Automotive Inventions That Have Come and Gone

 

Many auto inventions have come and gone over the last century. Modern technology has transformed the invention landscape dramatically. Take a look at several creations. Some of them have been successful and others have failed. Some of the ideas may inspire future inventors.

8-Track Player- This bulky gadget was invented in 1964. It resembled a large tape player. The 8-track cartridge was made of plastic and was about the size of an external modem. Each one had the capacity to hold approximately 45 minutes of sound. People enjoyed the convenience of having access to their favorite music while driving.

Cassette Player- Car cassette players were popular for about three decades before they were replaced by CD players. People loved the compact size that was generally considered to be better than the 8-Track. They were integrated into a radio receiver and had automatic reverse of the tape direction. 

Car Telephones- Telephone mobile devices were first installed in cars by the Western Electric Corporation in 1946. Bell System supplied the actually telephone sets. The handset had a cloth braided cord and was stored in a spring loaded pocket. It also had two exposed lamp lenses. Commuters loved this item. 

Headlight Wipers- This headlight wiper and washer system product was introduced in 1970. Luxury car manufacturers promoted it as a safety feature, but it never became a huge success. Most companies stopped offering the headlight wipers in the 90s and 2000s.

Automatic Seatbelts- The seatbelts automatically moved into the proper position around car occupants once the door near them closed. Volkswagen installed the first ones in 1975. They are an inexpensive way to keep drivers and their passenger's safe. They were sought after by consumers. Airbags become mandatory by 1994, and since then most auto manufacturers have stopped equipping cars with automatic seatbelts.

T-Tops- This is an automobile roof with removable panels, usually made of auto grade safety glass, on each side of a bar. This novel invention became wildly popular after audiences saw a car with the feature in the movie Smokey & the Bandit.

There have been many automotive inventions over the years that have come and gone in their time. Some of them don't exist now, but they influenced present day products. Modern technology has given inventors opportunities to create items that make driving easier and safer. The details about previous ideas can assist entrepreneurs with becoming successful. Most American consumers are interested in adding features that enhance car safety.


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