History's Best Selling Vehicles of 1957

From coast to coast, 1957 saw a swell surge of mid-century craze and suburban optimism in the world of vehicles! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Chevrolet Impala and Trabant 601, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Chevrolet and Trabant proved their mettle with essential classics, delivering craftsmanship that became sensational mainstays in post-war American homes. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Chevrolet Impala

   Released in 1957 by Chevrolet

   On October 28, 1957, Chevrolet dealerships across America pulled the covers off their new 1958 models, revealing a stunning and completely redesigned lineup. The star of this show was a brand-new nameplate: the Impala. Introduced as the top-tier package for the Bel Air, the Impala represented a new level of style and luxury for the brand. This date marked the public's first encounter with a car that would become an American icon. In the context of post-war optimism and the burgeoning space race, the Impala's futuristic styling and premium features captured the forward-looking spirit of the era, setting the stage for its decades-long dominance.

2. Trabant 601

   Released in 1957 by Trabant

   On November 7, 1957, the German Democratic Republic (GDR) unveiled its new 'people's car,' the Trabant P50. The date was deliberately chosen to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Russia's October Revolution, cementing the car's role as a potent symbol of socialist industrial achievement. For East Germany, launching the Trabant was a major political statement, intended to showcase the superiority of its planned economy and its ability to provide personal mobility for the working class. This debut was not merely about a new car; it was a carefully orchestrated event linking automotive progress directly to the ideological foundations of the Eastern Bloc state.