The first seat belt was patented in 1885, but the three-point seat belt we all use today is a much more recent invention. It was the brainchild of Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin, who developed the life-saving device in 1959. In one of the greatest acts of commercial altruism, the manufacturer left the patent open in the interest of public safety, allowing all other car makers to use it for free. Although seat belts have been mandatory in new cars since 1965, it was not until 1983 that drivers and front seat passengers were legally required to use them in the UK. This driver is pictured wearing one of the old two-point seat belts in the early 60s, though his pet alligator is securely fastened in the back seat.placeholder image
The first seat belt was patented in 1885, but the three-point seat belt we all use today is a much more recent invention. It was the brainchild of Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin, who developed the life-saving device in 1959. In one of the greatest acts of commercial altruism, the manufacturer left the patent open in the interest of public safety, allowing all other car makers to use it for free. Although seat belts have been mandatory in new cars since 1965, it was not until 1983 that drivers and front seat passengers were legally required to use them in the UK. This driver is pictured wearing one of the old two-point seat belts in the early 60s, though his pet alligator is securely fastened in the back seat. | Getty Images

9 things it's hard to believe didn't exist in our lives before the 50s

Robert Cumber
By Robert Cumber

Property and retro writer

Published 17th Oct 2025, 16:40 BST

There are some things it’s hard to imagine life without these days.

Yet in some cases, these everyday products, from kitchen staples to office essentials, have been around a surprisingly short time.

Some have added flavour to our lives, others have speeded up daily tasks or made our roads safer.

In some cases, the technology took many years to develop, while other inventions were the result of a happy accident.

Below are nine everyday items we all take for granted today, but which didn’t exist before the 1950s.

What do you think was the greatest invention of the 50s or 60s, and why? And do you remember the days before any of these items existed?

The electric drill has been around since the late 19th century, but the cordless drill, freeing up DIY enthusiasts around the globe, is a much more recent invention. It was initially developed by Black and Decker in 1961 for industrial uses, before being modified for space missions. But it wasn't until 1978 that Makita produced the first lightweight, reliable, and affordable cordless drill for use by the general public.

9. Cordless electric drills

The electric drill has been around since the late 19th century, but the cordless drill, freeing up DIY enthusiasts around the globe, is a much more recent invention. It was initially developed by Black and Decker in 1961 for industrial uses, before being modified for space missions. But it wasn't until 1978 that Makita produced the first lightweight, reliable, and affordable cordless drill for use by the general public. | Getty Images Photo: John Franks

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