What cars were in 1959? A global snapshot of the year’s automobiles

In 1959, car buyers saw a mix of flamboyant American finned cruisers, groundbreaking European compacts, and emerging Japanese family cars: highlights included Cadillac’s Eldorado and Chevrolet’s Impala, Ford’s new Galaxie, the debut of the BMC Mini (as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor), Mercedes-Benz’s W111 “Fintail,” Studebaker’s Lark, Triumph’s Herald, Ford’s Anglia 105E, Datsun’s Bluebird 310, the Subaru 360, Volkswagen’s Beetle, Citroën’s DS, Fiat’s 500 and 600, and many more. That year captured a turning point—big style and power coexisted with a new wave of smaller, more efficient cars that would reshape the decade to come.

The automotive landscape in 1959

Across the world, 1959 marked a transition. In the United States, full-size cars still dominated, cresting with extravagant tailfins and chrome, while compact models gained momentum. Europe introduced design and engineering icons—most notably the transverse-engine, front-drive Mini—pushing efficiency and clever packaging. Japan’s industry accelerated exports with practical, affordable sedans and microcars. Safety also took a leap forward: Volvo introduced the now-universal three-point seat belt.

Major launches of 1959

The year saw several notable introductions that influenced design, engineering, and market direction. These launches either debuted in 1959 or entered production/markets during the year.

• BMC Mini (Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor): Alec Issigonis’s transverse-engine, front-wheel-drive compact redefined small-car packaging.
• Ford Galaxie (U.S.): Introduced as Ford’s new top-tier full-size line, alongside the Fairlane series.
• Buick LeSabre, Invicta, Electra (U.S.): New nameplates ushered in Buick’s dramatic 1959 redesign.
• Pontiac “Wide-Track” lineup (Catalina, Bonneville, etc.): A stance-changing chassis shift that sharpened handling and brand identity.
• Studebaker Lark (U.S.): A space-efficient compact that helped stabilize Studebaker’s fortunes.
• Triumph Herald (UK): Michelotti-styled small car with separate chassis and excellent maneuverability.
• Ford Anglia 105E (UK): The new, sharply styled Anglia with its distinctive reverse-rake rear window.
• Mercedes-Benz W111 “Fintail” sedans (220, 220S, 220SE): New-body luxury sedans with improved safety and ride.
• BMW 700 (Germany): A compact, lightweight coupe/sedan that helped revive BMW’s finances.
• Jaguar Mark 2 (UK): Introduced late in 1959, the refined sports saloon set a standard for performance-luxury sedans.
• Porsche 356B (Germany): The updated 356 began appearing late in 1959, with crisper styling and mechanical refinements.
• Vauxhall Cresta PA (UK): A finned, American-influenced British flagship introduced in 1959.
• Datsun Bluebird 310 (Japan): A key export-friendly family sedan that broadened Nissan’s global reach.
• Prince Gloria (Japan): An upscale companion to the Prince Skyline, debuting in 1959.
• Saab 95 (Sweden): A practical two-stroke, three-cylinder wagon derived from the 93.

Together, these arrivals signaled a split-screen future: the enduring appeal of large, luxurious cruisers and a growing embrace of nimble, economical, and safety-conscious designs.

Notable cars you could buy in 1959, by region

United States

American showrooms in 1959 were dominated by dramatic styling and V8 power, yet compacts were breaking through. These were among the models on sale.

• Chevrolet: Impala (as its own series), Bel Air, Biscayne; Corvette sports car.
• Cadillac: Series 62, DeVille, and Eldorado—tailfins at their zenith.
• Ford: Fairlane and the new Galaxie; Thunderbird “Square Bird” personal luxury car.
• Plymouth: Fury, Belvedere, Savoy—sleek “Forward Look” styling.
• Dodge: Coronet, Royal, Custom Royal—full-size with bold fins.
• DeSoto: Fireflite and Adventurer—near-luxury with performance flair.
• Chrysler: Windsor, Saratoga, New Yorker; 300E in the “letter car” performance series.
• Imperial: Crown and LeBaron—Chrysler’s standalone luxury marque.
• Buick: LeSabre, Invicta, Electra—new names for a new look.
• Oldsmobile: Dynamic 88, Super 88, Ninety-Eight—Rocket V8 power.
• Pontiac: Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville—“Wide-Track” stance across the line.
• AMC Rambler: Rambler American and larger Rambler models; Ambassador at the top.
• Studebaker: Lark compact; Hawk coupes for performance style.

Chevrolet and Ford led in volume, while Plymouth, Pontiac, and the surging Rambler and Lark exemplified a pivot toward smaller, more efficient choices amid changing buyer tastes.

Europe and the UK

European makers balanced innovation and frugality, with a few luxury and sports standouts. Many of these cars became enduring classics.

• UK/Britain: Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor (Mini), Triumph Herald, Ford Anglia 105E, Jaguar saloons (Mark 1 transitioning to new Mark 2), BMC “Farina” saloons (Austin Cambridge A55 Mk II, Morris Oxford V), Vauxhall Victor F and Cresta PA.
• Germany: Mercedes-Benz W111 “Fintail” (new), plus ongoing Ponton sedans; 300SL Roadster; Porsche 356A transitioning to 356B; BMW 700 (new); Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1).
• France: Citroën DS19 and ID19; Renault Dauphine; Peugeot 403; Simca Aronde.
• Italy: Fiat 500 and 600; Alfa Romeo Giulietta range; Lancia Flaminia variants.
• Scandinavia: Volvo Amazon (121/122S) and PV544; Saab 93 and new 95 estate.
• Opel: Rekord P1 and Kapitän serving much of continental Europe.

This mix of tiny city cars, family saloons, and sporting machinery defined Europe’s pragmatic yet style-forward postwar car culture—and seeded global influence.

Japan and other markets

Japan’s industry broadened rapidly in 1959, with exports rising. Elsewhere, regional mainstays served local needs from Australia to the Eastern Bloc.

• Japan: Toyota Crown and Corona; Datsun Bluebird 310 (new); Prince Skyline and new Gloria; Subaru 360 microcar.
• Australia: Holden FC—durable family transport tailored to local conditions.
• Soviet/Eastern Europe: GAZ Volga M21; Moskvitch 407—robust sedans for varied roads.
• India: Hindustan Ambassador (based on the Morris Oxford) establishing itself as a national staple.
• Global: Volkswagen Beetle assembled and sold in multiple regions; Fiat 1100 and 600 CKD kits appeared in various markets.

These models reflected differing priorities—affordability, durability, and serviceability—while laying groundwork for Japan’s coming export boom.

Design and technology trends in 1959

Beyond nameplates, 1959 set critical trends in styling, safety, and packaging that would echo through the 1960s.

• Styling extremes: Tailfins and chrome peaked in the U.S., epitomized by Cadillac and Chrysler Corporation designs.
• Compact momentum: Studebaker Lark and AMC Rambler in the U.S., plus Europe’s Mini, showed small could be smart—and desirable.
• Safety advances: Volvo introduced the three-point seat belt as standard on select models, a lifesaving innovation soon shared widely.
• Drivetrains and convenience: Automatic transmissions, power steering, and power brakes spread further into mainstream models.
• Engineering direction: Emphasis grew on space efficiency, unitized construction in some ranges, and better road manners (e.g., Pontiac’s “Wide-Track”).

This convergence of spectacle and substance marked 1959 as both the height of an era and the beginning of a more rational, safety- and efficiency-focused future.

Motorsport and cultural context

Racing and pop culture helped define what “car” meant in 1959, elevating performance icons and everyday heroes alike.

• Formula One: Jack Brabham won the 1959 World Championship driving a mid-engine Cooper-Climax, signaling a paradigm shift in F1 design.
• 24 Hours of Le Mans: Aston Martin’s DBR1 triumphed, with Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori taking the win.
• NASCAR: The inaugural Daytona 500 ran in 1959, with Lee Petty declared winner after a photo-finish review.
• Indy 500: Rodger Ward claimed victory, showcasing American open-wheel prowess.

These milestones reinforced the era’s dual fascinations: cutting-edge competition technology and the mass appeal of big events that celebrated speed and endurance.

What did a new car cost in 1959?

Prices varied widely by market and model, but several benchmarks illustrate the spread from budget transport to top-tier luxury.

• U.S. economy/compact: Around $1,600–$2,000 (e.g., Volkswagen Beetle; Rambler American depending on trim).
• U.S. mainstream full-size: Roughly $2,100–$2,800 (e.g., Chevrolet Biscayne/Bel Air/Impala; Ford Fairlane/Galaxie).
• U.S. premium/luxury: $3,000–$5,500+ (e.g., Pontiac Bonneville, Chrysler New Yorker, Cadillac Series 62); specialty models higher.
• Ultra-luxury/special: Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz and select imports could exceed $7,000 when well-equipped.
• UK/Europe small cars: Mini launched at under £500; typical British family saloons commonly in the ~£600–£900 range, depending on tax and equipment.

Option loads, local taxes, and exchange rates had a big impact; inflation-adjusted, many 1959 cars were substantial purchases comparable to today’s mid-market vehicles.

Summary

Cars “in 1959” spanned a remarkable spectrum: theatrical American finmobiles, ingenious European compacts led by the new Mini, and increasingly export-ready Japanese sedans and microcars. Key models—Cadillac Eldorado, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Galaxie, Mercedes-Benz W111, Studebaker Lark, Triumph Herald, Ford Anglia 105E, Datsun Bluebird 310, Subaru 360, VW Beetle, Citroën DS, and Fiat’s 500/600—captured a pivotal year when style excess met a new practicality. It was the end of one automotive era and the clear beginning of another.

What was the coolest car in 1959?

• 1959 Maserati 5000 GT. As an imperial request from the Shah of Iran, the 5000 GT was built by Maserati as their flagship model.
• 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Series I.
• 1959 Austin-Healey 100-Six BN6.
• 1959 MG A 1600.
• 1959 Porsche 356B/1600 Coupe.

What cars came out in 1959?

Pages in category “Cars introduced in 1959”

• Abarth 1600 Spider.
• Abarth 2200.
• AC Greyhound.
• Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale.
• Asardo.
• Austin-Healey 3000.
• Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite.

What was the most sold car in 1959?

The most popular car in 1959 was the Chevrolet Impala, which was Chevrolet’s best-selling model for the year, selling approximately 473,000 units. While other vehicles like the Studebaker Lark and Rambler gained popularity in the compact car market, the Impala stood out with its distinctive styling, including its “batwing” tailfins, and was a commercial success for Chevrolet, making it the year’s top seller.
 
Here’s a breakdown of the year’s car sales:

• Chevrolet Impala: Chevy’s best-selling model in 1959, selling around 473,000 units. 
• Studebaker Lark: This compact car, introduced by Studebaker, was a significant success, selling over 130,000 units in its first year. 
• Rambler: American Motors’ compact Rambler American also saw success, exploiting the demand for smaller cars. 
• Ford Fairlane: Ford models, including the Fairlane, were very popular with consumers in 1959. 

The automotive trends in 1959 reflected a mix of factors, including the desire for more extravagant designs and the emergence of smaller, more economical cars.

What was the car of the year in 1959?

Pontiac Motor Division
Year

Year	Winner
1959	Pontiac Motor Division
1958	Ford Thunderbird
1957	Chrysler Corporation (Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler, Imperial)
1956	Ford Motor Company