The history of the side view mirror, also known as the wing mirror, dates back to the early days of automobiles and the evolution of driving safety and technology.

Early Beginnings (1890s - 1910s)

• 1890s: The first side view mirrors appeared on early automobiles, but they were rudimentary. The first car to feature a side view mirror was the 1911 Marmon Wasp, which was equipped with mirrors for better visibility during races. However, mirrors were not commonly used in everyday cars at this point.

1920s-1930s: Increase in Use and Innovation

• 1920s: By the 1920s, some luxury vehicles and high-performance cars started to incorporate side mirrors. Initially, these mirrors were positioned on the outside of the vehicle, often attached to the front fenders, as they were intended to help drivers see behind and around their cars more clearly.
• 1930s: This period saw the side view mirror become a more common feature. Many vehicles started being equipped with side mirrors for improved driving safety, and they began to become more standardized.

1940s-1950s: Regulation and Widespread Adoption

• 1940s: As automobiles became more mainstream, regulatory measures began to influence design. In the U.S., the 1940s marked the beginning of more consistent regulations for side mirrors, including the recommendation to have mirrors that allowed the driver to see the rear view.
• 1950s: By the 1950s, most passenger vehicles were equipped with side mirrors as standard equipment. However, they were still largely optional for some models. Drivers started to realize their importance in avoiding accidents and increasing visibility.

1960s-1970s: Legal Requirements and Technological Advancements

• 1960s: The use of side view mirrors became mandatory in many countries, including the U.S., as part of safety regulations. During this period, side mirrors became a legal requirement for cars to be sold and driven on public roads. The introduction of dual side mirrors (one on each side of the vehicle) became more common.
• 1970s: With advancements in materials and design, side mirrors started to become more aerodynamic, with a focus on reducing drag. This decade also saw improvements in mirror adjustability and mounting techniques.

1980s-1990s: Integration and Electronic Enhancements

• 1980s-1990s: The 1980s and 1990s saw side view mirrors becoming more integrated into the design of the car. Features such as powered mirrors (which could be adjusted electronically from inside the vehicle) and heated mirrors (to prevent fogging and icing) became widely available, especially in higher-end models.
• 1990s: The introduction of convex side mirrors helped to widen the field of view, reducing blind spots. These were especially useful for trucks and larger vehicles.

2000s-Present: Advanced Technologies and Safety Features

• 2000s: With the rise of technology, side view mirrors started to include additional features such as integrated turn signals, blind-spot detection, and cameras that assist in parking and maneuvering. These innovations made driving safer and more convenient.
• 2010s: The use of camera-based side mirrors started to emerge. These digital systems offer a wider range of visibility, reducing blind spots and improving safety. Camera systems also reduce the vehicle's overall aerodynamic drag compared to traditional side mirrors, leading to increased fuel efficiency.

The Future

• 2020s and Beyond: Many new cars, particularly in high-tech markets like electric vehicles, are beginning to experiment with mirror-less systems, using cameras and screens inside the vehicle to provide visibility that would traditionally be offered by side view mirrors. This technology is still evolving and faces regulatory hurdles, but it promises a future with fewer obstructions and better aerodynamic performance.

Key Milestones in the Evolution of Side View Mirrors:

1. 1911: First use of a side view mirror in the Marmon Wasp race car.
2. 1920s-1930s: Side mirrors become more common in luxury cars and performance vehicles.
3. 1940s: U.S. regulations began to influence the standardization of side mirrors.
4. 1960s: Legal requirements for mirrors in cars begin in many countries.
5. 1980s-1990s: Introduction of electronic adjustments, heated mirrors, and aerodynamic designs.
6. 2010s-Present: Camera-based side mirrors and the emergence of mirror-less technology.

Side view mirrors have evolved from basic, manually adjusted devices to high-tech, safety-enhancing components that play a vital role in modern vehicle design. Their history is a reflection of broader automotive advancements, safety innovations, and regulatory requirements.