This was the year that saw some revolutionary changes around the world, from the first road-going Ferrari model being launched to Rolls-Royce introducing a standardised body for the first time.

Vehicle styling was evolving as pre-war separate wings gave way to fully enclosed shapes.

It echoed the mood of the car-buying public as they sought to forget the war years and enjoy their emerging prosperity.

So, here’s a look at the best of what 1949 had to offer...