13 Nov 1982, USA --- This particular fin is as much an icon of the 1950s as Marilyn Monroe, but it is also a masterpiece of the metal bender's art. Notice the wonderful detailing: the intricate "bullet taillight" castings, the expressive chrome trim, and the perfectly integrated bumpers. This is part of the auto stylist's strategy: to attract the viewer with the overall bold design, and then "reward" them with delightful details. --- Image by © Car Culture/Corbis
13 Feb 1988, USA --- The initiator of the "pony car revolution," this 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang is one of the most influential automotive designs Detroit ever produced. The immediate popularity of these so-called pony cars bolstered Detroit's confidence in producing a line of increasingly faster vehicles, later dubbed "muscle cars". --- Image by © Car Culture/Corbis
10 Jul 1985, USA --- The Corvette made its debut in 1953, and is widely considered "America's Sports Car." Its origins date back to the end of World War 2, when returning GI's sang the praises of the lithe sports cars they had seen overseas, such as MGs, Jaguar's, and Alfa Romeo's. GM designer Harley Earl, always quick to sense a trend, convinced GM to create its own original sports car. Earl chose fiberglass for the body, making Chevrolet the first big company to use the new miracle material in a mass production vehicle. --- Image by © Car Culture/Corbis
01 Jun 1982, USA --- The famous Cadillac "V and crest" logo. The 1950 Cadillac Series 61 Sedan had extensive styling changes from the previous, landmark year. Cadillac's generally had a more massive look, with longer rear decks and sweeping front fenders. One-piece windshields were introduced for the first time. --- Image by © Car Culture/Corbis
24 Jul 1991, USA --- The Corvette made its debut in 1953. Designer Harley Earl chose fiberglass for the body, making Chevrolet the first big company to use the new miracle material in a mass production vehicle. The early Corvette's were considered underpowered, but that changed in 1955 with the arrival of a new engine. After updated styling in 1956 a star was born. With production Corvettes placing first and second in the 1957 Sebring race, the young Corvette's longevity was assured. The design and engineering refinements in the 1957 Corvette made it one of the most enduringly popular sports car models ever manufactured. --- Image by © Car Culture/Corbis
13 Nov 1982, USA --- This particular fin is as much an icon of the 1950s as Marilyn Monroe, but it is also a masterpiece of the metal bender's art. Notice the wonderful detailing: the intricate "bullet taillight" castings, the expressive chrome trim, and the perfectly integrated bumpers. This is part of the auto stylist's strategy: to attract the viewer with the overall bold design, and then "reward" them with delightful details. --- Image by © Car Culture/Corbis