Crash Test 59 Chevy vs New Malibu

[The Dude]

There is absolutely nothing to these old cars front ends. Notice the Malibu finally stops when it hits the Impalas cowl area. Most of those old GM cars had front clips held on by 8-10 bolts. There is nothing there to absorb a collision.

Here are two photos of a GTO that hit a tree then a utility pole. Notice what where the pole stopped, the cowl just like the Impala.

[tom406]

This is a sobering video, and just demonstrates what most of us already know, particularly those of us who drive pre '74 stuff. As for the conspiracy theories about a horribly rusty car being used, I don't think its true. I had a '63 Galaxie with not a hint of rust that must have had 5 lbs of rust colored clay dust stuck inside the frame rails. But on this '59, it looks like all the the rust and dust that was being held at the bottom of the pontoon fender and rocker was shot out in a cloud. Sorry, I don't see a conspiracy. And while the offset driver crash is probably the worst case scenario for the '59, its the most likely kind of collision I expect when driving my old cars, ie someone in oncoming traffic drifting in front of me. I drive my old cars the same way I drive motorcycles-defensively and on full alert. I figure I'm almost as vulnerable.

And yes, I did run my '57 Bel Air through the gears the other night, lap belt fastened, looking at that metal dash and feeling vulnerable. Then I caught 3rd gear and thought about more positive things ( I guess I don't ALWAYS drive defensively)

[Nova Jed]

There goes my theory about driving one daily! WOW!