What was the most popular color in 1957?
White was the most popular color for new cars in 1957.
Beyond the showroom, color popularity can vary by domain—fashion, home décor, and even consumer electronics—but this article concentrates on automotive color trends in the United States during 1957, drawing on industry surveys and trade publications from the era.
What the data say about 1957 car color trends
Color-trend reports from automakers and industry groups tracked the share of new-car registrations by color. In 1957, white led the charts, with black and gray following closely, while brighter hues such as blue and red appeared in noticeable but smaller shares.
- White
- Black
- Gray
- Blue
- Red
These patterns reflected production choices, consumer preferences, and marketing strategies of the era. White’s prominence was tied to perceived cleanliness, ease of maintenance, and its compatibility with popular two-tone designs that defined many flagship models of the time.
Scope and limitations
The color data cited here primarily represent the U.S. market and new-car registrations. They may not fully capture used-car color distribution, regional variations, or color trends in other industries such as fashion or home paint.
Why 1957 saw these color preferences
The late 1950s were a period of optimism and rapid stylistic change in American design. Car manufacturers leaned into bright, durable automotive paints made possible by advances in synthetic resins, enabling bolder color choices and longer-lasting finishes. White, black, and gray offered practicality and broad appeal, while blues and reds provided eye-catching alternatives for customers seeking a bit more personality.
Summary
In 1957, white stood out as the most popular color for new cars in the United States, with black and gray close behind and blue and red following in popularity. The trend reflected a mix of practical considerations, style sensibilities, and two-tone design language characteristic of the era. While the dominant palette was led by light neutrals, the era also embraced bolder hues that shaped showroom aesthetics for years to come.
What colors did 1957 chevys come in?
1957 Chevy Colors
| Paint Code | Paint Name |
|---|---|
| 812 | Surf Green / Highland Green |
| 813 | India Ivory / Surf Green |
| 814 | India Ivory / Coronado Yellow |
| 815 | Onyx Black / Colonial Cream |
What colors were popular in the 1950s?
Popular colors in the 1950s included a mix of cheerful pastels like mint green, bubblegum pink, and pale yellow, as well as bright, saturated hues such as turquoise, red, and orange. These colors were used in home decor, fashion, and appliances, often creating a sense of optimism and modern style.
Pastel and light colors
- Mint green and peachy pink: These soft, light colors were especially popular for home interiors, evoking a sense of domesticity and escape after the war.
- Pale yellow: A cheerful and airy choice, often paired with white trim to create a bright and clean aesthetic.
- Robin's-egg blue and turquoise: These shades were used for everything from kitchens to fashion and helped create a vibrant and modern look.
Bold and modern colors
- Turquoise and coral: In addition to pastels, vibrant shades of turquoise and coral were very popular, especially in combinations like pink and turquoise diners.
- Stratford Yellow and Cadet Blue: These were considered stylish and forward-thinking colors for exteriors.
- Red and orange: Bright, saturated colors like a "tomato red" and "tangerine orange" were used to create a bold, exciting look in various applications.
Natural and other popular hues
- Woodstone Brown and Arbor Green: Earthy, natural tones were used to add warmth to interiors, such as in dining rooms.
- Black and white: This classic combination was also extremely popular, seen in everything from checkerboard floors to stylish outfits and poster art.
What was the most popular car in 1957?
The most popular car in 1957 was the Ford Fairlane, which outsold the Chevrolet for the first time since 1935. Although the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is arguably more iconic, Ford sold more full-size cars that model year.
- Ford Fairlane: Ford's full-size cars, including the Fairlane, became the best-selling cars in America for the 1957 model year, with the company selling over 1.5 million units.
- 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air: Despite being outsold, the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is considered one of the most iconic cars of the era, known for its distinctive styling and powerful V8 engine. It is frequently cited as a symbol of the period and remains highly sought after by collectors today.
What was the most popular name in 1957?
Top baby names of 1957
| Girls | Boys | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mary | Michael |
| 2 | Susan | James |
| 3 | Linda | David |
| 4 | Debra | Robert |
