The U.S. automobile industry exploded in the years following World War II. As the industry worked to satisfy pent-up demand for new cars, automobile design was revolutionized. The late '40s through the early '60s was, indeed, the golden age of design as cars grew bigger and styling bolder.

It was truly an American phenomenon. There was no serious competition from the Europeans and Asians. American cars — and automobile design (fins and all) — set the standard for the world.

By Al Vinikour  
motorwayamerica.com

I was fortunate enough to have grown up in those halcyon days of the Muscle Car Era. Every manufacturer had a dog in the hunt.

By Jim Meachen
motorwayamerica.com

The memory is still vivid.

Many years ago I fancied myself a future designer of automobiles. For a few years after I became a teenager I thought design was what I wanted to do when I "grew up."

American life revolved around the automobile in the 1950s, much like today.

But in those days, the cars were virtually all American made. The SUV had not yet been invented. The minivan was still just an idea in the heads of such automotive folks as Lee Iacocca. If people needed room for passengers, cargo and the family dog, they bought a station wagon. Or perhaps a full-sized van or a Chevrolet Suburban. Fins were in and styling changed from year-to-year.