1950 Chevrolet DeLuxe Styline Convertible
Engine: Inline 6
Displacement: 216.5 Cubic Inches
Horsepower: 92 BHP
Cost New: $1,847
         While there were only a few styling changes for Chevrolet in 1950, the company did debut two major firsts for the brand. This was the first year than an automatic transmission was offered in the low-priced field. The Powerglide was a two-speed automatic transmission that was offered as an option in the DeLuxe model. In addition, Chevrolet presented the first two-door hardtop body style for entry-level cars. Given the Bel Air name, the new hardtop was basically a steel top welded onto a convertible car. The new look was a huge hit, with over 75,000 units sold in 1950.
         This was also the last year for the Woodie wagons. Due to the cost of production and the extra maintenance, Chevrolet decided to make only steel-sided wagons. This led to a one-time phenomenon of sales jumping an astounding 6000% for the year. In the following years, the sales of the wagons dropped back down to normal growth.
         1950 was the beginning of a new decade of American prosperity. The rationing from the war was gone and the country was able to buy all the items they wanted. New cars, suburban homes, new appliances, and other consumer goods helped to propel America to the forefront of the world's economy.