Dashes of the classics

[C Body Bob]

I need to see this one of these in person. Looks crazy

 

[tbm3fan]

Talk about the chance for distracted driving... there may not be any time for hands on the steering wheel with all these controls!

Exactly what I was thinking. While very interesting looking it is also incredibly unpractical as nothing is within easy reach without hitting something in between. A great layout is like a jet fighter with everything within arm's reach and immediately visible. One I can think of that met those standards and which few have experienced, much less thought of or driven, was the Saab 900.

 

[Snotty]

I just went through 11 pages to see if I've posted any pics, seeing as how much I LOVE dashboards! I would subscribe to a Magazine dedicated to the subject! So, here are some I've shot over the years:

'70 AMX

Early '70s Pontiac TA

Here's a guy who really uses Dash Plaques!

"61 or 2 Chevy

Another AMX

'63 or 4 Galaxy

Studebaker Hawk

'61 DeSoto

Gotta put a Street Rod in here!

AMC Rebel "Machine"

 

[Snotty]

Some more....

Valiant Station Wagon with factory 4-speed. really cool car!

Imperial, 1982 I believe.

You can see the year. Ha!

Customized '59 Chevy

Beautiful '60 Chevy!

This was in a Street Rod. Nice custom work of a 'Vette dash.

'65 Ford Fairlane - could be a '66.

'65 Dart.

'58 New Yorker

OK, it's foreign, but the 240Z has a wonderful dash!

 

[GJS]

I know we're all grown up Mopar guys now but when I was really young, I'd sit behind a dash almost exactly like this and dream of the day I could drive. I still think it's beautiful.

My dads 69 Nova SS was also the first car I ever saw bury the needle. Dad was a lot of fun, man!

 

[cm23uoc]

Exactly what I was thinking. While very interesting looking it is also incredibly unpractical as nothing is within easy reach without hitting something in between. A great layout is like a jet fighter with everything within arm's reach and immediately visible. One I can think of that met those standards and which few have experienced, much less thought of or driven, was the Saab 900.
View attachment 111567

Concerning functional layout I think of early to mid 70s BMW, first 3-series for example as I face it on a daily Basis. Still like it, especially when purple lit at night as the kid I used to be when the car got to us. The extra cost three spoke Sport steering wheel Looks better though.

 

[tbm3fan]

Concerning functional layout I think of early to mid 70s BMW, first 3-series for example as I face it on a daily Basis. Still like it, especially when purple lit at night as the kid I used to be when the car got to us. The extra cost three spoke Sport steering wheel Looks better though.

Not bad and I remember them. The Saab 900 I used eliminated one thing I have always liked and they did it early on. Many cars in the 80's used a lever system for controlling the AC/heater. I like the three rotary dials much better. Now compare that to my 68 Mustang and Cougar where those controls are way down on the left lower dash forcing you to reach down with your left hand.

Below is a 79 Saab 900 which was ahead of it's time.

 

[cm23uoc]

Not bad and I remember them. The Saab 900 I used eliminated one thing I have always liked and they did it early on. Many cars in the 80's used a lever system for controlling the AC/heater. I like the three rotary dials much better. Now compare that to my 68 Mustang and Cougar where those controls are way down on the left lower dash forcing you to reach down with your left hand.

Below is a 79 Saab 900 which was ahead of it's time.

View attachment 111726

They switched over to such dials (partially) in fall 79 at BMW.

 

[GJS]

This was always one of my favorite foreign layouts... circa 1970 from Volvo, very linear.. the speedo was a solid bar that read from left to right with an orange band that scrolled out as you accelerated. .. also had an adjustable "red line" for speed.

Not a particularly sexy car but it had its ups. I'd drive one if I could find one.

 

[cm23uoc]

This was always one of my favorite foreign layouts... circa 1970 from Volvo, very linear.. the speedo was a solid bar that read from left to right with an orange band that scrolled out as you accelerated. .. also had an adjustable "red line" for speed.

Not a particularly sexy car but it had its ups. I'd drive one if I could find one.
View attachment 111794

I completely agree with you, the 140 with the old dash is as well liked as some of the fanciest 50s designs by me. Second Driver in our house is a 240 Station wagon.

 

[GJS]

I completely agree with you, the 140 with the old dash is as well liked as some of the fanciest 50s designs by me. Second Driver in our house is a 240 Station wagon.

My parents had two wagons of this vintage. Tough cars!
My second car was a 81 wagon.. cheddar cheese yellow with a baby **** brown interior. Bought it with 350,000 on it sold it running with 500,000. The strut tower had rotted out. I'm not totally up on where Volvo went quality wise after the last of the 240s in 94 but they were hard to beat back then.

 

[cm23uoc]

. I'm not totally up on where Volvo went quality wise after the last of the 240s in 94 but they were hard to beat back then.

'

Still hard to beat. I'm determined to hang on to it, actually my wife's (dream) car.
Just run in with about 220k in miles, but admittedly you have to do some Body work, the first rust hole was found immediately after the rustproofing guarantee expired. But not exceptionally bad with a Little TLC.