Can You Identify These '50s Cars from a Black and White Photo?

By: Robin Tyler
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Identify These '50s Cars from a Black and White Photo?
Image: Neyya/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

The '50s were an exciting time in the world of motoring and definitely saw a styling shift as cars moved from the rounded looks of the 1930s and 1940s into the long, sleek cars of the 1950s, especially when it came to American models.

Chrome became the order of the day, lots of chrome, and together with pointy tail fins and convertibles, many Chevrolet and Ford models quickly became extremely popular.

On the other side of the Atlantic, European styling still maintained those sleek lines that one associated with the likes of Porsche and Ferrari and towards the end of the decade, cars were generally smaller than their American counterparts.

But would you be able to name an American classic from just one image? Or would you be able to pick out the sleek lines of a 1950s model European sports car? What about a classic American truck, would you be able to identify the make and model? Make no mistake; this quiz will test your auto knowledge like no other. And that's why only 7% of people who undertake it pass it with 100% of the answers correct

But you can do this, your knowledge of cars will see you through!  

1954 Mercedes Benz 300 SL
Charles01 via Wiki Commons
With its distinctive gullwing doors, this vehicle was a stunner in the 1950's and still is a stunner today. Can you name it, please?
Mercedes Benz 300 SL
Mini Mk 1
Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After starting life as a racing car in 1952, the 300 SL went into regular production in 1954 as a two-door coupe. It became instantly recognizable thanks to its gullwing doors. Just over 3,200 of the coupe and roadster were built up until 1963. They are in high-demand still today.

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1959 Mini
DeFacto via Wiki Commons
Small and cute, what's not to like about this car, first introduced in Britain in 1959. What is it?
Mercedes Benz 300 SL
Mini Mk 1
Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Perhaps one of the most famous cars ever produced, the Mini first appeared in England 1959 with the Mark 1 and it was an instant hit.

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1957 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
Christian Jansky (User:Tschaensky) via Wiki Commons
Identify this vehicle, please - a bastion of sophistication and luxury!
Mercedes Benz 300 SL
Mini Mk 1
Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The bulk of the Rolls Royce models sold from the mid-'50s to 'mid-60s were the Silver Cloud model - 7,322 in all. During those 11 years, three generations were produced all available as either a 4-door saloon, 2-door coupe or 2-door convertible.

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Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
socalspeedzone via youtube
A true beauty and still in demand, one of these recently sold for over $5 million at auction. Do you know the make and model?
Mercedes 300 SL
Mini Mk 1
Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This classic Ferrari from the 1950's is still in demand today. Powered by a 3.0-liter V12, a Spider sold for $5.74 million at auction in 2012.

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1959 Porsche 787
AlfvanBeem via Wiki Commons
Name this 1950's race car, please.
Porsche 787
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
Mini Mk 1
Mercedes 300 SL
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Powered by a flat-four engine, the Porsche 787 race car was first introduced in 1959. Its engine made around 190 brake horsepower. This model even featured in a few Formula 1 races in 1961.

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1950 Willys Overland Jeepster
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA via Wiki Commons
The vehicle in this image is a __________________
Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
Porsche 787
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
Willys Overland Jeepster
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Willys was responsible for the original Jeep vehicles used by the U.S. military during World War II. The Overland Jeepster was there attempt to enter the commercial vehicle market after the war. It was produced from 1948 to 1950. Over 20,000 were built.

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1955 Chev Task Force
John Phelan via Wiki Commons
Any idea as to the make and model of this pickup from the 1950's?
Porsche 787
Chevrolet Task Force
Willys Overland Jeepster
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Along with the F-150, the Task Force was the quintessential pickup in the 1950s. With its incredible lines, this body shape is still in demand to this day. Power plant options including a 3.9-liter straight six as well as a 4.6-liter V8.

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1955 Dodge La Femme
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA via Wiki Commons
Ultimately a failure, with the correct marketing, this car could have been a hit. Name it, please.
Chevrolet Task Force
Willys Overland Jeepster
Dodge La Femme
Mini Mk 1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced by Dodge between 1955 and 1956, this 2-door hardtop was specifically aimed at the fairer sex. Only 2,500 were sold in a two-year period, although little evidence suggests that it was well marketed.

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1952 BMW 501
nakhon100 via Wiki Commons
Name this beautiful mid-sized luxury car from the 1950's, please.
Dodge La Femme
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
Porsche 787
BMW 501
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The beautiful BMW 501, a mid-sized luxury car designed by Peter Schimanowski was marketed by the Bavarian auto manufacturer from 1952 to 1962. It was available in three body styles - 4-door sedan, 2-door cabriolet and 2-door coupe. Top-of-the-range models were driving by a 2.5-liter V8 engine.

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1953 Dodge B Series
AutoBarn Classic Cars via youtube
Another classic 1950s pickup. What is it called?
Dodge B Series
BMW 501
Willys Overland Jeepster
Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced between 1948 and 1953, the B Series was a pickup truck available as either a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton option.

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1959 Cadillac Eldorado
Sicnag via Wiki Commons
Look at this classic pointy tail fins... a sure sign of the 1950's. Many cars had them so can you identify this make and model?
Dodge B Series
Volkswagen Beetle
Mercedes Benz 300 SL
Cadillac Eldorado
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Established in 1902, Cadillac is the second oldest automotive brand in America. The Eldorado, introduced in 1959, had everything you could wish for in a ‘50s classic, including ridiculously long and pointy tailfins and chrome, lots of chrome. Sadly, finding one today is like finding a needle in a haystack.

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1951 Holden 48-215
sv1ambo via Wiki Commons
Popular in the Land Down Under, do you know the name of the vehicle in this image?
Holden 48-215
Mini Mk 1
Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
Mercedes Benz 300 SL
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Also known as the Holden Business, the 48-215 was a Holden model produced in Australia from 1948 to 1953. It was the first model from General Motors to be marketed under the Holden name.

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1955 Chevy Impala
Vanguard Motor Sales via youtube
Those beautiful lines, typical of the 1950's. Name the maker and model, please.
Cadillac Eldorado
Chevrolet Impala
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
Porsche 787
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Impala brand has been used by Chevrolet since the 1950s. The first generation, released in 1958 sports that classic '50s look. It was available as a 2-door hardtop or convertible.

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1952 Lincoln Capri
Sicnag via Wiki Commons
Can you identify this full-sized luxury sedan first introduced in 1952?
Holden 48-215
Chevrolet Impala
Dodge B Series
Lincoln Capri
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built between 1952 and 1959, the Capri was a full-sized luxury sedan. Three generations featured in those seven years with the Capri available as a coupe, convertible, sedan and hardtop and as either a 2-door or 4-door. The Capri was often used in racing and won its section of the Pan American Road Race in both 1952 and 1953.

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1950 Chrysler Royal
sv1ambo via Wiki Commons
An entry-level for a big U.S. car producer, can you name this vehicle?
Lincoln Capri
Chrysler Royal
Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
Porsche 787
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The first full-sized car released by Chrysler, the Royal badge adorned a range of body styles including a four-door sedan and two-door convertible as well as a coupe. It was produced from 1937 to 1950 and was Chrysler's entry level model.

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1958 Chevy Brookwood
AutoBarn Classic Cars via youtube
Name this full-sized station wagon that first appeared in 1957, please.
Willys Overland Jeepster
Chrysler Royal
BMW 501
Chevrolet Brookwood
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This full-sized station wagon was produced by Chevrolet over two periods - firstly from 1958 to 1961 and again from 1969 to 1972. It was entry level station wagon offered by the company during both its production runs.

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1953 Ford F-100
Wiki Commons
Name this classic pickup, please.
Dodge D-Series
Chevrolet Brookwood
Ford F-100
Lincoln Capri
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The second generation of this classic Ford pickup was built between 1953 and 1956. And by 1956, they were sporting a V8 engine, giving them around 180 brake horsepower, a lot of grunt for the time!

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1958 MG MGA Twin Cam
Sicnag via Wiki Commons
The vehicle in this image is a _________?
Ford F-100
Mercedes Benz 300 SL
MG MGA Twin Cam
Holden 48-215
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Available as a two-door roadster or coupe, the MGA was extremely popular outside Britain with over 95% of the over 100,000 built exported. Over its production that run from 1955 to 1962, six distinct models were available including a Twin Cam version powered by a 1.6-liter engine.

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1955 Jeep DJ
Government Liquidation via youtube
This off-roader was first marketed in 1955 and produced for a period of almost 30 years. Can you identify it?
Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
MG MGA Twin Cam
Jeep DJ
Lincoln Capri
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Based on the CJ series, the DJ was a two-wheel drive variant. It was first produced in 1955.

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1959 Rolls Royce Phantom V
AutoMotoCha9L via youtube
Can you identify this luxury limousine?
Jeep DJ
Cadillac Eldorado
Chrysler Royal
Rolls Royce Phantom V
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This four-door limousine was manufactured by Rolls Royce from 1959 to 1968. In total, 516 were made, all powered by a 6.2-liter Rolls Royce V8 engine.

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1952 MG ZB Varitone
Andrew Bone from Weymouth, England via Wiki Commons
About 36,000 units of this beautiful car were produced from 1953 to 1958. What is it?
Rolls Royce Phantom V
MG ZB Varitone
Chevrolet Impala
BMW 501
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Introduced in 1953 and produced until 1958, around 36,000 of the ZB Varitone Model by MG were made. This MG model had a top speed of around 86 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 18.2 seconds. It was powered by a 1.5-liter engine.

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Volvo P1900
Herranderssvensson via Wiki Commons
A stylish '50s roadster, but can you name it from the options below?
MG ZB Varitone
Willys Overland Jeepster
Mini Mk 1
Volvo P1900
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A stylish roadster from the 1950s, the P1900 actually had a fiberglass body. Only 68 of these stunning machines were built between 1956 and 1957. The P1900 had a 3-speed manual gearbox and was powered by a 1,400cc straight four engine.

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1955 Toyota Crown
Taisyo via Wiki Commons
This is the longest running model in this manufacturer's fleet and was launched in 1955. Can you name the make and model?
Porsche 787
Volvo P1900
Toyota Crown
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

First released in 1955, the Crown is the longest running model in the Toyota fleet.

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1957 Porsche 718
Bob Adams from Amanzimtoti, South Africa via Wiki Commons
This race car is a _________.
Toyota Crown
Dodge B Series
Porsche 718
Cadillac Eldorado
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built between 1957 and 1962, the Porsche 718 was a racing car from the German manufacturer. It was powered by a 142 brake horsepower, 1.5-liter boxter engine. In 1961, a Porsche 718 driven by Masten Gregory and Bob Holbert won its class at the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race.

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1956 Ford Parklane
JOHN LLOYD from Concrete, Washington, United States via Wiki Commons
Can you please tell us the name of this '50s station wagon?
Ford Parklane
Porsche 718
MG MGA Twin Cam
Mercedes Benz 300 SL
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Launched in 1956, the Parkland was a two-door Station Wagon. It was powered by either a straight six or V8 engine and had a 3-speed transmission.

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1953 Buick Skylark
Rex Gray via Wiki Commons
Perhaps better known as a muscle car in the 1970s, this vehicle actually made its debut in 1953. What is it?
Ford Parklane
Buick Skylark
Volvo P1900
BMW 501
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Buick Skylark was first introduced in 1953. From humble beginnings, it went on to become a sought-after muscle car of the 1970s. The 1953 was a beautiful 2-door convertible.

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1950 Ford Country Squire
JOHN LLOYD from Concrete, Washington, United States via Wiki Commons
This vehicle, first introduce in 1950 was produces for 41 years! What is it?
Ford Country Squire
Dodge D Series
Buick Skylark
Chevrolet Task Force
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Ford Country Squire was produced for an incredible 41 years between 1950 and 1991. It saw seven different generations at that time and was produced as both a 2-door and 4-door model.

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1953 Dodge Mayfair
Barbariandeagle via Wiki Commons
Which car from the list below is shown in this image?
Ford Country Squire
Dodge Mayfair
Mini Mk 1
Chevrolet Brookwood
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built for the Canadian market between 1953 and 1959, the Mayfair was essentially a Plymouth Belvedere, another vehicle in the Chrysler stable. It was affectionately known as the Plodge as it used certain accessories from the brand such as front grilles, for example.

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1950 MG Y-Type
Sicnag via Wiki Commons
Powered by just a 1.2-liter engine, can you tell us the make and model of this vehicle?
Toyota Crown
MG Y-Type
BMW 501
Dodge Mayfair
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Over 8,000 Y-Type saloons were built from 1947 to 1953. Three different types were built, the YA, Tourer, and YB although the YA was far more prevalent. A 1.2-liter engine powered Y-Type MG's.

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1956 Volvo Amazon
FaceMePLS from The Hague, The Netherlands via Wiki Commons
First introduced in 1956, over 600,000 units of this car were sold worldwide. What is it?
MG Y-Type
Volvo Amazon
Cadillac Eldorado
Dodge B Series
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built between 1956 and 1970, the Amazon was one of Volvo's mid-sized car offerings marketed globally. Over 600,000 were produced in those 14 years with more than half exported.

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1957 BMW 507
René via Wiki Commons
Elvis Presley owned not one but two of the car shown below. Do you know what it is?
Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
Buick Skylark
Volvo Amazon
BMW 507
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Only 252 units of the 507 convertible were built by BMW between 1959 and 1959. Elvis Presley owned two 507s which he bought in Germany while stationed there with the U.S. Army.

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1956 Jeep Forward Control
samspace81 via youtube
Name this off-road truck, please.
BMW 507
Jeep Forward Control
Ford Parklane
Holden 48-215
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced between 1956 and 1965, the Forward Control is essentially a truck offering from Jeep. It was designed by Brooks Stevens who interestingly was responsible for the 1949 Harley Davidson Hydra-Glide. He went on to design the Jeep Wagoneer.

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1955 Chrysler 300
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA via Wiki Commons
Many of those in the know consider this the first muscle car. Do you know the make and model?
Mini Mk1
Chrysler 300
Jeep Forward Control
Porsche 718
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Many muscle car afficianados call the Chrysler 300 the first muscle car. No matter if you agree or not, the 300, introduced in 1955 and produced until 1965, certainly had the cool factor.

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1951 Dodge Crusader
retroolschool via youtube
Name this vehicle, only sold in Canada.
Dodge Crusader
Chrysler 300
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
1955 Toyota Crown
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Crusader was produced by Dodge in Canada for the Canadian market. Its production ran from 1951 to 1958. Essentially, it was a rebadged Plymouth Cambridge.

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1958 Ford Galaxie
Sicnag via Wiki Commons
The vehicle in this image is a ________________.
Dodge Crusader
Ford Galaxie
Mercedes Benz 300 SL
Lincoln Capri
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built between 1958 and 1971, the Galaxie was so named to take advantage of the space race between the USSR and the United States. This vehicle was in direct competition to the Chevrolet Impala.

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1959 Dodge Matador
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA via Wiki Commons
This vehicle was available in four body options. Are you able to identify it?
Dodge Matador
MG ZB Varitone
Ford Galaxie
Rolls Royce Phantom V
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Essentially, the Matador was the base trim version of the Dodge Polara. It was produced between 1959 and 1960 and available in four body styles including 2-door hardtop, 4-door hardtop, 4-door sedan and 4-door wagon.

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1958 Ford Edsel
GPS 56 from New Zealand via Wiki Commons
One of history's biggest motoring flops, which car is shown in this image?
Volvo Amazon
Dodge Matador
Ford Edsel
Willys Overland Jeepster
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Named after Henry Ford's son, the Edsel was a massive flop and only sold between 1958 and 1960. It's not that the car was bad, it was just really overpriced. And that always turns people away!

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Willys BC Bobcat
WorldAutoMotors Via YouTube
Intended for paratroopers in the United States Army, what vehicle is shown here?
Ford Edsel
Dodge Mayfair
Chevrolet Task Force
Willys BC Bobcat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Bobcat, also known as the 'Aero Jeep' was a prototype produced in the 1950s and shared many parts with the M-38 and M-38A1. This vehicle was intended to be used by paratroopers and dropped out of aircraft with them. It never went into production.

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Jaguar E2A
Auto reviews via youtube
Rare and in demand, an example of this vehicle sold for $5.6 million in 2008. Can you name it?
Willys BC Bobcat
Porsche 787
BMW 501
Jaguar E2A
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2008, a Jaguar E2A sold for $5.6 million dollars at an auction in California. This vehicle is considered a prototype as it was the model that linked the E-Type and the D-Type Jaguar.

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1950 Volvo PV60
nemor2 via Wiki Commons
The car in this image is a __________
Volvo PV60
Jaguar E2A
Mini Mk 1
Dodge La Femme
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This early Volvo model was manufactured between 1946 and 1950 although development had started in 1939 but was stifled by World War II. It featured a 3-speed manual gearbox coupled to a 3.7-liter straight six engine.

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