The 50 Millionth GM

After my something-millionth Ford post, I started to wonder how General Motors was progressing in their million car milestones, and it turns out they celebrated a really big one on November 23, 1954: The 50 Millionth GM car rolled off Chevrolet’s assembly line in Flint, Michigan that day. Throughout the 1940s and 50s, GM was on a very successful and steady growth path, as they had diversified their car and truck line offerings far beyond the conservative Ford Motor Company. The General offered multiple models from base Chevrolet, mid levels of Buick, Olds and Pontiac, and right up to luxury Cadillac line. Something for every man’s budget, if you will.

This 50 millionth automobile was a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe 2 door hard top, and in honor of the occasion, it was painted metallic gold with gold colored upholstery. More than 600 parts were plated with 24-Karat gold and the doors had a gold medallion created to celebrate the event. She was also fully equipped with a 265 cubic inch V-8 engine, Powerglide automatic, air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, power seats, electric windshield wipers and a signal seeking radio.

Unlike the subtle and sedate Ford production milestones, GM capitalized on their 50 Million mark with a nationwide celebration and PR event, opening the doors to 114 factories across the country in a day long open house. More than a million people showed up for the party, and each guest received a souvenir golden “GM CARnival” coin, and a 40 page booklet titled “General Motors Builds Its First 50 Million Cars”.