Looking at modern dashboards, capable of changing screens and giving the most diverse information at the touch of a lever, it makes one smile to think that the origin of the term is linked to one of the oldest means of transport. The word, in fact, originated with horse-drawn carts and carriages that, in trotting, often raised mud and required food to recharge their batteries during the journey. The bulkhead that sheltered the coachman from debris and contained the food was called the 'dashboard'. Early dashboards were made of wood, leather or sheet metal, depending on the owner's budget, and also contained the whip and reins. In short, everything that the vehicles of the time needed.
Long live brass
While the era of carriages was coming to an end, the first motor cars began to appear towards the end of the 19th century. Inside them, the dashboards featured only the glass bottle with the lubricating oil, the brake lever and, later on, even a first instrument panel with speedometer and odometer. Only later was introduced the illumination of the panel, while the design for the high-end cars was more refined, even introducing brass parts. Gradually the rev counter and pressure monitoring system appeared. The late 1930s marked the transition of the car from a simple means of transport to a place to spend time, almost reminiscent of the carriage concept: heating and valve car radios arrived.
Here comes plastic
The post-World War II period brought with it a desire for renewal, which was also reflected in the design of the car and the interior space. The steering wheel still bears the iconic logos of car manufacturers in the centre, and in this way the dashboard gained colour. The air vents were initially only designed for high-end cars, as was the chrome-plated car radio. From the moment the emerging rigid plastic industry met the automotive industry, the dashboard changed its approach. Steering wheels, indicator levers and buttons were produced with the new material, while the most popular option inevitably became the cigar lighter and possibly also the ashtray.
Here comes digital
In the 1980s, new functions were added to the dashboard, which gradually became more and more technological. Even the dashboard, hitherto neglected, gained importance with more sophisticated air conditioning, storage compartments and, later, GPS navigation. By leaps and bounds, the whole became ultra-modern - with increasing attention to design - and the infotainment system made the car increasingly connected. On a practical level, the touch screen was introduced, while software systems were developed to make even a means of transport smart. In front of the driver, the digital dashboard offered the possibility of displaying numerous types of information on the display, which was placed in the standard housing of the instrument panel.
Virtual cockpit
In addition to the presence of the odometer and rev counter, the virtual cockpit allows it to be used as a satellite navigation system, thus providing greater map-reading convenience. Above all, it provides greater driving safety by not having to look towards the centre of the dashboard. And again, the on-board computer, phonebook or information from the audio system can be easily displayed. In addition, the possibility of changing the virtual cockpit settings and adopting the preferred screen (or increasing/decreasing the size of the dials to make room for the display of other information) is managed directly by the driver via the controls on the multifunction steering wheel. Not bad, when you think it all started out to protect the coachman and feed the horses.
