What cars were built in 1959?
In 1959, automakers around the world produced a wide range of models—from compact city cars to luxury roadsters—that defined late-1950s styling and engineering. This article highlights notable cars that were built or launched in 1959, offering a snapshot rather than a complete registry of every model from that year.
What “cars built in 1959” encompasses includes production for that calendar year across major markets, spanning American full-size sedans, sports cars, European roadsters, and the emerging era of compact designs. It was a year when design cues like chrome, fins, and bold silhouettes were prominent, and when several enduring icons began or continued their run.
Notable models from 1959
The following list highlights notable 1959 models by region, illustrating the breadth of design and engineering that year.
- Mini (Morris/ Austin Mini) — introduced in 1959 as a compact British hatchback that reshaped small-car design and urban mobility.
- Chevrolet Impala — top-line full-size Chevrolet model, widely associated with the 1959 redesign and its era-defining styling.
- Chevrolet Corvette (C1) — 1959 model year, known for distinctive styling and performance options that captivated enthusiasts.
- Ford Thunderbird (second generation) — ongoing two-seat grand touring car, blending luxury and performance in 1959.
- Ford Galaxie — new top-line full-size Ford introduced for 1959, expanding the brand’s lineup.
- Jaguar XK150 — produced through 1959, marking the end of this iconic sports car’s production run.
- Porsche 356B — introduced in 1959 as part of the 356 lineup, representing a refinement over earlier variants.
- BMW 507 — limited-run roadster that continued in production through 1959, noted for its rarity and styling.
These examples reflect the year’s mix of compact innovation, American big-car styling, and European sportiness that helped define late-1950s automotive culture.
Why 1959 mattered in automotive design
The year 1959 stands out in automotive history for its emphasis on bold styling, chrome-laden exteriors, and a shift toward more specialized vehicle roles—compact for city use, luxurious personal coupes, and high-performance roadsters. The converging trends of postwar prosperity, evolving safety and performance standards, and international design exchanges produced a diverse catalog of cars that still resonate with enthusiasts today.
Summary
1959 produced a diverse roster of cars, from the Mini's arrival in the compact segment to American icons like the Impala and Corvette, and European staples like the XK150, 356B, and the BMW 507. The year captured a transitional moment in design and engineering that shaped automotive trends for years to come.
What was the best selling car in 1959?
The most popular car in 1959 was the Chevrolet Impala, which became a stand-alone model for that year and was the best-selling model in the Chevrolet lineup. It was also the year Chevrolet took the number one spot in the overall sales race, surpassing Ford.
- Sales Success: The 1959 Impala sold approximately 473,000 units in its first year as its own model, making it a huge success for Chevrolet.
- Distinctive Design: The model year was known for its dramatic styling, including large, "bat wing" tailfins and a sleek, "long and low" aesthetic.
- Popularity: While other cars like the Ford Fairlane and Cadillac Eldorado were also popular and iconic, the Impala's strong sales numbers cemented its place as the most popular car of 1959.
What was the car of the year in 1959?
Success of the season. So why not take the wide track that leads to Pontiac Pontiac Car of the Year.
What cars came out in 1959?
Pages in category "Cars introduced in 1959"
- Abarth 1600 Spider.
- Abarth 2200.
- AC Greyhound.
- Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale.
- Asardo.
- Austin-Healey 3000.
- Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite.
What cars did Chevy make in 1959?
The main 1959 Chevrolet models were the Biscayne (base), Bel Air (middle-range), and Impala (top of the line). Other popular models included the Corvette sports car and the El Camino car-based pickup truck. The lineup also featured various station wagons, such as the Brookwood, Kingswood, and Nomad.
You can watch this video to see a collection of 1959 Chevrolet models, including some rare ones: 1mIowaClassicCarsYouTube · Jun 1, 2022
- Biscayne: The entry-level model, which replaced the Del Ray.
- Bel Air: The mid-range offering, featuring more trim and model nameplates than the Biscayne.
- Impala: The top-of-the-line model, known for its bold styling and available in convertible, hardtop, and Sport Sedan versions.
- Corvette: The two-seater sports car was also part of the 1959 lineup.
- El Camino: A new coupe utility model based on a car platform that proved to be very successful.
- Station Wagons: The full-size range included several station wagon models, such as the two-door and four-door Brookwood (Biscayne trim), and the Kingswood and Nomad (Bel Air/Impala trim).
