Make America Ugly Again

[Skut]

On 30/08/2020 at 15:11, Madman Of The People said:

A little history of the US 85 MPH speedometers.

US-spec cars produced for the 1980-82 model years were fitted with 85 MPH speedometers.  These were known in enthusiast circles as the "Joan Claybrook Speedometer", named after the then head of NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).  In September 1979, NHTSA passed a bill which stated that all car, truck and motorcycle speedometers were to display a maximum of 85 MPH.

The new Federal regulation also required speedometers to have a special emphasis on the number 55, as that was the national speed limit at the time.

Here's an example of that "special emphasis" on 55.  Another option was to have the 55 printed in red, instead of white.

 

 

My theory is this was done to make 55 MPH "look fast" by putting it well past the halfway point of the sweep on the dial.  The 85 MPH speedometer mandate ended in 1982 after little proof it did anything to change motorist's habits.  Even though the 85 MPH speedo law went away after 1982, many cars were still fitted with 85 MPH speedometers for several years afterwards until they were redesigned. 

My 93 Grand Marquis has the 85 mph speedo but with no special emphasis on 55. No doubt a hangover from the Box panthers.