Classic Cars of the Fifties
back | close page | next
Classic Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles - History, Pictures, and Information
www.classic-car-history.com
1959 Cadillac
With a new 390-cid V-8 and the tallest tailfins ever put on a production car, a fully-loaded '59 Caddy weighed in at 5,000 pounds and stretched out over 12 feet long.
Cadillac tailfins first appeared on the 1948 model, and were said to be inspired by the twin rudders of a World-War-Two plane, the Lockheed P-38 Lightning.
GM styling chief Harley J. Earl is credited with many of Caddy's styling features, including the large -wraparound windshield and extensive use of chrome and polished stainless-steel.
The huge tailfins with dual bullet taillights on the 1959 Caddy were designed by Peter Hodak, and are generally considered to be the epitome of 1950's automotive styling.
Follow Us On Twitter!