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Classic car ad: Tailfins | Daily driving | Consumer Guide® The Daily Drive


1959 Cadillac Sedan DeVille

1959 Cadillac Sedan DeVille

Flip through an old magazine—pretty old we say here—and you are likely to come across auto ads that showcase pictorially staged vehicles with jets. In reality, we have a collection of such ads right here. It’s no coincidence that what sociologists sometimes call the Jet Age occurred roughly simultaneously with the age of the tailgate. The caudal fin era, which is difficult to define, peaked between 1955 and 1961.

General Motors design director Harley Earl is often credited with starting the caudal fin era by introducing small rear fender fins into 1948 Cadillacs. There are people who credit Caddy’s fins to his subordinates. Count, designer Franklin Quin Hershey. Regardless of who makes the final decision, the ’48 Caddy is truly understood to be the first of the breed.

What’s interesting about caudal fins is how different brands have used them in their respective designs. Since we only have room for a dozen or so print ads in the collection below, we took a look at some of our favorite and most awe-inspiring designs.

Since the 1959 Chevrolet is often considered “top notch,” we made sure to include that car in our collection. Please also note that the Mercedes-Benz vehicles included here are believed not to include the fin as a design element, but rather as a functional tool designed to assist the driver when moving in reverse. The cars, commonly known as “Fintails”, were built between 1959 and 1968.

What is your favorite tailgate car? Let us know by leaving a note below.

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