Did cars in the 1950s have turn signals?
Yes. By the mid-1950s, turn signals were a standard feature on most new cars sold in major markets, replacing much of the reliance on hand signals. Designs varied—from fender-mounted lamps to bumper-integrated units—and steering-column controls began to emerge toward the end of the decade.
This article examines how electric turn signals evolved during the 1950s, including where they appeared on cars, how drivers used them, and how adoption differed across regions and brands.
A Quick History of Turn Signals
Here is a concise timeline of how signaling features developed and became commonplace in the 1950s.
- Early electric indicators appeared on select models in the 1930s and 1940s, as automakers explored replacing hand signals with mechanical or electric options.
- Throughout the 1950s, electric turn signals were widely offered on new cars in many markets, with systems typically providing front and rear signaling and a dashboard indicator.
- Design variety emerged: some cars used fender-mounted, bumper-mounted, or integrated front lights, while others kept signaling within the headlight or bumper area.
- Controls evolved from dash-mounted switches to steering-column stalks as the decade progressed, improving ease of use and signaling clarity.
- By the end of the decade, turn signals had become a standard safety feature on most mainstream models, setting the stage for more uniform signaling standards in the following decades.
Across the decade, the shift from hand signals to electric indicators reflected growing attention to road safety, visibility, and standardized signaling that would shape car design in the years to come.
Regional Variation and Adoption
United States and Canada
In North America, electric turn signals became the norm on most mass-market cars during the 1950s. By the latter half of the decade, the typical setup included front and rear signal lamps, with a dashboard indicator to confirm operation. While a few early or budget models experimented with alternatives, the overall trend was toward standardization.
Europe and the United Kingdom
European and British manufacturers often pursued compact, integrated signaling solutions and placed emphasis on visibility from multiple angles. Adoption tended to parallel regional safety standards and consumer expectations, resulting in a mix of front/rear lamp configurations and, in some cases, earlier introduction of signaling features on certain models.
What It Looked Like on the Road
Visual characteristics of 1950s turn signals varied by maker and model. Common elements included amber or red signaling lamps located on the front corners (frequently near the headlights or on fenders) and paired rear indicators, with a separate dash light to show the driver the signal status. While some early decade cars retained manual hand-signaling options, the electrical signaling system became the norm as the decade progressed, with controls increasingly situated on the steering column.
Summary
In summary, cars in the 1950s largely adopted electric turn signals across major markets, marking a transition from hand signals to standardized electrical indicators. Although designs and placements differed by region and model, the decade established turn signals as a baseline safety feature that would become universal in the decades that followed.
What features did 1950 cars have?
The 1950s were a decade of flamboyant style and horsepower in the automotive world, as the post-war economic boom and suburban expansion in America fueled a love affair with the automobile. Cars became symbols of freedom and prosperity, with designs emphasizing chrome accents, tailfins, and powerful V8 engines.
Did cars have turn signals in the 1950s?
For the first time in history, cars had turn signals that flashed, which also added a new layer of safety. Other automakers were slow to adopt this technology, and it wasn't until the 1950s that it really caught on and the clicking turn signals became standard on practically every new car sold.
What was the first car to have a blinker?
1938 Buick
The First Car with Blinkers
The 1938 Buick was the first car to feature factory-installed electric turn signals as a standard option. This innovation was a game-changer, setting a new standard for automotive safety and convenience.
When did cars start to have turn signals?
Cars got their first factory-installed turn signals in 1939 when Buick introduced them as an optional feature. However, the technology to create turn signals was developed much earlier, with patents and early versions appearing as far back as 1909 and in the 1920s. Turn signals weren't standard on all vehicles until the 1960s.
- 1909: The first patents for turn signals were filed.
- 1929: Oscar J. Simler patented a device that could signal turns and stops.
- 1939: Buick was the first automaker to offer factory-installed electric turn signals on their vehicles, as an optional "Flash-Way Directional Signal".
- 1940: Buick added front signals and a self-canceling feature to their turn signals.
- 1950s: Turn signals became common and were adopted by most major manufacturers.
- 1960s: Turn signals became standard equipment on most new cars.
