Automotive Landscape of 1955
A look at models launched in 1955
- Apr 12: Chrysler 300 "Letter Series" Born – Chrysler introduces the Chrysler 300, combining luxury appointments with a high-output Hemi V8 engine, instantly capturing dominance in NASCAR and cementing the muscle car lineage.
- Jul 17: Citroën DS Unveiled at Paris Salon – Citroën unveils the futuristic DS19 at the Paris Motor Show, generating record orders within hours due to its radical hydraulic suspension, disc brakes, and aerodynamic fiberglass roof.
- Aug 28: Automotive Safety Focus Grows – Ford introduces "Lifeguard" safety design features, including deep-dish steering wheels, padded dashboards, and optional seat belts, pioneering consumer safety advocacy in Detroit.
- Oct 26: Porsche 356 Speedster Popularity – Porsche gains a massive following among American sports car enthusiasts with the lightweight 356 Speedster, dominating weekend club racing across California circuits.
US
Chevrolet Bel Air
V8
POWER
180 HP
RARITY
1,700,000 Sold
US
Pontiac Star Chief
Safari Wagon
POWER
200 HP
RARITY
200,000 Sold
US
Desoto Fireflite
Coronado
POWER
200 HP
RARITY
30,000 Sold
US
Ford Thunderbird
Personal Luxury
POWER
212 HP
RARITY
16,155 Sold
US
Ford Thunderbird
Roadster
POWER
225 HP
RARITY
16,000 Sold
US
Chrysler 300
C-300
POWER
300 HP
RARITY
1,724 Sold
EUROPE
BMW Isetta
Bubble Car
POWER
13 HP
RARITY
161,728 Sold
EUROPE
Saab 93
De Luxe
POWER
33 HP
RARITY
52,000 Sold
EUROPE
Goggomobil T250
Microcar
POWER
14 HP
RARITY
20,000 Sold
EUROPE
MG MGA
1500 Roadster
POWER
72 HP
RARITY
13,000 Sold
EUROPE
Citroën DS
DS19
POWER
75 HP
RARITY
12,000 Sold
EUROPE
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
Series I
POWER
175 HP
RARITY
2,238 Sold
ASIA
Toyota Crown
Toyopet RS
POWER
48 HP
RARITY
30,000 Sold