sensor dims the lights?

[21Rouge]

I was watching S2 of Mad Men last night. (My wife and I really like this series set in NYC in the early 60s). Anyways in this episode Don Draper buys a brand new '62 Cadillac ($6500) and he details to his wife how it has a headlight sensor that dims the lights upon the approach of another car. It looked like this sensor was OEM dash mounted. The series prides itself on its accuracy. Have you heard of such a feature existing over 40 years earlier...or even currently?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Enter the "Autronic Eye"...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_headlight_dimmer

and "Twilight Sentinel"...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twilight_Sentinel

How cheesy.

Cadillac and I believe Lexus and/or Benz have lights that automatically switch between high and low beams depending on oncoming traffic.

Actually, here's a technical write-up on Cadillac's Intellibeam on no other than CD.com...
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2005/04/06/auto-tech-cadillacs-intellibeam.htm

[21Rouge]

How cheesy.

Cadillac and I believe Lexus and/or Benz have lights that automatically switch between high and low beams depending on oncoming traffic.

Still kind of cool to have such a gadget 45 years ago.

[jamie1]

As sirAQUA pointed out early 60s Cadillacs had it as an option. I believe the Chyrsler New Yorker from the early 60s had it too. The new Chyrsler 300 and JEEP Grand Cherokee have it as an option.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Yeah, does make you think. Stuff like air suspensions, electric do-dads, and what-not. The ideas were there, but the technology not quite to make them work as well.

Keep hearing about how good Mad Men is. Will have to check it out sometime.

[21Rouge]

Actually, here's a technical write-up on Cadillac's Intellibeam on no other than CD.com...
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2005/04/06/auto-tech-cadillacs-intellibeam.htm

Good link sirA.  

[21Rouge]

Keep hearing about how good Mad Men is. Will have to check it out sometime.

I have S1 and S2 on DVD. I'd be glad to lend them to you. I owe ya  .