Here's why it's looking like 1939 and 1959:

https://memory.loc.gov/master/...2/data/nj0982cap.pdf

Page 2 of that document. The photos labeled NJ-808-B-4 and NJ-808-B-6. I believe this is the photo I have which shows the black DeSoto.

Photograph B-6 was not taken by the photographer who took the other images listed in this index. The document indicates the photo was taken in 1939. I believe I am in possession of this aerial view photo although I cannot link it to the photo of the Main/Lakeside view of the main lab building (the photo from which the very first image I posted was extracted).

This is the photographer of the 1959 series of images, Jack Boucher.

Jack E. Boucher (September 4, 1931 – September 2, 2012) was an American photographer for the National Park Service for more than 40 years beginning in 1958. He served as the Chief Photographer for the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS).

I'd say you are on point with the dates...

The vehicles are the late 30's and late 50's are most likely the time dates.

Since from 41 to 45 due to WWII, there were no production civilian models, makes it easier to date.
The first image, if you know it was taken in 39 is likely a good reference for that year. Again a 39
model car would likely have been in service through 1946.

The image with the 4 cars does show a 59 Buick, the fins and tail lights are unmistakable.



Next to it a 59 Ford Fairlane, again, the tail lights give it up.



Third is most likely a 58-59 Chrysler Product, Desoto, Plymouth, doubt it's a Dodge due to the tail light design. It has some characteristics of a Belvedere or Savoy, 1959 was at the end of the extreme design for large fins. Those vehicles fit the 59 presumption, and don't see any 60's era vehicles in the image.

Same for that Third picture, it's an early 50's Chevy, probably a 52, a 4 door you can see the the rear 1/4 glass in the image, which is gone in 53.

52 Chevy Deluxe




Behind it you see a longer lower model hints of a 1959 roof style line, lower body sides, behind that roof lines of the 50's with the 4th car.

Agree that in the third photo, that car on the right is a '59 Buick. That is pretty distinctive.

I also agree that the Chevy Bel Aire is a '57.

Wow this might be the first time a "what is it" thread has had tons of guesses. Usually this forum is shocking on the amount of knowledge and usually by the second or third person there is an exact picture and reference material stating their case.

Looks like a single piece of glass on the rear window to me.

‘38 dodge?

For anyone who wants to know what all of this is about:

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...0601935/m/9740034184