The Generation 1 in NASCAR refers to the inaugural generation of post-war cars used between 1948 and 1966. The first generation of stock cars used a strictly-stock body and frame, the doors were strapped with the use of seat belts being required, and a heavy-duty rear axle was mandated to stop the cars from rolling over during a race.[2] These cars were almost identical to their road-going counterparts, albeit with tuning and modifications to the car itself being prohibited. It was also notable for being the only generation of stock cars to use real doors.[3] Examples include the Hudson Hornet, Oldsmobile Rocket 88, Ford Galaxie, Plymouth Belvedere, Pontiac Catalina, and the Chevrolet Impala.
.jpg) Hudson Hornet at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina | |
| Constructor |  Hudson Chevrolet Ford Plymouth Oldsmobile Pontiac Studebaker |
|---|---|
| Successor | Generation 2 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Engine | 90° pushrod V-8 Inline-six (Hudson Hornet only) 303–440 cu in (5.0–7.2 L) |
| Competition history | |
| Debut | February 15, 1948 (Daytona Beach Road Course, Florida)[1] |
| Last event | October 30, 1966 (1966 American 500) |
They were eventually replaced by the Generation 2 cars in 1967.[4][5]
Models
editChrysler Corporation
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- Hudson Hornet: 1950-1954
- Plymouth Belvedere: 1959
Ford Motor Company
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- Ford Galaxie: 1958-1965
- Ford Thunderbird: 1959-1964
General Motors
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- Chevrolet Impala: 1955-1962
- Oldsmobile Rocket 88: 1949-1953
- Pontiac Catalina: 1950-1958
- Studebaker Starlight: 1949-1952