Once upon a time there was a simple rear-view mirror
01/05/2022
Although exterior mirrors have been around for many decades, they only really became "fashionable" in the sixties and later. Soon it was also possible to retrofit a second mirror on the right-hand side, usually a symmetrical copy of the left-hand one.
Exterior mirrors were relatively simple until well into the seventies; they basically consisted of a mirror glass, a compact and simple housing and a stand that could be attached to the door or the fender.
The mirror was adjusted via a joint between the base and the housing or by acting directly on the recessed mirror glass. This worked until the spoiled drivers no longer wanted to leave their cars or refused to lower the side window to make the adjustment. This was remedied by the internally adjustable mirror, which could be adjusted manually using simple levers or, increasingly, electrically using a joystick. People who were really obsessed with comfort also wanted the car to remember the adjusted position.
Over time, a defroster system, automatic adjustment when changing direction and finally even the display of hazards were added. And yes, even a blinker light is often integrated into the mirror today. In addition, the modern mirror can be folded in and out electrically and protects passers-by from injury by means of predetermined breaking/pivoting points. A modern exterior mirror is a relatively complex device, which is why a replacement/replacement nowadays no longer costs just a few euros, but can quickly run into three figures. In return, however, you get significantly more mirror surface than 50 years ago, because of course everything in the modern car is nicely standardized and has grown outwards, which is why the two mirrors also increase the air resistance considerably.
But as a remedy, there are now camera-based systems, although these are not yet approved in all countries ...
P.S. Incidentally, the picture shows the exterior mirrors of the VW Golf 1 (1970s) and VW ID3 (modern era).
