13 DANGEROUS Old Car Features That No Longer Exist!

life is filled with little bumps called the wrist twist steering control it was developed for mercury by exmile engineer Bob rump do you remember when cars were more metal than microchips and safety took a backseat to style from impaling hood ornaments to neck hugging seat belts these relics once graced their roads leaving a trail of danger and Innovation why did automakers experiment with neck seat belts and what happened to those menacing hood ornaments join us on this nostalgic ride through 13 dangerous old car features that no longer exist number one water balloon bumpers water balloon

bumpers an unconventional safety feature splashed the automotive World during the mid 20th century in their quest to enhance crash safety manufacturers decided to fill car bumpers with water the idea was simple the water filled bumpers would absorb energy upon impact cushioning the blow and protecting passengers around the 1950s these watery bumpers began to appear on some cars the concept seemed promising especially given the rising concern about Vehicle Safety The public's reaction was a mix of curiosity and skepticism imagine seeing a car with what looked like giant water balloons attached to its front and rear some

manufacturers including Ford Chrysler and General Motors experimented with this novel approach drivers wondered if these water filled bumpers would revolutionize safety on the roads despite good intentions water balloon bumpers had significant drawbacks the rubber or plastic material used for these bumpers was only sometimes robust in real world collisions they often ruptured leaking water and leaving the car vulnerable while water absorbs energy it couldn't match the protective capabilities of modern materials like crumple zones in high speed crashes water-filled bumpers failed to provide adequate protection as crunch Safety Research Advanced it became clear that water balloon bumpers

were more gimmick than effective safety measure by the 1970s they had disappeared mainly from new car designs manufacturers shifted Focus to better engineered safety features leaving behind the watery experiment as the era of water filled bumpers faded what other daring Innovations attempted to reshape driving the wrist twist swivel system beckin offering a glimpse into Automotive experimentation number two the wrist twist swivel system during the 1960s an experimental Automotive Innovation the wrist twist swivel system surfaced as a potential revolution in driving Dynamics Ford's Mercury brand implemented this system in their Park Lane convertibles substituting the conventional

steering wheel with two rotating dials resembling handlebars despite initial Intrigue the public reacted with skepticism steering through twistable dials seem more like a gimmick than a practical advancement the system aimed to enhance comfort and intuition in steering allowing the steering column to tilt upward for easier entry and descent to lap level once seated flanked by armrest for support moreover it offered an unobstructed view of the instrument panel eliminating the Rim's interference with forward Vision however several factors contributed to its demise firstly drivers found the wrist twist system bewildering requiring mental effort to adjust to thumb

ring and maintain loose hand positions Additionally the system lacked the tactile feedback necessary for safe driving leading to confusion and potential hazards on the road safety concerns also arose due to the absence of a padded Rim leaving heads and knees vulnerable during crashes despite the potential for improvement with features like a telescoping column the system was ultimately abandoned by the 1970s Engineers recognize that while the wrist twist swivel system represent at a daring experiment the traditional steering wheel the oldest invention in Automotive History remained unmatched in practicality and safety number three neck seat belts during

the 1960s car manufacturers entertained the idea of neck seat belts aiming to restrain the head to prevent Whiplash during accidents directly this speculative concept skipped the traditional chest and lap restraints focusing solely on the vulnerable link between the head and body it was a daring experiment envisioning a seat belt snugly embracing the neck akin to a scarf despite the audacity of the idea neck seat belts never made it to the mainstream they remained obscure like safety agents shrouded in secrecy companies like Ford General Motors and others dabbled with these prototypes but the public needed to

be aware of this potential revolution in safety however neck seat belts posed significant dangers while they aim to mitigate Whiplash they also introduce their risk sudden stops could lead to strain and injury as the head remain restrained putting pressure on the neck muscles moreover these prototypes needed real world testing leaving questions unanswered about their efficacy and saving lives or potentially causing harm by the 1970s neck seat belts vanished from consideration perhaps deemed aead of their time or too risky for widespread adoption today the standard remains chest lap belts leaving the neck unrestricted during travel let's

explore how the Advent of non-collapsible steering columns marked a revolutionary shift in Automotive Safety number four non-collapsible steering columns before the late 1960s automobiles were equipped with non-collapsible steering columns rigid structures connecting the steering wheel to The Wheels On The Ground despite their long-standing presence since the Inception of automobiles the public largely Overlook these components until accidents brought their dangers to light the unyielding nature of these columns posed significant risk to drivers in the event of a collision companies such as Ford Chevrolet and Chrysler among others Incorporated these rigid columns into their vehicles the primary

Peril stemm from the lack of flexibility during a crash the force of the impact could Propel the steering column forward potentially impaling the driver and causing severe injuries or fatalities unlike modern collapsible columns these early designs lacked any mechanism for energy absorption offering no buffer to mitigate the impact severity in response to mounting safety concerns General Motors took a pivotal step in 1967 by introducing the first collapsible steering columns these Innovative designs could collapse upon impact significantly reducing the risk of impalement and prioritizing driver's safety subsequently other manufacturers followed suit marking the end of the

era of rigid steering columns as the automotive industry Embrace safer Alternatives number five Swing Away steering wheels swingaway steering wheels A peculiar Innovation emerging in the mid 20th century sought to revolutionize driver comfort and entry convenience introduced in 1961 by Ford these devices were initially available as an option for models like the Thunderbird they aim to facilitate a seamless entry experience offering a Whimsical twist where the steering wheel gracefully swung away upon the driver's approach creating an unobstructed path for entry this Innovative concept garnered significant Intrigue among drivers solving the age-old struggle of squeezing into

tight parking spaces while Ford was in charge of implementing swingaway steering wheels other manufacturers also experimented with similar features during this period however swingaway steering wheels posed significant safety concerns despite the initial enthusiasm these mechanisms Behind these devices were prone to mechanical issues occasionally failing to return the wheel to its original position after use leaving drivers puzzled or even momentarily trapped moreover the potential for accidental movement during driving presented a considerable risk compromising the safety of the driver and passengers as the 1970s approached the Allure of Swing Away steering wheels began to fade safety considerations

ultimately outweigh the convenience they offered prompting manufacturers to shift their focus towards more reliable and secure features consequently the era of swingaway steering wheels ended marking a transition towards safer and more dependable Automotive Innovations as swingaway steering wheels faded safety took precedence but what of pop out windshields another relic of innovation did they succumb to safety concerns as well number six pop out windshields during the mid 20th century a curious relic of Automotive History emerged as pop out windshields in 1948 the Tucker Automobile introduced these popout laminate glass windshields produced by Libby Owens Ford serving

as Escape hatches for passengers utilizing a spongy rubber gasket these windshields could be popped out in one whole piece aiming to allow occupants a safe exit from Wreck Vehicles initially drivers were intrigued by this safety feature envisioning surviving a crash and calmly popping out the windshield like a champagne cork while other manufacturers took notice Tucker led the way in popularizing this Innovation however as with any new technology there were inherent dangers firstly during severe collisions the sudden departure of the windshield could Propel occupants outward posing an ejection risk instead of shattering occupants risk being propelled

through the very glass meant to protect them resembling human cannonballs despite the initial Fascination safety concerns mounted by the 1950s panoramic curved windshields stole the spotlight offering improved visibility without the risk of ejection as safety standards evolved the motor vehicle safety act instituted new regulations signaling the end of the pop out windshield era gradually these once Innovative safety features faded Into Obscurity leaving behind memories of a quirky yet ultimately impractical safety dance in Automotive History number seven metal dashboards metal dashboards relics from the automotive past once Adorn cars like Stern Guardians back in the early

days of automobiles dashboards were straightforward metal panels housing essential gauges and switches No Frills no fuss these unyielding dashboards were as rigid as the cars themselves imagine sitting behind a metal dashboard no soft padding just cold steel drivers didn't complain much they were too busy marveling at the novelty of motorized travel companies like Ford Chevrolet and Dodge embrac these metallic dashboards however despite their initial acceptance metal dashboards posed significant dangers in a collision occupants faced a brutal reality unyielding as a blacksmith Anvil the metal dashboard could become a Lethal Weapon heads knees and chest collided

with unforgiving Force unlike today's cushion dashboards these metal counterparts lacked any safety padding no foam no airbags just raw steel by the 1960s safety concerns had gained traction Engineers realized that metal dashboards were more foe than friend crash test revealed the Grim consequences so manufacturers began adding padding vinyl covers and safety features the bare metal dashboards disappeared as the industry prioritized safety over Aesthetics as metal dashboards yielded to safety concerns what new safety measures awaited drivers beyond the era of unyielding steel let's explore lap seat belts number eight lap was seat belts in the 1960s

the automotive industry introduced lap way seat belts marking a pivotal moment in vehicle safety these early seat belts primarily consisting of a simple lap belt across the waist aimed to prevent passengers from being ejected through windshields during sudden stops or accidents however the Public's reaction to these new safety features was mixed while some drivers and passengers accepted them as potential Lifesavers others viewed them as a cumbersome addition to their Driving Experience companies such as Ford Chevrolet and others were among the first to offer these basic lap belts in their vehicles despite their intended purpose lap

belts posed significant dangers they left the upper body and head vulnerable to impact act in a collision as they did not protect the waste this incomplete restraint system meant that passengers could still suffer severe injuries from colliding with dashboards steering wheels or windshields during accidents recognizing these flaws engineers and safety experts push for advancements in seat Bel design by the 1970s safety standards had evolved leading to the introduction of shoulder belts these diagonal straps provided additional protection by securing the upper body and the lap offering comprehensive restraint during crashes as a result combined lap and

shoulder belts became the new standard in vehicle safety significantly reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities in accidents ultimately introducing these improved seat belt designs marked the end of the era for laway seat belts as they were gradually phased out in favor of more effective safety restraints number nine the absence of crumple zones in Automotive History crumple zones unveil A Narrative of evolution and safety in the early days of automobiles Circ of the 1960s Vehicles were characterized by robust unyielding frames reminiscent of medieval fortresses on Wheels however they lacked The crucial safety feature we know

as crumple zones these zones introduced later were strategically engineered to deform during collisions effectively absorbing energy and mitigating the impact on passengers initially the public remained largely indifferent to the absence of crumple zones with safety being a peripheral concern rather than a central Focus major Automotive manufacturers like Ford and Chevrolet produce vehicles with solid frames oblivious to the impending danger posed by the lack of safety measures the absence of crumple zones rendered Vehicles dangerously susceptible to the direct impact of collisions without the capacity to absorb crash energy occupants fac the full force of collisions often

resulting in severe injuries such as broken bones and concussions recognizing the urgent need for enhanced safety measures Engineers spearheaded a shift in designed philosophy during the 1970s this pivotal period saw the introduction of deformable zones front rear and sides that sacrificed structural Integrity to safeguard lives by incorporating crumple zones into vehicle design the automotive industry took a significant stride towards prioritizing passenger safety and reducing the severity of injuries sustained in accidents number 10 unsafe fuel tanks in the 1970s the automotive industry introduced a dark chapter in its history with the emergence of unsafe fuel tanks

epitomized by the Ford Pinto initially designed as a compact car to rival Imports the pinto concealed a fatal flaw its fuel tank placement behind the rear axle despite this design flaw drivers embrac the pinto oblivious to the potential danger lurking beneath its Sleek exterior however tragedy struck when rear-end collisions caused the Pinto's fuel tank to crumple like a soda can spilling gasoline and igniting infernos that turned the car into a fireball The public's ignorance was shattered as the Grim reality of Pinto's danger came to light Ford motivated by cost cutting measures knowingly prioritize profits over

safety as evidenced by the infamous Pinto memo which exposed the company's willingness to settle lawsuits rather than rectify the situation the consequences were dire with 27 fatalities attributed to Pinto fires and numerous others suffering severe burns legal battles ensued with Ford facing criminal charges and substantial civil damages tarnishing the company's reputation and transforming the pinto into a symbol of corporate negligence as safety standards evolved and crumple zones became standard practice the pinto era ended by the late 1970s as the Flames of corporate negligence engulf the pinto could technology prevent such tragedies ABS emerged promising safer

roads ahead number 11 no antiock brakes antiock brakes or ABS emerged as a pivotal safety Innovation with roots tracing back to the 1950s initially finding utility in aviation and Railway Industries to prevent wheel lockup during braking ABS technology gradually became the automotive sphere in 1953 Mercedes-Benz patented a system by Hans sherberg marking the beginning of ABS implementation in cars the Innovations soon cross borders with American automakers such as Chrysler Ford and GM introducing their versions even Japanese manuf ufacturers like Toyota Nissan join The Fray incorporating ABS into their vehicle models initially the absence of ABS

pois significant dangers particularly the risk of wheel lock up during abrupt braking Maneuvers this lack of control could result in hazardous situations especially on slippery surfaces like icy roads moreover the initial cost of ABS technology presented a challenge making it a luxury primarily accessible to high-end Vehicles however advancements have seen ABS evolve into a digital Marvel equipped with sophisticated sensors and processors to enhance braking Precision the significance of ABS became further highlighted as regulatory bodies like the national highway traffic safety administration mandated its inclusion alongside stability control in all passenger vehicles number 12 hood ornaments

in the early 20 Century hood ornaments emerged as a means for car manufacturers to Showcase their brand identity these decorative sculptures adorned the front of automobiles serving as eye-catching embellishments that spark conversations among onlookers Rolls-Royce renowned for its luxury notably introduced the iconic Spirit of ecstasy in the 1910s this elegant figurine depicting a graceful lady leaning forward with Windswept robes became synonymous with opulence various companies followed suit with Packard's goddess of speed Cadillac's wreath and Crest and Lincoln's four-pointed star conveying their narrative drivers admired these hood ornaments as Badges and statements of style and identity

Dodge for instance opted for a bold approach with its charging Ram ornament symbolizing the resilience associated with the big horn sheep and Dodge drivers alike however the Allure of these ornaments was overshadowed by their potential danger elegant shapes such as Wings animals and goddesses posed a significant impalement risk in accidents turning into lethal projectiles pedestrians face the Grim possibility of being impaled by these ornaments prompting safety concerns and Regulatory intervention by the 1970s pedestrian safety became a Paramount concern leading to the implementation of regulations mandating collapsible hoods and blunter Designs consequently hood ornaments gradually faded

from prominence with many designs being retracted into the hood itself to mitigate hazards while a few Brands still retain their ornamental emblems most modern cars opt for more discrete badge placements marking the end of an era defined by these gleaming sculptures on car hoods as hood ornaments phased out for safety what other Overlook safety features transform driving let's discover the lack of headrests number 13 lack of headrests headrests were a rarity in the early days of automobiles with cars lacking cushion support for weary heads it was in the late 1960s that headrest gained prominence primarily

introduced to prevent whiplash injuries during rear end collisions initially drivers didn't prioritize headrests focusing more on factors like horsepower and chrome accents however the Swedish automaker Volvo took the lead in 1968 by making headrest standard equipment prompting other manufacturers to follow suit the absence of headrest posed significant dangers without them passengers faced increased risk during rear-end crashes experiencing the double whimy of their bodies being push forward at the same time their heads snap backwards leading to potential whiplash injuries and strain on neck muscles and ligaments neck vulnerability was a common concern as collisions could cause

the unsupported head to swing wildly further increasing the likelihood of injury as safety standards evolved through the 1970s headrest became mandatory automobile features they transitioned from being perceived as mere Comfort amenities to essential life-saving components today headrest are ubiquitous in vehicles effectively cradling passengers heads to reduce the risk of injury during accidents additionally the forward tilt of headrest aligned with the spine natural curve further enhancing their effectiveness and improving passenger safety