Lifeguard Steering Wheels

[ew1usnr]

I had read somewhere once that the deep-dish "Lifeguard" steering wheels in Falcons were designed to collapse on impact. Wikipedia says:"In 1956 Ford came out with a safety steering wheel that was set high above the post with spokes that would flex."

Here is what a 1956 brochure said about the then new Lifeguard steering wheel:
1-DCP_4810.JPG

I came across these photos of a wrecked 1963 Falcon convertible that is in New York state.
wrecked red convertible left side.jpg

Take a look at the steering wheel! It provided "cushioning" as it was designed to do and is collapsed nearly flat. (You should still wear seat belts, and a shoulder restraint if possible.) The Falcon did not have an energy absorbing steering column like on later cars, but the steering wheel itself provides an energy absorbing function. The interior space of the Falcon stayed surprisingly intact given the severity of the collision.
Wrecked red convertible steering wheel.jpg

Engine bay:
Wrecked red convertible engine bay.jpg