SAGA — Doing things properly

The 1950’s, the decade that the teenager was born and Elvis Presley rocked the world. The lean years of the 40’s were fast being left behind. Rationing came to an end. And for the first time, the British public was introduced to such luxuries as fish fingers, electric fires and toilet paper.

On Britain’s roads, our motorway network began with the construction of the legendary M1. Just as well really, seeing as car ownership in the UK more than doubled throughout the 50’s, and by 1955, there were more than 3 million cars regularly using the country’s tarmac. A time older drivers remember with fondness, when you paid for car insurance in pounds shillings and pence.

So let’s roll back the years and take a look at some of the cars that graced our roads in that golden era.

The MGA

Introduced in 1955, the MGA was the first sports car produced by MG that featured full-width bodywork. This stylish 2-seater was powered by a robust little 1598cc engine that could push the car up to a respectable 100mph. Although on skinny cross-ply tyres, was that really such a good thing?

Ford Anglia

The Ford Anglia 105E was launched in 1959 as a compact little 2-door 4-seater family saloon. The Anglia was available in standard or deluxe trim. But perhaps the most striking feature of the newly designed Anglia was its reverse rake rear screen, which gave the car its distinctive angled look. Perhaps it should have been called the Ford Angular?

Morris Minor

Officially launched in 1948, the Morris Minor should really be classed as a car of the 40’s but it was so popular with the British motoring public throughout the 1950’s, which we’ve decided to include it here. This very distinctive and lovable car was produced as a 2 and 4-door saloon, a convertible and, of course, the Morris Traveller. The last of which rolled of the production line in 1971, giving the Minor a healthy 23 years of motoring, in which time, 1.7 million Minors had been sold.

Triumph Herald

Who couldn’t but help fall in love with the Herald? First launched in 1959, this beautiful little car captured the heart of anyone who drove it. The first Heralds were available in salon and coupe versions. These were quickly joined by a Herald convertible and an estate. With the Herald being able to turn on a sixpence, it was easy to drive and even easier to park. The Herald even went on to star in the BBC’s much-loved series, Last of The Summer Wine, where it suffered at the hands of Edie Pegden’s (Dame Thora Hird), horrendous driving skills.

Rover P5

1958 saw the luxurious Rover P5 power its way onto our roads. And power it did, with a hefty 3 litre straight six engine that carried the big car to a very respectable 100mph. The large, majestic Rover P5 was a particular favourite mode of transport with politicians of the day. Including a certain Harold Wilson, who even had a custom-built rack for his pipes fitted in the rear of the car – apparently.

Jaguar Mark 1

Ironically, this particular Jaguar was the product of a decision to broaden the appeal of the brand but in a lower price range. It was launched in 1955 and gained almost immediate success. As well as being popular with the motoring public, the 3.4 litre version of the Mk 1 was also a favourite with the motor sport fraternity, gaining some notable victories. And of course, the Mk1 gave way to the Mk2, which went on to heady heights of fame as the chosen drive for TV’s Inspector Morse. What is it with classic cars and television programmes?

Let’s move away from the British motor industry as we near the tail end of our list and take at look at what Europe had to offer.

Mercedes 300 SL

Alright, so we’ve stepped right in at the deep-end with a supercar of the era – but what a car? When the 300 SL was first revealed in 1955, no one had ever witnessed anything like it. It deserved a place in the history books for those gull-wing doors alone. And on top of those stunning looks came a car which could quite happily deliver in the performance stakes, with a top speed of 140mph. What else is there left to say?

Alfa Romeo 1900

Exotic, latin, beautiful, very red, very sporty but not very fast. And hardly ever seen on Britain’s roads. But then again, if you’ve got a car that looks this good, why would you want to go fast ? No one could ever look at you. The 1900 was also celebrated as being Alfa’s first ever production car. And we stay in the land of olive groves with our next 50’s motoring icon.

Fiat 500

And what an icon? Launched in 1957, the new Fiat 500 not only looked incredible but was also responsible for getting a nation on the move. It revolutionised transport for the Italian masses. The mark of the diminutive Cinque Cento can even be felt today, with the all-new Fiat 500 bearing a huge resemblance to its 52-year old cousin.

Chevrolet Bel Air

A great symbol of 50’s America, the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air has come to represent all that the decade was famous for. It’s right up there with Elvis Presley, Marylyn Monroe and Al’s Diner. Which is quite odd for a mass market American car that was in the last year of its production. But the Chevy was then, and still is today, true rock and roll.

Sadly, it’s there we must park our leisurely cruise back to 50’s motoring, an age of chrome, Bakelite and whitewall tyres – far more stylish than the aerodynamic blobs, fitted with plastic, that we see on our roads today.

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