Crash Test 59 Chevy vs New Malibu

[jannes_z-28]

At the new video, look at the 59's left front wheel. It's pushed right up in the drivers leg and ends up under the drivers door. There is nothing at all that stops the other car.

In 50 years some safety improvements have been made.

Jan

[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!

[442w30]

So far, only the Mopar and Chevy people are skeptical. Everyone else seems to "get it."

[htweelz]

I always drive my '68 defensively. I do want to put some three point harnesses in it. I know they aren't as safe as the new cars but they are still a blast to drive.

[Kim_Howie]

Whatever

[Norm reynolds]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm not buying any of it!! Looks like 100% staged to me. There is no way that a "Sherman Tank" like that 59 is going to crumble like that by being hit by that new Chevy.. I see lots of accidents in my job and this is just not going to happen!! Somebody "made up" this video....

[/ QUOTE ]

I am with you with that THERE IS NO WAY an 09 malbu is safer than the 59 I have worked on many 59 chevys and they were tanks like to see what a 59 caddy or Imperal would to to the new malbu
THIS WAS STAGED I am NOT BUYING IN TO THIS

[hep1966]

A 1959 is safer than a 2009?

[Tommy]

Personally, I think it is real. Safety has come a long way since then. If I am not mistaken in 59 they hadn't gone to a telescopic steering shaft yet A harder impact might impale the driver. Also getting hit in the driver door in our old cars would be very bad. If you ever look inside the doors of new cars and trucks you will see steel tubing similiar to roll bars. I am in the new/used parts business. Picking up a 68 Nova door and a new malibu door are two totally different monsters. I would hate to think what would happen if a suburban ran a light and hit me in the driver door of my Nova.... It would probably stop somewhere in the middle of my bench seat...


Tommy