NOTE: We could use some help identifying the types of cars used in these tests. Please if you know the models leave information in the comments below thanks!

This film shows highlights of high speed car crash tests made in the late 1970s using crash test dummies, which include early versions of air bags. Although it’s not well known, in the early 1970s both Ford and General Motors began offering cars equipped with airbags, initially in government fleet purchased Chevrolet automobiles. GM’s Oldsmobile Toronado was the first domestic vehicle to include a passenger airbag. The automaker discontinued the option for its 1977 model year, citing lack of consumer interest. Ford and GM then spent years lobbying against air-bag requirements, claiming that the devices were unfeasible and inappropriate. Chrysler made a driver-side airbag standard on 1988-’89 models, but it was not until the early 1990s that airbags became widespread in American cars.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com