These days we take it for granted that a 25mph shunt in a modern car would be not only survivable but unlikely to even inflict any injuries at all. Not so in the late 1960’s. Back in an era when the use of seatbelts wasn’t universal and crumple zones were but a glimmer in the designers imagination, even a relatively low speed crash could put passengers at great risk of injury and even death. Manufacturers at this time had started their research into making passenger cars safer as the first film below shows. Although the speed of the test of Datsun Bluebirds is quite low at just 40kmh (24mph) the scenario is actually quite realistic. It’s clear to see that whilst the cars remain relatively intact, the lack of any energy absorbing made for a rough ride to the crash test dummies! Films after the jump…
That lack of any in built energy absorption capability on older cars is illustrated clearly in the this second film. Here a couple of Datsun 411 Bluebirds are crashed square on into a concrete wall, first at 60kmh (40mph) and then at a bone crushing 100kmh (60mph). The 411 withstands the 60kph crash quite well, showing how sturdy the construction of these cars was, but the structure (and occupant!) don’t fare so well at 100kph. Even with the addition of seatbelts you wouldn’t be walking away from your freshly re-styled 411 should you interface with the scenery at 100kph!
Wonderful films, but I hope I’ll never crash an older car… the way the steering wheel hits the headlining in the 100 kph crash sends shivers down my spine.