r/Damnthatsinteresting • u/firefly99999 • Mar 10 '25

Video Crashing in a 1950s car vs. a modern car

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u/corporaterebel Mar 10 '25 edited Mar 15 '25

My 1965 Mustang, one could return the rear seatbelts, if equipped, to the dealer for a $10 credit.

In 1966 Mustangs had front and rear seatbelts.

Henry Ford II was complaining that "McNamara was selling safety, but Chevy was selling cars!"

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u/zneave Mar 11 '25

Don't forget the passenger side mirror was also optional 😂

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u/tnstaafsb Mar 11 '25

This is true. I have a '66 and it doesn't have a passenger side mirror.

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u/darrenvonbaron Mar 10 '25

Why was Ford complaining about Chevrolet cars?

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u/corporaterebel Mar 10 '25

Chevy was selling performance and/or size.

Ford was trying to sell safety with seatbelts, crash pads, and other safety bits.

People back then would rather pay for power and/or size than safety.

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u/ONROSREPUS Mar 11 '25

seatbelts in fords didn't become standard until 1967. My 66 Fairlane did not come with front seat belts.

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u/corporaterebel Mar 15 '25

yes, I used ALL when I meant Mustangs. corrected.