Video: 1950s sportscar greats that aren’t a Ferrari
The 1950s saw the world’s recovery from war really pick up speed, both economically and indeed quite literally thanks to the proliferation of sportscars. The names we revere today forged their modern reputations in the ‘50s, rising from the ashes of war like a phoenix. Truthfully, you could dominate a debate about what the greatest sportscars of the ‘50s were with Ferraris. So that’s why this roundup doesn’t include any.
Yes, excluding Ferrari from a conversation about ‘50s sportscars is a bit like excluding Kingsmill from a conversation about bread. Leave out the big guns though and you may find a greater appreciation for the underdogs – from the home-made sourdoughs to the local bakery.
From Austin Healey, Jaguar and Lotus in good old Blighty, to Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche in Germany, to Lancia in Italy. Ferrari at the time was the relative newcomer by comparison to Lancia, Mercedes-Benz had already cut its racing teeth before the war and Jags were already famed speed machines – they earned their right to be considered.
So, excluding Maranello’s finest, which ‘50s sportscar would get your pick? Are there any were didn’t consider? The debate is always open...
Video
Ferrari
Mercedes
300 SL
