I used to think that too. But in reality the new cars are designed to protect the driver and passengers at all costs. It is called the 'crumple zone' and it is designed to absorb the impact so no matter what happens to the rest of the car the occupants are protected. These old Firebirds are not as safe as you would think. My daughter in a 1979 Formula had a head-on with a 1990 something Grand Am and the Firebird suffered the worst with her being injured. Collapsible steering columns, seat belts, air bags, padded dash, safety glass windshields, all add up to a better survival rate for collisions. Watch this video. A 'classic' Chevy vs a late model Chevy. Take note of the steering column on the '59. It turns into a lance with the driver the target. When I said the '67 column was collapsed it is because my friend was racing a Camaro, lost control, and hit a bridge abutment. He was flung down under the dash and suffered a broken arm and major bruising. But he survived. The steering column took the blow and did it's job. So if I can fix it I will, or try to get the 2nd gen to work. As I got older and fatter I appreciate a tilt wheel a lot more. 1959 vs 2009