Thats a mid 90s Windstar, this is an early Ford Aerostar:

 

Yes sir, you are correct.

Was was waiting for someone to 2nd your guess but you got it!

 

You're correct, it is not mandated and never has been. Since this is a Lexus forum, I'll point out that most models I've seen have the ignition on the dashboard to the right of the steering column.

mmarshall is probably incorrectly assuming the actual requirements from FMVSS 114, issued in 1968 and coming into effect in 1970. It requires the key to not be removable unless the shifter is in park, and for the steering wheel to lock when the key is not present.

Most manufacturers CHOSE to implement the second rule by putting both the ignition switch and the steering wheel lock in the column. But it was by no means required.

 

Ok this makes a lot more sense

 

Then Feds did not (directly) mandate the ignition on the steering column, but mandated that, as of the 1970 model year, the steering column and transmission had to be locked when the ignition was off, and, with the technology of the period, the easiest way to do it was to put the switch on the steering column. GM had already put the switch in the column for 1969, and the rest of the American car industry simply followed suit in 1970. I remember that change well.....I went to high school with those cars.

It was a theft-prevention device.

https://www.nytimes.com/1973/03/11/a...-of-autos.html

 

See my reply to tex2670, above....that explains it a little more clearly.

 

In other words in fact the feds never mandated the ignition be on the steering column.

 

Not directly, no....the mandate was to LOCK the steering column. And the easiest way to do it, with the technology of the time was to simply put the switch on the column.

Actually, the way I understand it, it was GM's actions first, not the Government's. GM put it on all their American-market 1969 models as an anti-theft feature, and DOT liked the idea so much they made its mandatory the next year...1970. GM had already come up with the basic design, so Ford, Chrysler and AMC simply used GM's basic design, with their styling/hardware touches....they didn't have to spend much time of money getting it ready for the next model year.

 

A lot of car companies never used that ignition design, so that makes more sense to me.

 

The first column-locks in 1969/70 locked the steering-column, the transmission lever, (in Park), and the ignition switch itself. Later standards revised some of that.

 

Anyhow, back on topic.............name this car:

 

Mercury Turnpike Cruiser '54, '55ish? I really dislike continental kits. IMO they ruin the looks of cars.

 

I’ll agree that it’s a Mercury turnpike cruiser but newer than 53-54 probably a 57 or newer.

 

OK, Jakerin, close enough.....'58 Turnpike Cruiser.

 

I have to agree that one looks ridiculous.