen DS |
| Start of Production | 1955 |
| End of Production | 1962 |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Power | 75 HP to 83 HP |
| Length | 4800 mm (188.98 in.) |
| Width | 1790 mm (70.47 in.) |
| Engine | 55 kW / 75 PS / 74 hp |
| Torque | 137 Nm @ 3000 rpm |
| Power per Liter | 39.2 Hp/l |
Features:
The 1955 Citroen DS stood out for its innovative and futuristic features:
- Aerodynamic and futuristic body design: Offered a distinctive and stylish look.
- Hydropneumatic suspension: Provided a remarkably smooth and comfortable ride.
- Front-wheel drive: Pioneered a layout that would become more common in later decades.
- Spacious and comfortable interior: Advanced features like swiveling seats offered a unique experience.
- Disc brakes: An early adopter of this braking technology, improving stopping power.
10. 1956 BMW 507
The 1956 BMW 507 was a grand touring convertible produced by German automaker BMW from 1956 to 1959.
It was initially intended to be a competitor to the Mercedes-Benz 300SL and be exported to the United States in large numbers. However, due to high production costs, the 507 ended up being a commercial failure with only 252 units ever built.
Despite its limited production run, the 507 has become a highly sought-after collector’s car due to its elegant design, powerful engine, and celebrity owners.
Specification:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 1956 BMW 507 |
| Body Style | 2-door roadster |
| Engine | V8, 90° vee, overhead valve (OHV) |
| Displacement | 3.2 liters / 3169 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | – |
| Bore/Stroke Ratio | 1.09 |
| Horsepower | 150 HP / 152 PS / 112 kW |
| Torque | 173 lb-ft / 235.0 Nm |
| Transmission | Manual, 4-speed |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Top Speed | 122-137 mph |
Features:
Key features of the 1956 BMW 507:
- Elegant two-seat aluminum roadster: Offered a luxurious and open-air driving experience.
- Powerful V8 engine: Provided exhilarating performance for the era.
- Hand-built aluminum body: Each car was unique due to its handcrafted nature.
- Optional hardtop: Offered versatility for different weather conditions.
- Advanced suspension and drum brakes: Offered a comfortable and controlled ride, later models included front disc brakes.
The 1950s was a time of great change and innovation in the automotive industry. Many iconic cars were produced during this decade, including the Chevrolet Corvette, the Ford Thunderbird, and the Studebaker Starliner.
These cars were not only stylish and fast, but they also represented a new era of automotive design and engineering. Today, these vintage cars are still admired for their beauty and performance, and they continue to be a symbol of the 1950s.