I thought this was going to turn into an argument on "old cars were built stronger with a full frame (as Mike pointed out) versus these new fangle tin can cars being built with cheap foreign steel and plastic" but it seems it's "the federal government ain't gona tell me I got wear a seat belt, helmet or ......" The point that was being made back then was there were no rules or standards on how cars were built. If left up to the marketing department they would be "function follows form". If left up to the accounting department it would be "use cheaper materials, does it really need to be that strong or good, and why do we have to put even one rear view mirror or a defroster in or on it?"