Photo: Pixabay
If you’ve ever wondered why cars of the past had longer antennae than modern cars, you’re in the right place. Here’s a brief history of how vehicle antennae have evolved over the years, from a lengthy telescopic design to the condensed shorter one that many current models use.
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AM reception
According to It Still Runs, the car antenna was introduced in the 1930s. Interestingly enough, these early antennae were built into the radio body instead of externally mounted to the auto. Since most radio stations back then were AM instead of FM ones, which necessitated a ferrous core receiver style of antenna.
Hudson Motor Cars: 1945-46 Super 6 Two-Door Coupe. Note the bumper mounted “fog” lights, driver-side spotlight, and radio antenna options. Car radios were introduced in the early ’30s and were a popular option by the 1940s. pic.twitter.com/NL65RQoys7
— H. P. Oliver 🇺🇸 (@HP_Oliver) October 26, 2019
In the late 1930s to mid-1940s, when more radio stations were FM, the antenna morphed into a vertical wire made of steel or alloy. This device attached to the outside of the vehicle. Each automaker had a different opinion of exactly where the antenna should go, hence the variety of antenna placements on vehicles from this period.
Improved cosmetics
Antennae then evolved into shorter, more compact external devices on vehicles. This design involves a small strand of wire wrapped in a coil, as It Still Works confirms. The reason behind the design change was to give cars a more streamlined appearance for a more appealing aesthetic.
Satellite radio antennae…for now
Today, though modern drivers use AM and FM radio stations, satellite radio subscriptions are more in vogue. Automakers have adapted to this trend by further modifying their models’ radio antennae. Per It Still Works, satellite radio antennae typically take the form of a small, black plastic square grounded away from the vehicle. It’s likely that even the compact “shark fin” style antenna still seen on many models will soon become extinct as more new autos adopt the satellite radio antenna to meet consumer demand.
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News Sources: Jalopnik, It Still Runs
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