In the mid-20th century (1940s–1960s), automobiles experienced significant technological advancements such as the widespread adoption of automatic transmissions, power steering, and air conditioning. Design trends included bold, flamboyant styles in the 1950s with tailfins and chrome, shifting to sleeker, aerodynamic designs in the 1960s. The era also saw the rise of compact cars and muscle cars.
Culturally, cars symbolized freedom and were central to American life, with drive-in theaters and diners becoming popular social spots. Suburbanization and car ownership were closely linked, and motorsports gained popularity. The American auto industry was dominated by the “Big Three” (GM, Ford, Chrysler), while European and Japanese manufacturers began making inroads with reliable, fuel-efficient models.
These wonderful Kodachrome slides from
Dave’s Old Slides that captured people with their automobiles in the mid-20th century.
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Two women and Chevrolet, Illinois, 1947 |
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A woman and a Plymouth coupe, USA, circa 1950s |
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A woman dressed for hockey, standing next to a Ford Prefect, New Zealand, circa late 1950s |
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Family photo with Cadillac car, USA, circa 1950s |
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The car in the foreground is a 1952 Buick, USA, circa 1950s |
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Woman and a 1953 Mercury Monterey, circa 1950s |
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Woman and Pontiac car, USA, circa 1950s |
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Woman beside Studebaker Commander car, USA, circa 1950s |
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USA, January 1952 |
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'AC Farm', with 1953 Ford Crestline Sunliner convertible, circa 1953 |
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Couple in 1954 Plymouth Belvedere, circa 1954 |
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Couple with a 1955 Chevrolet, circa 1955 |
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Western Illinois or eastern Missouri, USA, 1955 |
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Man with an Austin A50 Cambridge, Port Hills, Christchurch, New Zealand, circa 1957 |
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Woman and Oldsmobile outside Saks Fifth Avenue, Palm Springs, California, Christmas 1959. The car is the new model for 1960 |
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Haast, West Coast, New Zealand, circa 1961 |
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Woman with 1960 Plymouth, USA, May 1963 |
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Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 1964. The car is a Chevrolet Corvair Monza Spyder |
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USA, January 1964 |
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At the wheel, USA, 1966 |
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Camping scene, August 1966. The car is a 1960 Ford Fairlane 500 with Ohio plates |
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Couple with 1962 Plymouth, 1966. New York state license plates |
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Iowa plates on the Chevrolet Corvair, 1966 |
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Man and Oldsmobile, Illinois USA, November 1966. The car looks to be a 1965 model |
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Woman with parking attendant with a two-roll Ultimate ticket machine, standing in front of a Mark I Ford Cortina and a Humber Sceptre, Bath, England, 1968 |
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Roadside picnic, Lincolnshire, UK, 1969. Identified as the A157 just outside Louth. The car is a Renault 10 |
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Santa Cruz, California, August 1969. The car is a 1968 Plymouth Satellite |
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Photographers and VW beetle, New Zealand, circa 1960s |
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Picnic from the boot of a Morris Oxford, UK, circa 1960s |
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VW Kombi, New Zealand, circa 1960s |
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