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1950
|
Willys |
Henry J compact introduced by Kaiser; Jeepster discontinued; Jeep trademark is registered in US and internationally.
|
| 1950 |
Nash |
Compact Rambler introduced.
|
| 1950 |
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto
|
Keller becomes Chairman—first since WPC’s death—and “Tex” Colbert is president. |
| 1951 |
Willys |
Frazer discontinued, Kaiser re-styled; Henry J compact introduced.
|
| 1951 |
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto
|
Hemi engine introduced, and power steering. |
| 1951 |
|
In 1951, Chrysler Corporation introduced its entry in the post-war horsepower race, a V-8 engine designed with hemispherical combustion chambers. Quickly dubbed the "HEMI®," (pdf) its power and efficiency made it an instant favorite for all sorts of motor sport vehicles.
|
| 1952 |
Willys |
Willys car re-introduced (in addition to Jeeps).
|
| 1952 |
Nash |
“Golden Airflytes” styled by Pinin Farina; Nash Healey sportscar debuts.
|
| 1952 |
Nash |
Nash Metropolitan introduced.
|
| 1952 |
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto
|
Hemis compete (in Cunninghams) at Le mans and on the stock car circuit. Hemi put in DeSotos.
|
| 1953 |
Hudson |
Hudson Jet compact introduced. This model’s disappointing sales convinces Hudson that a merger is necessary. Some Hudsons equipped for “severe usage” develop 200 hp and dominate stock car racing.
|
| 1953 |
Dodge |
First Dodge V8.
|
|
1953
|
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto
|
Dodge gets a Hemi, a Cunningham is third at Le mans; d’Elegance show car is shown. First Chrysler fully automatic transmission. |
| 1954 |
Willys |
Kaiser acquires Willys, thereafter known as Kaiser-Willys Motors; Henry J discontinued; Kaiser Darrin sportscar introduced (1 year); CJ5 Jeep introduced -- remains in production until 1983.
|
| 1954 |
Nash |
Merger of Hudson and Nash creates American Motors; President George Mason dies, succeeded by George Romney.
|
| 1954 |
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto
|
Dodge, DeSoto, and Plymouth get automatic transmissions. |
|
1955
|
Willys |
Kaiser and Willys marques discontinued—hereafter only Jeeps, as a product of Willys Motors of Kaiser Industries Corp.
|
|
1955
|
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto
|
First year of the “Forward Look”, first Chrysler 300, first Plymouth V8, Imperial a separate make. |
|
1956
|
Nash |
Nash Cross Country Wagon is first “hardtop” (no B pillar) wagon.
|
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1956
|
Nash |
Rambler compact dropped, applied to new larger car.
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|
1956
|
Dodge |
Dodge “Sweptside” truck; Dodge Daytona 500 Hemi model introduced.
|
| 1957 |
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto
|
“Flite Sweep” styling offers fins, low profile created by use of torsion bar instead of spring suspension; Highest market share for next 39 years.
|
|
1958
|
Nash |
Nash name dropped from full-sized line (although Romney considers these compacts) in favor of Rambler, the old subcompact known as Rambler reappears after a hiatus as the Rambler American.
|
| 1958 |
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto |
Share in SIMCA purchased; SIMCA began in 1934 by building the Fiat Balilla in France. The SIMCA 5 (Fiat Topolino) and the SIMCA 8 (Fiat 508C Balilla) followed, both Airflow influenced. In 1950 came the SIMCA 9 which became the SIMCA Aronde and lasted until the mid 60’s. In the mid-‘50s SIMCA acquired Ford France; SIMCA Horizon* is the inspiration for the American version.
|
| 1959 |
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto
|
Wedges replace the Hemi. Simcas are imported for US sale. |