They didn't have any collapsible steering columns , seat belts and airbags in those days nor a crumple zone to absorb the energy Some steering wheel s had very flimsy multi wire spokes or sheet aluminium with laminate wood rims. All that's been addressed now in these modern $#1t boxes you want to hate. I was around car racing from the Mid 50's to early 70's. Steering wheels were responsible for many serious injuries. What else do you impact when you go forwards? Your chest and you get whip lash. as you didn't have headrests. Nev