Delphi car radios through the decades (pictures)
The basic AM radio was the first car infotainment device, giving drivers entertainment and important news alerts. At Delphi's new Silicon Valley lab, the auto parts supplier displays 80 years' worth of car radio development.
1938 Oldsmobile Six Touring Sedan
The Touring Sedan was the largest of the Oldsmobile Six models, with plenty of room for the family and luggage. Its "Six" moniker comes from its six-cylinder engine, which produced 95 horsepower.
Along with a heater and window defroster, the Oldsmobile was one of the first cars to be offered with a radio.
1930s Oldsmobile Radio
Public radio broadcasts of news, sports, and entertainment began in the 1920s, but the first car radios did not appear until the '30s. This early example, built for Oldsmobile, has a main case, packed with tubes, and a separate speaker. Of course, early radio was strictly AM and mono.
1947 Chevrolet 3000 Series pickup truck
Chevy's 3000 Series pickup trucks could be had with load ratings from a half to a full ton, and six-cylinder engines ranging from 3.5 to 4.3 liters. And these work vehicles could also be equipped with a radio.
1947 Chevrolet truck radio
This radio built for the 1947 Chevy trucks has a single-component design, with a single speaker sitting below the controls. Bakelite buttons and knobs have the durability needed for a work truck.
1949 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville
The hardtop Coupe de Ville lacks B-pillars, giving it an open-air feeling in the cabin. Under the hood sits a 5.4-liter V-8 using overhead valves, a GM engine innovation. Being a Cadillac, it got the latest technology, including power windows and, of course, a radio.
1949 Cadillac SST Radio
Like the Chevy truck radio, the SST has a boxy design, with a single speaker sitting below the controls and tubes packaged inside. Befitting the Cadillac's upscale interior, this radio features chrome dials and bezel.
1958 Oldsmobile 88
The Oldsmobile 88 is legendary for its styling, and the 1958 model is a prime example. This Super 88 Coupe featured a 6.1-liter V-8 producing 300 horsepower. As a unique feature, the 88 was offered with a removable radio.
1958 Oldsmobile Trans-Portable Radio
The radio for the Oldsmobile 88 is called Trans-Portable because it could be removed from the dashboard and used as a portable. The development of transistors allowed a smaller unit size, which in turn made it easier to carry around than the older tube radios.
1963 Buick Riviera
The Riviera entered production as a new model in 1963, and heralded a new era in automotive design. Buick offered it with a 6.6-liter V-8, good for 340 horsepower. By this time, radios came as standard equipment in cars.
1963 Buick Wonderbar Radio
The Wonderbar Radio was an upgrade in the Riviera, and featured AM and FM reception. The Buick name fits neatly on the radio's five preset buttons.
2014 Chevrolet Traverse
Moving up a few decades, into the age of the crossover, Chevy has the new Traverse. Unlike the previous models shown here, the Traverse uses front-wheel-drive architecture. Although only displacing 3.6 liters, its V-6 produces 288 horsepower, a testament to engine innovation. The Traverse also comes among recent innovations in connected cars.
2013 GM InTouch Connected Radio
The new Connected Radio developed by Delphi for GM includes a color touch screen and MyLink, letting it connect to smartphones. It integrates apps such as Pandora, letting drivers listen to customized radio stations delivered over a digital data stream.
Delphi rear-seat television
Rear-seat entertainment is not a new concept. Delphi's new Silicon Valley lab includes this rare example of a rear-seat television, implemented in the 1960s. Whether due to cost or poor reception, this technology didn't catch on.
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?