OT: red mark on speedometers

[rob101]

Can anyone tell me what the point of the Red marks on German Speedos around 50-60 kph is for. this is an example on a 911 speedo
http://www.freetechnics.fi/kuvat/911SPEEDO240KMH.JPG
and another on a 300CE-24 speedo
http://images.carsales.com.au/private/1882191.jpg
But i have seen them on many german built car's speedometers. I always thought it was the redline in 1st gear but i am not so sure anymore.

[Fetch]

Back from when 55mph was recommended for fuel economy and safety. Obviously stupid as hell. :rolls eyes:

edit: I'm sure there's more in depth better info about it, lemme look :)

[rob101]

Back from when 55mph was recommended for fuel economy and safety. Obviously stupid as hell. :rolls eyes:

edit: I'm sure there's more in depth better info about it, lemme look :)
yes except that 55 kph does not equal 55 mph and these are also found on OPEL astra's a car that has never been sold into america.
and that both the previously mentioned speedos were in Km's as for why american speed limits would end up on metric speedometers I can't really see that as an adequate explanation.

[Denton]

Odd...I have that red mark at 55 (when America was limited to 55) but never heard of it on a kilo car.

[rob101]

that is also a mark at 50 kph on the 911's speedo not 55.

[Derek A.]

I think that is the default speed limit on city roads in Europe.

[Fetch]

I think that is the default speed limit on city roads in Europe.

Yep, that's what it looks like, 50kph in built up areas.

Here's a French page, not sure of the authenticity/up-to-date-ness of it.

http://www.safetravel.co.uk/FrenchSpeedLimits.html

[Jr ///M5]

It was the mid seventies when the first real energy crunch came along for the US. The speed limit was reduced to 55 mph from 70-75 across the nation in an effort to conserve fuel. All speedometers were marked at the magic 55 number as a reminder.

I remember gas stations running out of fuel. During a trip home one time, I was about to run out of gas on the outskirts of St. Louis and passed 15 stations that were closed because they had ran out of gas too. Until finally, one station was open and had gasoline, I pulled in, got in line and waited my turn.

Stations would close down on Sundays as to curtail the legendary Sunday Drives. If I remember right, gas was around .75 cents a gallon at the time.