1950s Buick – Photo Gallery

by Michael Rich2 Comments — Updated October 17, 2023

In the 1950s, Buick cars became symbols of prosperity. They stood out with unique “VentiPorts” on their fenders, reflecting the era’s aviation fascination. But Buick wasn’t all about looks. They introduced power features like brakes, steering, and windows. This made driving effortless.

The 1950s was crucial for Buick. It shaped its image as a choice for the discerning. This was a step towards modern luxury vehicles. Buick uniquely balanced innovation with comfort. This trait often got overshadowed amidst the flashy designs of the 50s.

Yet, it was a significant part of Buick’s legacy. It showed cars could be smart yet comfortable, setting a course for Buick’s future designs.

Buick Compared to Others In The 50s

In this era, the American automotive industry was thriving with innovation and competition. While Buick prioritized comfort and a smooth ride, other brands had different focal points:

 Speed and Performance : Some manufacturers were particularly keen on speed and performance. For instance, Jaguar was recognized for producing very fast cars during the 1950s, with models like the D-Type and the XK120 being iconic for their speed.

Design and Aesthetics: The 1950s saw a surge in unique designs inspired by the Space Age and aviation trends. Chevrolet’s 1957 Bel Air is often hailed as a design icon of this era.

Technological Innovations: The decade was marked by significant technological advancements in the automotive industry. Innovations like air conditioning, automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes began making their way into mass production. The horsepower race had also commenced, setting the stage for the muscle car era.

Sportiness: Brands like Chevrolet with its Corvette and Ford with its Thunderbird began to lean towards sportier designs and performance, contrasting Buick’s emphasis on luxury and comfort.

Upscale Offerings: Similar to Buick, some brands like Oldsmobile and Cadillac were also targeting the upscale market. However, there were distinctions; for instance, Oldsmobile had a more sporting image, while Buick was seen as more upscale.

High Volume, Low Price Strategy: Brands like Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth were known for their high-volume, low-priced models, contrasting with Buick’s more upscale brand image.

Buick’s focus on comfortable and luxurious driving experiences distinguished it in a market where other brands were exploring different avenues of appeal to cater to a burgeoning car culture in post-war America.

1950 Buick Models

1950 Buick Roadmaster Riviera

1950s American cars

1950 Buick Special

1950s vintage cars

1951 Buick Special

1950s classic cars

1952 Buick Super

1950s cars

1952 Buick Super Wagon

1950s autos

1953 Buick Roadmaster Wagon

1950s automobiles

1953 Buick Special

50s vintage cars

1953 Buick Skylark Convertible

50s classic cars

1954 Buick Skylark Convertible

50s cars

1954 Buick Skylark Convertible (rear view)

50s auto

1954 Buick Super Convertible

50s automobile

1954 Buick Century Wagon

fifties American cars

1955 Buick Riviera Special

fifties cars

1955 Buick Century Wagon

50s American cars

1956 Buick Special Convertible

fifties automobiles

1957 Buick Roadmaster

1950s American Cars

1957 Buick Century Convertible

1950s vintage cars

1957 Buick Century Caballero

1950s classic cars

1958 Buick Roadmaster Convertible

1950s cars

1958 Buick Limited Coupe

fifties autos

1959 Buick LeSabre

1950s automobiles

1959 Buick Electra 225 Convertible

1950s autos

1959 Buick LeSabre

50s cars

Comparing Electra, Invicta, and LeSabre

The 1959 Buick models of Electra, Invicta, and LeSabre were differentiated in terms of trim levels, engine specifications, and body styles, among other features. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on multiple sources:

  1. Designation:
    • The LeSabre was designated as the entry-level model.
    • Invicta was positioned as the intermediate model.
    • Electra was the top-of-the-line model for Buick in 1959.
  2. Engines:
  3. Body Styles and Dimensions:
  4. Trim and Interior:
    • The Invicta had upgraded trim and interior compared to the LeSabre.
    • The Electra, being the most luxurious model, likely had a more premium trim and interior although this wasn’t explicitly detailed in the sources.
  5. Styling:
    • All three models featured new and dramatic styling in 1959, with blade fins sweeping from the front of the body rearward, slanted headlights, and other stylistic features. However, the level of luxury and finishing details would have varied among these models, aligning with their positioning as entry-level, intermediate, and top-of-the-line models.
  6. Naming Evolution:
    • The 1959 model year saw a change in model names with the Special becoming the LeSabre, the Century being renamed as the Invicta, and the Electra being introduced, replacing both the Super and Roadmaster models from previous years.

2 thoughts on “1950s Buick – Photo Gallery”

  1. What are the differences between the 1959 Electra, Invicta, and LeSabre? All three seem like the same car. I am guessing the names only referred to trim levels, but I would love some clarity if you have any!

    Reply

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