The first mass produced vehicle and the invention of the electric starter in the early 20th century are well known achievements by American automakers, often overshadowing other feats of engineering that are mostly taken for granted. Many of these advancements have shaped the way we drive and enjoy cars today, therefore, a little reminder of some of the greatest American automotive firsts that changed the industry forever.
First Turbocharged Car – Chevrolet Corvair Monza Spyder
One of the most significant innovations in the automotive world is the turbocharged engine. While turbocharging had been used in aviation, Chevrolet made history by introducing the first mass-produced turbocharged car with the 1962 Corvair Monza Spyder. This was quickly followed by the Oldsmobile Jetfire, another turbocharged model. The Corvair Monza Spyder’s turbocharged engine delivered improved power and engine elasticity. This marked the beginning of a technology now used in city cars, supercars and everything in between.
First Mass-Produced V8 in the 1915 Cadillac Type 51
In 1915, Cadillac introduced the very first mass-produced V8 engine in their large Type 51. This engine configuration offered greater power and smoother performance compared to the previously built four-cylinder, setting a new standard for what luxury vehicles really needed under the hood. The V8 engine eventually became synonymous with American muscle cars in the mid-20th century and is still a staple of American car culture.
First Airbag by General Motors in 1973
A critical breakthrough in vehicle safety came with the introduction of the airbag. General Motors was the first to offer airbags in production vehicles in 1973, debuting this feature in a few Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac models. Although early adoption was limited, the airbag has since become one of the most important automotive safety features. Airbags have saved countless lives by protecting occupants during collisions. Today, they are mandatory in most countries, and some modern cars even feature external airbags for pedestrian protection in a collision.
First Air Suspension in the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Another remarkable innovation was the development of air suspension, first introduced by Cadillac in the 1957 Eldorado Brougham. Air suspension replaced traditional coil springs with air-filled rubber bags and created a smoother ride by automatically adjusting the suspension based on road conditions and vehicle load. Cadillac’s air suspension provided unparalleled comfort and luxury at the time, particularly for long-distance driving. Although early air suspension systems had major reliability issues, modern versions have become standard in high-end and luxury vehicles for ride quality and handling.
First Use of Power Steering in the 1951 Chrysler Imperial
Power steering was a genuinely revolutionary innovation in the early 1950s. Chrysler introduced their “Hydraguide” system, the first commercially available power steering system, in its 1951 Imperial. Power steering made it easier to turn the steering wheel at low speeds, by using hydraulic pressure to assist with steering. This significantly improved driving comfort and control, making cars more accessible to a wider audience. Power steering systems have since evolved, with many modern cars using electric power steering for even greater efficiency and ease of use.
General Motors was the first manufacturer to revolutionize the aesthetic appeal of cars with the introduction of metallic paint. Metallic paint, made by adding fine metallic flakes, gave cars a lustrous, shiny finish that was previously unattainable. This allowed GM and other automakers to offer a more luxurious and visually striking appearance, even transforming how vehicles were marketed back in the day. Metallic paint quickly became a popular choice and is an industry standard today.
First Cruise Control in the 1958 Chrysler Imperial
Chrysler was on a roll in the mid-20th century, as they kept creating luxury features and technical advancements that would eventually be adapted by car makers all over the world. Cruise control, for instance, was another example of Chrysler’s ingenuity. Introduced in the 1958 Chrysler Imperial, the system was called “Speedostat” and was invented by mechanical engineer Ralph Teetor. Cruise control allowed drivers to maintain a constant speed without pressing the accelerator, providing more comfort during long trips. The system operated a mechanical system that would control the amount of throttle.
This feature not only improved driving convenience but also helped with fuel efficiency by ensuring a steady speed. Cruise control has since evolved into advanced systems, such as adaptive cruise control, which adjusts the vehicle’s speed based on traffic conditions through radar.
First Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle – the 1940 Willys Jeep
The Willys Jeep, developed during World War II in 1940, became the first mass-produced vehicle with Four-Wheel-Drive. This system provided power to all four wheels, and even the system was very rudimentary, after the war, the technology found its way into civilian vehicles, giving birth to the modern SUV and off-road market. Today, 4WD is a standard feature in many trucks and SUVs.
First Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) in the 1971 Imperial LeBaron
Even though the anti-lock braking system, or ABS for short, is often regarded as an achievement by Mercedes-Benz, first using it in the W116, the first mass-produced car with a 4-wheel computer-operated anti-lock braking system was the 1971 Imperial LeBaron. With the Bendix Corporation, Chrysler created a three-channel, four-sensor all-wheel ABS called "Sure Brake". It was available for several years and proved reliable and functional in different road conditions. ABS technology allows drivers to maintain better vehicle control during emergency stops, reducing the risk of accidents.
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