We recently dug up a  copy of a technical announcement that highlighted some cutting edge thinking involved with the 1957 Mercury models involving air suspension. The engineers decided that using an airbag in conjunction with the rear suspension would lend superior ride quality. The bag was not able to be inflated or deflated, it was simply there to help dampen bumps for people in the passenger compartment.

We find it a little humorous that they are concerned about soaking up bumps and jounces. If you’ve ever ridden in a stock 1950s car, stiff factory suspension is not going to be on your list of complaints. RideTech, more than anyone else showed the world how effective a suspension system using air pressure can be. We could consider this a first evolutionary step in that process.

This is yet another example of something we had no idea that manufacturers were even messing with back then. We’re guessing that this idea made it to production, does anyone know for sure?