Rumble seat

1931 Ford Model A roadster rumble seat

Rumble seat or rumbleseat is a term used to describe a type of seat found in the automobiles of the early 20th century. The rumble seat is a retractable seat located at the rear of a vehicle, typically outside the main cabin. It was designed to fold out of the way when not in use, allowing for more efficient use of space in automobiles that were often much smaller than modern vehicles. Rumble seats are most commonly associated with vintage cars and classic cars, particularly roadsters and coupes from the 1920s and 1930s.

Design and Features

The design of the rumble seat is relatively simple. It consists of a seat that is hinged at the bottom, allowing it to be folded up and stored in the body of the car when not in use. When needed, the seat can be pulled out and locked into place, providing additional seating capacity. Rumble seats were typically upholstered in the same material as the main seating area, and they were designed to be as comfortable as possible, given their limited size and exposure to the elements.

Rumble seats did not have the safety features found in modern automobiles. They lacked seat belts, airbags, and were exposed to the road, making them less safe than the interior seats of the vehicle. Additionally, passengers in the rumble seat were exposed to the weather, as these seats were not enclosed.

Popularity and Decline

The rumble seat was popular during a time when automobiles were a luxury and personal transportation was evolving rapidly. They offered a solution for occasional extra passenger capacity without permanently taking up space within the vehicle's interior. However, as cars became larger and more affordable, the need for such a compact and exposed seating option diminished. The introduction of safety regulations and the increasing importance of passenger comfort and protection led to the decline of the rumble seat. By the end of the 1930s, rumble seats were largely phased out in favor of more traditional seating arrangements.

Cultural Impact

Despite their practical limitations, rumble seats have a nostalgic place in automotive history. They evoke images of leisurely drives, parades, and the early days of automotive innovation. Rumble seats are often featured in movies, television shows, and literature from or about their era, contributing to their iconic status among classic car enthusiasts.

Preservation and Restoration

Today, rumble seats are primarily found in restored vintage and classic cars. Enthusiasts who restore vehicles from the rumble seat era often go to great lengths to accurately refurbish these unique features, including sourcing period-correct materials and hardware. Preservation of these vehicles, including their rumble seats, is important for historical and cultural reasons, allowing future generations to experience and appreciate automotive history.