Taking A Ride Through The Worst-Performing Cars Of The 1950s
The 1950s were a time of sweeping change and innovation in the automotive industry. It was a decade that saw the birth of iconic classics, such as the Chevrolet Bel Air and the Ford Thunderbird.
However, not every car from this era was a masterpiece. From impractical design quirks that clearly missed the mark to engineering decisions that resulted in unreliable and even dangerous vehicles, these cars have earned their place in the hall of infamy.
Trabant P50
In automotive history, there are cars that are celebrated for their innovation, performance, and quality. And then, there's the Trabant P50, a vehicle that became an enduring symbol of East Germany but for all the wrong reasons.
The Trabant's awful 17-horsepower engine was just the tip of the iceberg. This was one of the worst gas-guzzlers on the market, and it was powered by a tiny two-stroke motor! This absolute failure of a vehicle serves as a reminder of the challenges and limitations faced in East Germany during the Cold War era.
Plymouth Fury
Despite its gorgeous design inside and out, the Plymouth Fury faced notable criticism throughout its production run. This was primarily due to its erratic quality control and reliability issues. Many owners reported frequent breakdowns and mechanical problems, tarnishing the brand's reputation for years.
What's more, the car's fuel economy was subpar even for its time, guzzling gas at an increasingly impractical rate as fuel prices began to rise during the decade. The suspension of the Fury was heavily criticized, with owners complaining about poor handling and a stiff ride.
DeSoto Adventurer
DeSoto marketed the Adventurer as a high-performance, luxury car. In reality, however, the vehicle struggled to compete with its rivals in terms of both power and handling.
One of its main drawbacks was its heavy weight; an Adventurer weighed in at over 4100 pounds! The car's engine, while relatively powerful, failed to deliver the exceptional performance that was promised. This disappointment was compounded by its relatively poor fuel efficiency during a time when gas prices were becoming increasingly significant. The automaker faced image and identity issues, with the Adventurer failing to establish a clear identity or a strong brand following. This only made matters worse.
Nash Metropolitan
This American car was on the market for nearly a decade, starting in 1954. Although the automaker managed to sell nearly 100,000 units, the Metropolitan had its fair share of drawbacks that affected its reputation.
One of the most notable ones was its tiny size. While the compact nature of the Metropolitan was marketed as an advantage for city driving and fuel efficiency, it was often criticized for being too small for a comfortable ride. Its cramped interior and lack of cargo space ruled the Metropolitan completely impractical. The car's underpowered 1.2L motor did not help save its reputation, either.
Mercury Monterey
Though buyers weren't particularly interested in fuel-efficient vehicles in the 1950s, the Mercury Monterey was too much of a gas guzzler even for the standards back then. The car had large, powerful V8 engines that were thirsty for gasoline, making it less economical to operate at a time when fuel efficiency was slowly becoming increasingly important.
In addition, the Monterey faced criticism for its handling and awful ride quality. Its suspension and steering were often described as subpar, leading to a less-than-pleasant driving experience. This was particularly noticeable when compared to some of its competitors that offered smoother rides.
Renault Dauphine
The Dauphine is a small French sedan that hit the market in the late 1950s. This Renault was powered by a small engine that lacked sufficient power for highway driving, resulting in sluggish acceleration and a limited top speed. In fact, the Dauphine only made 27 horsepower from its tiny 0.6L motor!
As if that weren't already enough, the poor engineering led to the Renault Dauphine having the tendency to oversteer. This made the car less stable and potentially dangerous, especially for inexperienced drivers.
Chevrolet Corvette
America's first sports car had a very rough start. The car was rushed into production just months after its debut to the public, resulting in serious quality control issues. Early model Corvettes are notorious for being among the worst in the car's history.
To make matters worse, GM could not develop a proper V8 motor in time for the launch of the Corvette. Instead, the 1953 Vette received a Blue Flame six-cylinder engine, which dated all the way back to the 1930s! General Motors quickly corrected their mistakes, and the Corvette has been dramatically improved since the '55 model year.
Hudson Jet
Hudson was an American automaker that went bust in 1957, and this vehicle was one of the primary reasons why. The Jet, produced in the early 1950s, faced several challenges that contributed to its reputation as a less desirable car of its era.
The Jet was equipped with a small six-cylinder engine that lacked the performance and power that most buyers expected. Additionally, the Jet suffered from notorious reliability issues. One of the few upsides was the car's affordable price tag, which was lower than most competitors at the time.
Simca Aronde
Simca, a French automaker that became defunct in 1970, was a subsidiary of Fiat. The 1951 debut of the Aronde was a major milestone for the company, as it was the first Simca not based on a Fiat. In retrospect, it may have been better for the manufacturer to stick to Fiat designs.
On the positive side, the Aronde was often praised for its affordability and economical operation. It was also relatively spacious inside despite its compact size. The Aronde's design, however, was often considered conservative and uninspiring. It lacked the style and flair of some of its competitors, especially as automotive design was evolving during that era.
Henry J
The Henry J had its share of drawbacks and challenges that contributed to its reputation as a not-so-desirable vehicle from the 1950s. One of its most notable drawbacks was its lack of features and options. The Henry J was marketed as a budget-friendly compact car, and to keep costs down, it was sparsely equipped.
The Henry J also faced serious issues with its performance or lack thereof. Its 68-horsepower four-cylinder motor wasn't exactly exciting, to say the least.
King Midget Model III
Every now and then, the automotive world is revolutionized by the debut of an innovative car that's way ahead of its time. This is exactly what Midget Motors was hoping for when releasing the King Midget Model III. The reality was very different, though.
This microcar featured a unique and distinctive design. While it had some features that appealed to certain buyers, most criticized the car for its extremely small size, which limited its practicality for everyday use. The King Midget Model III was more of a novelty vehicle than a mainstream car, with minimal interior space and limited seating capacity.
Kaiser Darrin
Believe it or not, the Kaiser Darrin wasn't as glamorous as you may think. Sure, it was one of the first American sports cars, featuring a sleek and eye-catching design with distinctive sliding doors. The convertible top and innovative door design made it stand out in a market filled with more conventional automobiles.
However, there were notable drawbacks. Performance-wise, the Kaiser Darrin was not as competitive as some of its European rivals. It was powered by a modest inline-six engine that only made 90 horsepower. Moreover, buyers quickly noticed issues related to production quality and lack of reliability.
Fiat Multipla
Very few people know that Fiat's infamous compact MPV from the 1990s was not the first Multipla built by the Italian automaker. That title goes to this quirky vehicle, the 600 Multipla, which hit the market in the mid-50s.
The original Multipla had a unique and practical design for its time, which featured a front bench and accommodation for up to 6 occupants. While this design provided excellent interior space utilization, it was unconventional and not universally appealing. The central location of the driver's seat and the close proximity of passengers raised concerns about safety and comfort. The car was also awfully underpowered, producing under 25 horsepower.
Nash Rambler
The Nash Rambler polarized the automotive world in 1950. Many petrolheads admired its compact size, which made it fuel-efficient and suitable for city driving. It was one of the early examples of a compact car designed for the American market, anticipating the growing demand for smaller, more economical vehicles.
However, the Nash Rambler also had its drawbacks. The most significant one is its performance. The early models, especially those with smaller engines, were criticized for their lackluster acceleration and overall power. The 2.8L inline-six motor failed to keep up with traffic on highways!
Hillman Super Minx
The Hillman Super Minx, produced from the late 1950s through the 1960s, was a mid-sized family car with a mixed reputation. On the positive side, the Super Minx was known for its spacious interior and comfortable seating, which made it a hit among families. It featured a relatively large trunk and plenty of cargo space, perfect for cross-country road trips.
However, the Hillman Super Minx was awfully underpowered. The base model came powered by a 1.6L motor, while the more powerful variant had an equally boring 1.7L beneath the hood. This made it less competitive in terms of speed and power compared to some of its rivals.
Morris Minor 1000
Despite its mixed reputation, this beauty produced from the late 1950s through the 1960s became an icon. The Morris Minor 1000 was about as durable as an automobile could be, thanks to a robust construction and a simple, arguably spartan drivetrain.
However, there were notable drawbacks as well. One of the main criticisms was its performance. The Morris Minor 1000 was powered by a small engine that provided modest acceleration at best. The car's design, while functional and practical, was often considered conservative and outdated. At first sight, the Morris Minor 1000 looked like it belonged in the 1940s.
Austin A40 Sports
Who wouldn't want a stylish, affordable convertible? This is the Austin A40, a compact car with a fun and sporty twist. It was known for its affordability and economical operation. It remained a practical choice for budget-conscious consumers with a hint of that extra flair.
Unfortunately, one of the primary criticisms was the car's underwhelming performance. The A40 was powered by a little four-cylinder motor that barely made 40 horses. Though the aluminum body remained lightweight, this was still not enough power for spirited driving.
Citroën 2CV
Believe it or not, this French classic remained in production for nearly half a century! This is hands-down one of the most unique and quirky automobiles of all time. The 2CV was celebrated for its simplicity and ruggedness. It was designed to be a utilitarian car that could handle rough roads and challenging conditions thanks to a robust suspension system.
The 2CV was equipped with a tiny 600cc engine that only produced 29 horsepower! As a result, this little car struggled to get up to speed, and highway driving was nearly impossible.
Borgward Isabella
This stylish coupe is the Borgward Isabella, an automobile produced from the late 1950s through the 1960s. The Isabella was often praised for its stylish design and solid construction. Its sleek and attractive exterior set it apart from some of its more conservatively styled competitors. The car's interior was spacious; a high-end finish gave it that upscale touch.
The primary criticism was the lack of performance. The four-cylinder powerplant only made 75 horsepower. As a result, the vehicle failed to live up to its expectations. After all, its predecessor was powered by a larger 1.8L straight-four.
Lancia Appia
The Lancia Appia arrived in 1953 as a replacement for the equally gorgeous Ardrea, the automaker's flagship post-war automobile. The Appia was a showcase of advanced engineering and automotive innovation, from its sophisticated suspension to the V4 engine which was unheard of at the time.
On the contrary, the Appia suffered from a terrible lack of practicality. The main issue was its limited interior space. The Appia was a compact car with barely any room in the rear seats (for the 4-door saloon variant). Lancia also priced the Appia much higher than most competitors.
Goliath GP700
There is a great chance that you have never heard of this automobile before. This is the Goliath GP700, a small car that failed to make it to the mainstream market.
On the positive side, the GP700 was known for its compact and practical design. It was a small car, making it suitable for urban driving and parking in tight spaces. This compact size also contributed to good fuel efficiency, which was an attractive feature for budget-conscious consumers. However, the inevitable trade-off was the car's awful performance. The GP700's two-stroke motor only made around 24 horsepower!
DKW 3=6
Audi has rightfully earned a spot as one of the most reputable automakers ever. Things were quite different back in the 1950s, though. This is the 3=6, a compact car built by DKW Auto Union, which is the direct predecessor of Audi as we know it today.
On the positive side, the Auto Union 3=6 was known for its unique engineering. It featured a two-stroke, three-cylinder engine, which was considered pretty innovative at the time. This engine design was fuel-efficient and produced good torque. At the same time, the motor was not particularly powerful. The later models peaked at just 40 horsepower.
Lloyd Alexander
The Lloyd Alexander was essentially the same as the 600 produced by the same automaker, though it featured a four-speed transmission rather than the 3-speed found in the Lloyd 600. This small car was quite successful in terms of sales, as over 150,000 units were made.
However, there were notable drawbacks. One of the primary criticisms was its performance. The Alexander was equipped with a small 600cc engine, which resulted in modest acceleration and relatively low top speeds. Although this was never meant to be a high-performance beast, the Alexander fell behind most competitors.
Zundapp Janus
The Zündapp Janus is one of the most innovative vehicles from the 1950s. This innovative bubble car was the first and only vehicle developed by Zündapp!
On one hand, the Janus was celebrated for its innovative and compact design. It was a tiny car with seating for four passengers, arranged in a unique manner with two sets of doors – one at the front and one at the rear. This design allowed for easy entry and exit and provided a sociable seating arrangement, with passengers facing each other. However, its small size and limited protection offered by its body meant it was vulnerable in the event of a collision. Its seating arrangement was less comfortable on longer trips.
Chevrolet Corvair
Believe it or not, the Chevrolet Corvair has a few things in common with the legendary Porsche 911. The Corvair was one of the first American cars to feature an air-cooled rear-engine layout. On paper, this should have dramatically improved its handling and weight distribution.
At the same time, the Corvair was infamous for its unacceptable its safety record. The early Corvair models, in particular, were criticized for their handling characteristics, which could lead to oversteer and accidents in certain conditions. This safety concern led to significant negative publicity and legal battles, ultimately resulting in design changes to improve safety.
Nash Statesman
At first sight, this full-sized automobile looks like it belongs in the 1940s. However, the Nash Statesman was actually released for the 1950 model year. The car was only sold for four years, with Nash filing for bankruptcy by '54.
The Statesman was known for its spacious interior and comfortable seating. The car's rear "Uniscope" window, which improved the visibility for rear-seat passengers, was a prime example of automotive innovation. Performance, on the other hand, is where said innovation was missing. The car's 3.0L inline-six was underwhelming, to say the least. The car's outdated exterior design did not boost sales, either.
Rambler American
This little compact is one of the automobiles built on AMC's "junior cars" platform, aimed at younger buyers. The car quickly gained a reputation for its practicality and affordability. It was marketed as a budget-friendly choice for consumers who happily flocked to the modestly-priced American.
The car was far from perfect, though. One of the primary criticisms was its performance. The first generation was only offered with a weak six-cylinder motor, as opposed to the newer gens from the 60s that would come with an optional V8 engine.
Dodge Lancer
The Dodge Lancer is one of the best examples of the flamboyant automotive design of the 1950s. This beauty was always known for its stylish exterior, as well as a spacious interior with plenty of modern features.
While the Lancer was equipped with various engine options, some of the cheaper variants were awfully underpowered, resulting in poor acceleration and relatively low top speeds. The Lancer also faced challenges related to reliability and build quality.
Chevrolet Biscayne
The Chevrolet Biscayne is another classic full-size car from the late 1950s. This sedan was developed with fleets in mind rather than private consumers.
The Biscayne was known for its spaciousness and durability, both of which were crucial for fleet owners. Many appreciated its solid construction and reliability, as well as its affordable price tag. The Biscayne's design was often considered basic and utilitarian. While it was functional and practical, it lacked the style and flair of some of its competitors, especially as automotive design was evolving during that era.
Studebaker Wagonaire
Studebaker's strategy to make the Wagonaire wagon stand out from its competitors was questionable. The car's unique selling point, a retractable roof, proved to be a double-edged sword. While it allowed for versatility in transporting tall or bulky items, it also came with a range of issues. The retractable roof was prone to notorious leaks, leading to water damage and corrosion over time. The mechanism itself was complex and often required costly repairs.
In terms of performance, the Wagonaire struggled to stand out. The car's handling and ride quality were also criticized, with some drivers finding it less comfortable and stable compared to rival vehicles.
Willys Aero
The Willys Aero, produced from the late 1950s through the early 1960s, was a compact car with both positive and negative aspects that shaped its reputation. On the positive side, the Aero was known for its stylish design. It featured a sleek and contemporary exterior design that was well-received during its time. The car's interior was often praised for its comfort and spaciousness, too.
However, there were notable drawbacks. The Aero was powered by a little four-cylinder engine for the base model. The optional 132-horsepower six-cylinder powerplant was not much of an upgrade, either.
Packard Predictor
To be fair, this unique car can't really be assessed in terms of performance. That's because the Packard Predictor was a concept car introduced in the mid-1950s that did not make it to production. However, this notable vehicle generated both excitement and concern during its brief existence.
While the Predictor was celebrated for its futuristic and avant-garde design, the automaker faced financial difficulties during its debut. This caused the Predictor to be seen as a last-ditch effort to revitalize the brand's image and sales. Unfortunately, it was not enough to save Packard, which eventually merged with Studebaker and ceased production in the late 1950s.
Studebaker Conestoga
This quirky-looking wagon was produced by Studebaker in the 1950s. One of its highlights was the undeniable practicality and versatility. As a wagon, it offered plenty of cargo space, making it suitable for transporting goods, luggage, or family gear. Studebaker was also known for its solid construction and dependable vehicles, and the Conestoga was no different.
The most striking issue with this wagon was its design, which was conservative and painfully outdated, especially as automotive styling was much more flamboyant during that decade.
Ford Consul
The Consul was an affordable sports car that hit the market in 1951. It was built by the British division of Ford and marketed as a practical and budget-friendly automobile, offering great value for money with an extra sporty touch. Durability and ease of maintenance sealed the deal for many potential buyers.
Though marketed as a sports car, the performance of the Consul was pretty underwhelming. The car was considered basic and uninspiring. While it was functional and practical, it lacked the style and flair of some of its competitors.
Crosley Hotshot
Although this American automaker had introduced a couple of firsts in automotive history, Crosley was known for building cheap, bottom-end cars. The Hotshot was a small sports car that was developed in an attempt to improve the manufacturer's reputation.
The outcome was the total opposite of what Crosley had expected. The car was heavily criticized for its lack of power and poor performance. The Hotshot was equipped with a small four-cylinder engine that struggled to make 24 horsepower. Additionally, the Hotshot suffered from reliability issues, with frequent mechanical breakdowns and a reputation for being temperamental. The car's build quality was also questioned, as it often exhibited signs of poor craftsmanship.
Studebaker Champion
This cute little drop-top is the Studebaker Champion, a car that quickly became known for its practicality and affordability. Who wouldn't want such a stylish car on a very reasonable budget?
Don't get the wrong idea; the Studebaker Champion wasn't all that perfect. One of the primary criticisms was its performance. The fourth-gen Studebaker Champion was powered by an underwhelming six-cylinder L-head motor that could barely push the car to 60 miles per hour.
Hillman Minx
The Minx, produced from the 1930s through the 1960s, was a family car built by British automaker Hillman. The Audax design variant, designed by the Rootes Group, was launched in 1956 and instantly polarized car fans.
On the positive side, the Minx was known for its durability and reliability. It was considered a solidly built car, contributing to its longevity and ease of maintenance. Many owners appreciated its robust construction and lack of mechanical issues. The Minx was powered by a rather boring four-cylinder motor. In addition, the car's design dates back to the 1930s, and the automaker clearly did not make many efforts to update it throughout the car's lengthy production run.
Hudson Hornet
The Hudson Hornet originally debuted in 1950 and quickly rose to fame as a motorsport legend. However, all that changed with the release of the second-gen in 1955, which remains one of the worst downfalls in automotive history to this day.
As the 1950s progressed, the Hornet faced increased competition from the Big Three automakers (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler), which offered a wider range of models and features, making it more challenging for Hudson to compete in the market. The model was eventually discontinued by the end of 1957, as the second generation never lived up to its legendary predecessor.
DeSoto Firedome
Dodge created three different generations of this car within its short-lived 8-year production run. The DeSoto Firedome was known for its stylish design and powerful V8 engines. It featured a distinctive exterior design that incorporated elements of the era's "forward look" styling, which was well-received by many consumers. The car was often praised for its comfortable and well-appointed interior.
One of the primary criticisms was its fuel economy, which was typically less impressive compared to some of its more fuel-efficient competitors. Buyers became more conscious about fuel economy in the 1950s, which did not play in Firedome's favor. Neither did the increasing competition from other mid-level automakers.
Davis Divan
The Davis Divan is often regarded as one of the more unusual and ill-fated automotive ventures. Unsurprisingly, one of its most distinctive features is its unorthodox design. It had three wheels, two in the front and one in the rear, a configuration known as a "trike." While this design was intended to be economical and practical, it raised concerns about stability and safety.
Additionally, the Davis Motorcar Company, which produced the Divan, faced financial troubles and production difficulties. This led to limited availability and distribution, making it challenging for potential buyers to acquire the car. Those who managed to buy one were unimpressed with its poor performance.