Lifeguard (Automobile safety)
- Lifeguard (Automobile safety)
Lifeguard was the name of a 1956 safety package marketed by the Ford Motor Company.
Spurred by Robert McNamara, the University of Cornell crash research program and the first year of Ford own crash testing (1955) the Lifeguard package included:
*Two standard features:
** A safety "deep-center" steering wheel.
** Safety "double-grip" door latches to prevent occupant ejection in case of a crash.
*Three optional features:
** Front and rear [ [http://mclellansautomotive.com/photos/B30628.jpgFord brochure: "NEW FORD SEAT BELTS an important feature of Ford Lifeguard Design"] ] lap only seat belts (first offered by Ford in 1955).
** Padded dashboard and sun visors. The instruments were recessed to minimize injury potential.
** Safety rearview mirror to reduce broken glass if shattered.
The buying public was unresponsive to the Lifeguard package, and Henry Ford II said: "McNamara is selling safety, but Chevrolet is selling cars"
Notes
Sources
* [http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1955-1956-ford-fairlane-crown-victoria4.htm 1956 Crown Victoria]
* [http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/magazine/it/2007/1/2007_1_29.shtml "The Outsider. How Robert McNamara changed the automobile industry"]
* [http://www.autolife.umd.umich.edu/Design/Gartman/D_Casestudy/LifeguardDesign.htm "Lifeguard Design", original publicity shots]
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