Experimental Safety Vehicle

Mercedes-Benz ESF22 (1973)

Mini SRV4 (1974)

Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESV) is the designation for experimental concept cars which are used to test car safety ideas.

In 1970 the U.S. DOT announced its ESV project, the aim of which is to obtain safer vehicles by 1980. [1]

In 1991, the ESV abbreviation was backronymed to Enhanced Safety of Vehicles. [2]

[edit] Some ESVs

Aurora, a one-man effort 1957 ESV.
Austin Metro PSC1 (Pedestrian Safety Car One), 1986 [3].
BLMC SSV -Safety Systems Vehicle- series [4].
- SSV1 Based on the MG MGB (1972).
- SSV2 Based on the Morris Marina (1974).
- SSV3 Based on the BMC ADO 17 Austin 1800 badge engineered family.
- SSV4 Based on the Mini.
- SSV5 Based on the BMC ADO 16 Austin/Morris 1300, featuring an innovative spring-loaded pedestrian-catching bar.
Chrysler RSV -Research Safety Vehicle- based on the Simca 1307 [5].
Datsun ESV (1973), based on the Nissan Bluebird. [6].
Fiat ESV 1500 libbre, 2000 libbre and 2500 libbre (libbre meaning pounds in italian) (1971)Gallery [7].
Mercedes-Benz ESV24 (1974) [8].
Nissan 216X (1971) [9]
Pininfarina PF Sigma (1963)[10]
Pininfarina Sigma (1969), a Formula 1 ESV [11]
Pininfarina Nido (2004), featuring a sled-mounted survival cell with interior crumple zones [12].
Renault BRV -Basic Research Vehicle- (1974).
Renault Epure, based on the Renault 5 (1979).
Volvo VESC (1972).
Volvo SCC (2001).
Volkswagen ESVW1 (1972) [13].

ESVs should not be confused with safety cars.

NHTSA Page of ESV Conference Proceedings, 1998 (16th) to 2009 (21st): http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-01/esv/esv.html

Collection of technical PDFs about ESVs including Proceedings from several older ESV Conferences.