For the debut year of what would become the best-selling car in America, GM's designers produced a masterpiece with classic proportions and sweeping lines culminating in gull-wing tail lamps with three circular lenses -- one more than the standard Bel Air. Oversized and expressive, the Impala seemed to perfectly symbolize middle-class aspirations in the years after World War II. With a V-6, the coupe started at $2,586 while $2,693 bought a V-8. A four-door Impala wouldn't appear for another year.
NEXT: 1963 Buick Riviera
