CAFÉ RACER 76: 10 Jet Age classics we’d choose to invest in

Fins, chrome and performance were the ingredients of the extrovert American coupés and convertibles of the 50s. We’ve looked at the Jet Age highlights from RM’s Motor City auction on 26 July 2014 - and picked our favourites…

Extravagant statements

RM’s annual Motor City auction takes place as part of the St. John's Concours d'Elegance of America in Plymouth, Michigan – and it traditionally offers a very American lotlist. Among the nearly 80 cars in the sale catalogue are a few European classics, but the majority boast an American automotive history, especially from that memorable period in the 50s and 60s, when designs were heavily influenced by the ‘Jet Age’. The large coupés and convertibles were styled not only with large tail-fins and chrome accents, but often with richly detailed interiors, too – making them all the more attractive as classics today. Of course, these lavishly styled limousines don’t conform to the ideal of British understatement, but there is a particular eccentric joy to these vehicles that makes them desirable to every nationality. Doesn’t the extravagance of this 375HP Chrysler 300 Convertible from 1960 make you smile? And only 248 were built.

All cars in RM Auctions’ Motor City sale on 26 July 2014 can be found in the Classic Driver Market.