Item Info

Media Type: Photographic Prints
Source: Automobile Reference Collection
Notes:

1964 DODGE DART GUARDED SAFETY DOOR LATCH

An important contribution to automobile safety is provided by the strength and reliability of new anti-snag door latches. Cast malleable iron striker has no protruding edges to snag clothing. Full-width bearing surface afforded the latch rotor by the thicker striker ensures secure latching at all times. In comparison with previously used latch, tests show strength is more than doubled. In tests, cars travelling at 40 mph were aimed to collide with stationary test vehicles in both broadside and glancing impacts. In separate runs, broadside impacts were directed at the front, center and rear of the struck car; glancing impacts were directed at the windshield pillar from the rear quarter and at the rear pillar from the front quarter. The new latches, installed in both moving and stationary cars, remained latched in all of the test cases.

From: Dodge Public Relations, P.O. Box 1259, Detroit 31, Michigan

Gift: Chrysler Corporation 3/75