By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the General Motors Heritage Archives
Published 9.24.2025
Promotional artwork for the 1956 Cadillac Eldorado (GM Heritage Archives)
The year was 1956 and, if you were a teenager at the time or a young adult, you were probably listening to Elvis Presley or perhaps watching “Father Knows Best” on your black and white television. In 1956, General Motors was riding high with strong sales, maintaining its status as the largest automaker in the world.
1956 was also a good year for GM employees with more people working and making a great living. A stock purchase program was made available to salaried employes in the United States to enable them to increase their stake in GM’s progress. Alfred P, Sloan Jr., was Chairman of the Board, and Harlow H. Curtice was the President of GM in 1956.
The Opening Ceremony at the GM Technical Center (GM Heritage Archives)
In 1956, the greatest news for GM was the opening and dedication of their Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, which became the new home for the company’s research, styling and advanced engineering. Harley J. Earl remained in charge of styling, having started in 1927. New leadership came to Chevrolet in 1956 with the appointment of E.N. Cole as general manager of the division.
In 1956, GM offered many great looking vehicles for the model year, including Cadillac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Chevrolet, GMC, Chevrolet trucks and the new Corvette. To meet the high demands for automobile manufacturing in 1956, the process required continuous production at high levels right up to the end of the model year.
Promotional art for the 1956 Buick Roadmaster (GM Heritage Archives)
During the 1950s, one of the greatest showcases for GM products and advances in technology was their Motorama shows that took place around the country, attracting thousands of people and stimulating sales. Diana Shore proclaimed “See the USA In Your Chevrolet” as part of their popular advertising campaign in 1956.
Cadillac production was 150,000 units, since there were not many changes on the 1956 models compared to previous years. The front grille was redesigned, and the tail fins were more squared off to set off its design. Power brakes were made standard on all Cadillac models in 1956, and the average price for a Cadillac in 1956 was $4,330. The Series 52 Coupe was one of their most popular models.
In 1956, Buick remained the third most popular brand in the auto industry. Production reached 572,024 units for a national market share of 9.1 percent. The 1956 Buicks offered new front and rear end designs. The Roadmaster Riviera Sedan cost $3,692, and the beautiful Roadmaster convertible was priced at $3,704. The porthole styling on the side was a Buick signature design feature.
Promotional art for the 1956 Oldsmobile (GM Heritage Archives)
Oldsmobile was a solid fifth place in the auto industry in 1956. The 88 became the division’s top seller that year, and the 98 four-door sedan was also popular. Oldsmobile offered vehicles in 19 different colors for the consumer market.
Art for a 1956 Pontiac ad (GM Heritage Archives)
Pontiac celebrated its six millionth vehicle on August 3, 1956. The brand offered distinct styling in solid or two-tone colors. Total production for Pontiac 405,730 units, the fourth greatest year in Pontiac history.
Art for a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air ad (GM Heritage Archives)
The 1956 Chevrolet line, along with the Corvette, were very popular. Production was 1,574,371 units, leading automotive enthusiasts to refer to the 1955-1957 Chevys as the “Hot Ones.” The 1956 Corvettes were totally new designs, and the Chevy truck line was dubbed “Task-Force” trucks.
A 1956 Chevrolet Corvette ad (GM Heritage Archives)
In conclusion, these GM models were very popular in 1956 and remain very popular today.
A 1956 Chevrolet Task-Force trucks ad (GM Heritage Archives)
Bibliography
General Motors Corporation. “GM Annual Report 1955.” GM Forty-Seventh Annual Report Year Ended December 31, 1955.
General Motors Communications. “The Chevrolet Story 1911-1970.” General Motors Chevrolet Division, 1970.
McCall, Walter M.P. “80 Years of Cadillac LaSalle.” Crestline Publishing, 1988.
Dammann, George H. “Seventy Years of Buick.” Crestline Publishing, 1973.
Casteele, Dennis. “The Cars of Oldsmobile.” Crestline Publishing, 1981.
Gunnell, John. “75 Years of Pontiac-Oakland.” Crestline Publishing, 1982.
Dammann George H. “Sixty Years of Chevrolet.” Crestline Publishing, 1972.