A 1979 Lincoln Mark V or a Cadillac from the 1970s-1980s might surprise someone with an unusual dial directly beneath the driver's side rearview mirror. However, this was a common feature on some American car models of that era.
An illuminated outside thermometer was a premium feature before cars had modern digital temperature displays. Drivers no longer needed to reach out the window to gauge the temperature. Instead, they could glance at the rearview mirror for outside weather conditions. The integrated lighting allowed for precise temperature readings, day or night.
During that period, the illuminated thermometer was a top luxury feature in US automobiles. While items like distance-to-empty gauges, Cartier clocks, and garage door openers were standard on collector's edition models, the thermometer was particularly special.
The thermometer on Cadillac models was illuminated by a fiber optic cable running to the instrument cluster, rather than a directly mounted bulb. This design improved temperature accuracy by preventing heat from the bulb from affecting readings.
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Outside thermometer on a 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V. Photo: Dream Car Seller |
Cadillac continued to use the integrated rearview mirror thermometer until around 1982. At that point, Cadillac introduced cars with more advanced control systems, displaying outside temperature on an in-car digital screen.
Throughout the years Cadillac sold cars equipped with this type of thermometer, they rarely mentioned the feature in promotional materials. Other manufacturers also did this, which explains the scarcity of information about the device.
Today, if someone wants a rearview mirror-mounted outside thermometer, they can order a similar indoor-style thermometer online for about 20 USD. For those with a larger budget and a preference for vintage style, a complete rearview mirror assembly with a thermometer from a 1988 Lincoln Town Car can be purchased for around 660 USD, or from a 1976 Cadillac Seville for 800 USD.
By My Anh (Source: Autopian)
