Today, in 2025, cars have practically ceased to differ and have their own style. It is unlikely that anyone can recall design elements that stand out from the crowd or other features characteristic of a particular manufacturer or country. But it wasn't always like this. You can easily distinguish an "American" from the 60s from a "Japanese" car, and both from a "French" one. One of the elements that distinguished Japanese cars until the end of the 20th century was the mirrors mounted on the fenders. Why were they located there? Let's find out.
Historical Background
The history of fender mirrors in Japan began in the middle of the last century, when cars were just mastering the narrow city streets. Japanese cities have historically been formed with dense buildings and narrow passages - they were designed for pedestrians and small carts, not for cars. In such cramped conditions, an accurate understanding of the car's dimensions became critical.
Until 1983, strict technical regulations were in effect in Japan, prescribing the installation of mirrors specifically on the fenders. Automakers strictly followed these requirements, so even the most popular models like the Toyota Crown or Datsun Bluebird were equipped with characteristic metal "antennae" on the front fenders.
Practical Advantages of Fender Mirrors
Despite their seeming exoticism, fender mirrors offered Japanese drivers a number of significant advantages:
- Extended view: The location of the mirrors far ahead of the driver provided a wider viewing angle and minimized blind spots. In dense city traffic, this gave a tangible advantage when maneuvering.
- Dimension control: Fender mirrors allowed you to see not only what was happening behind and to the side, but also the outlines of the car itself. The driver could accurately assess the position of the body relative to other objects, which simplified parking and movement in narrow spaces.
- Orientation in the city: In congested Japanese megacities, where every centimeter counts, the ability to accurately control the position of the car was critical. This was especially appreciated by professional taxi drivers, who had to maneuver in difficult conditions every day.
- Cultural aspect: The Japanese traditionally pay great attention to detail and holistic perception. The location of the mirrors on the fenders corresponded to this approach, allowing the driver to better "feel" their car as an extension of their own body.
Global Context
Interestingly, Japan was not unique in using fender mirrors. Similar solutions were found in other countries, but nowhere did they become so widespread.
In post-war Europe, some sports cars, especially British roadsters of the 1950s-60s, were equipped with remote mirrors on the fenders or hood. This helped drivers control the situation when driving dynamically on winding roads. In the US, some models of the late 1950s also experimented with non-standard mirror placement, but these experiments did not catch on.
The main difference was in the road infrastructure. European and American roads were much wider, parking spaces were more spacious, which did not require such careful control of dimensions. In addition, with the growth of speeds on Western highways, aerodynamic characteristics and vibration became more significant factors.
The End of the Fender Mirror Era
By the 1980s, even in Japan, it became obvious that traditional fender mirrors were gradually becoming obsolete. In 1983, regulations requiring their mandatory installation were abolished. Automakers began to switch to more modern door mirrors, which were easier to adjust, worked better at high speeds, and complied with international standards.
However, the transition was gradual. Many Japanese cars still retained fender mirrors in the 1990s, especially models aimed at the domestic market. A conservative part of drivers, especially taxi drivers and elderly car owners, preferred familiar solutions, citing better visibility and convenience when maneuvering.
Today, fender mirrors have practically disappeared from the roads, remaining only on some commercial vehicles and some specialized models. However, their history remains an interesting example of how national characteristics and practical needs can shape unique technical solutions, even if they go against global trends.
Read more materials on the topic:
- Kills the engine in the cold: the main mistakes in preparing the car for winter are named
- Top 5 cars of the big German three, which are not threatened by price increases due to the increase in the recycling fee
- Don't spit in the well: against the background of news about the increase in the recycling fee, Lada sales continue to fall