autofantasia's photos with the keyword: 1957

Detail shot of the Porsche Speedster from earlier.

This one looked the part, but I did wonder if it might be a replica. However, for the sake of tagging it I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt ... unless you know otherwise.

The Isetta was initially an Italian-designed microcar, but it went on to be built under license in a number of different countries: including Spain, Belgium, France, Brazil, Germany and here in the UK. However, most agree that it was the German manufacturer, BMW, who made the Isetta its own. They redesigned the powerplant around a BMW motorcycle engine and also re-engineered much of the car, so much so that none of the parts between a BMW Isetta Moto Coupe and an Iso Isetta are interchangeable. The first BMW Isetta appeared in April 1955. Because of its egg shape and bubble-like windows, the Isetta became affectionately known as a bubble car, a name later given to other similar vehicles.

Ariel Motorcycles was a British motorcycle manufacturer based in Bournbrook, Birmingham. It was one of the leading innovators in British motorcycling, and was part of the Ariel marque. The company was sold to BSA in 1951, but the Ariel brand survived until 1967. The 'Ariel' name came back into use in 1999 with the formation of Ariel Ltd, a sports car producer who produce vehicles like the infamous Ariel Atom.

This beautiful looking classic convertible is actually a kit car, namely a Chesil Speedster. Apparently, according to the company website, it is "a replica of a famous 2-seater sports car from the 1950s, and closely resembles the 1957 model year". Now then, I wonder which company they're going out of their way not to mention - lol. Find out more about the Chesil Speedster by following the link below: www.chesil.biz

The Heinkel Kabine was a microcar designed by Heinkel Flugzeugwerke, built from 1956 to 1958, which competed with the BMW Isetta and the Messerschmitt KR200. Production was transferred under licence to Dundalk Engineering Company in Ireland in 1958 but the licence was withdrawn shortly afterwards due to poor quality control. Production restarted in 1960, again under licence, under the Trojan 200 name by Trojan Cars Ltd. in the UK, and continued until 1966

Yet more US detailing for you. Like the Caddy, this Bel Air is another 'regular' at the shows I attend.

Last in this album is this beautiful Ford Pop ... definitely one of my all time favourite British cars of the Fifties!

The Morris Isis name was first briefly used by Morris Motors Limited from 1929 to 1931. It was then resurrected by British Motor Corporation on a new midsize car they produced in the 1950s. The car shown here is actually a Series II, which is based on the Morris Oxford body, but with a longer wheelbase and front end to accommodate the 6-cylinder engine. Sadly, I can't find any record of this car still being registered so I'm guessing it may have gone overseas.

Just a little detail shot of the rear of that Sedan De Ville from earlier for all you Caddy lovers out there!

This beautiful 1957 Sedan De Ville must be another recent import as it was only registered here in June 2008.

Just messing around with this shot of the hood ornament on a 1957 Chevrolet GMC Bel Air ... Buck Rogers eat your heart out!

The Chevrolet Bel Air was produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 1950–1975 model years. Hardtops in the Chevrolet Deluxe Styleline model range were designated with the Bel Air name from 1950 to 1952, but it was not a distinct series of its own until the 1953 model year. Bel Air production continued in Canada for its home market only through the 1981 model year.

A rare sight at least in the UK.

Simply gorgeous!