1959 vs. 2009

       In my opinion the ’59 wasn’t designed for someone to walk away from a head on crash. The crumple zone on the ’09 absorbed most of the impact energy and wrecked the car, limiting the damage to just the front half, and keeping it out of the occupant area. The ’59 wasn’t designed to crumple, so the entire car is involved in absorbing the impact energy. Since there is no plan for the energy it deforms the entire car, including the cabin.