When you think of classic cars, you may picture rugged straightforward designs… and metal, lots of metal. In the early days of automotive manufacturing, dashboards were made of steel or aluminum, which is almost unthinkable given all the safety regulations today.
These metal dashboards exuded a raw, industrial charm when compared to today’s soft plastic, vinyl dashboards. On metal dashboards, you would find knobs and switches that controlled the lights, wipers, and ventilation. Analog gauges delivered a more tactile feel, letting one experience the essence of the car.
Automakers eventually shifted to softer materials, given that metal dashboards don’t mix well with accidents. Who would’ve thought? Metal dashboards also absorb a lot of heat during the summer and turn icy in winter, so insulating became a priority in newer makes. Plus, dealing with vibrations and noise from the road and engine made for prioritizing comfort and quietness in modern cars. While metal dashboards in classic cars were common, safety, comfort, and technological advancements led to them being phased out.
