Why American classics have those ugly black bumpers
You see them in the Netherlands too, classics from the 70’s with ugly black bumpers that were obviously added later. Coming from the United States, they have those bumpers for a reason.
We don’t know much about the MGB, but we have to admit that it’s a beautiful, refined sports car. At least until the mid 1970s. Because then the filigree, chrome-plated bumpers of the MG had to give way.
Monstrous black bumpers
In its place was a monstrous black mask. A kind of combination of grille and bumper in one, which was only for the American market.
The same applies to the BMW 2002 and the Mercedes-Benz SL. In Europe they were beautiful, in the USA they were hampered by glued-on rubber buffers that protruded several centimeters at the front and back.
New US rules in 1974
This has everything to do with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 215, which was introduced in 1971 and came into force in the USA from 1974. It stipulated that the front and rear bumpers had to withstand a specific impact.
The goal was to reduce repair costs for American motorists. Before 1974, the bumpers lay close to the body and were often chromed. Even a slight collision damaged the carriage.
From 1974, the front and rear bumpers had to withstand an impact of up to 8 km/h. Such a collision could not result in damage to the lights, horn, and fuel system.
Elegant solution from Porsche
Porsche solved the problem quite elegantly. The bumper models can be recognized by a subtle harmonica piece in front of the front wheels. The Corvette C3 only received body-colored rubber tips, giving it a fairly clean look.
Not so with BMW and Mercedes
How different it was with the BMW 2002 and the Mercedes-Benz SL, which suddenly appeared with enormously protruding bumpers that messed up the entire design of the models.
Lamborghini had no money
Some manufacturers didn’t even try to comply with the new US regulations. Citroën pulled the SM from the market and Ferrari and Lamborghini decided to officially stop supplying the Berlinetta Boxer and Countach.
Lamborghini just didn’t have enough money to make the adjustments. Between 1974 and 1982, the Italian brand did not deliver the Countach through official channels. Bumpers for the Lambo were sold through other channels.