Air suspension, a technological marvel that revolutionized the automotive industry, has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the early 20th century. From its humble beginnings to its widespread adoption in modern vehicles, air suspension has undergone remarkable advancements and innovations, shaping the way we experience comfort, stability, and performance on the road. Let’s embark on a journey through time to explore the evolution of air suspension.

Early Developments (1900s):

air suspension pre conception frame

The roots of air suspension can be traced back to the early 1900s when engineers began experimenting with pneumatic springs as a means of improving ride comfort and vehicle stability. In 1901, Archibald Sharp applied for a patent to provide air suspension on bicycles, laying the groundwork for future innovations. By 1909, Air Springs Ltd began producing A.S.L. motorcycles equipped with pneumatic suspension at the front and rear, demonstrating the early adoption of this technology in automotive applications, which was uncommon in motorcycles at that time. However, the production of these motorcycles ceased in 1914.

Commercialization and Expansion (1920s-1950s):

air-oil pneumatic suspention

In the 1920s, the first known use of air suspension was recorded when George Messier provided aftermarket pneumatic suspension systems. This marked a significant milestone in the development of air suspension technology. In 1946, William Bushnell Strout built a non-production prototype Stout Scarab including a four-wheel independent air suspension system, demonstrating the potential for advanced suspension systems in automobiles.

World War II and Post-War Era (1930s-1950s):

air lift perform car

During World War II, the United States developed air suspension for heavy aircraft, aiming to save weight through compact construction, laying the foundation for its use in commercial vehicles. Air systems were utilized in heavy trucks and aircraft to achieve self-leveling suspension during the war. In the 1950s, air suspension started to be used in passenger cars, marking a significant shift towards its integration into mainstream automotive production.

Commercialization and Expansion (1950s-1970s):

air lift for cars and trucks

During the 1950s, significant advancements in air suspension technology were observed. Companies such as the Air Lift Company patented rubber air spring that could be inserted into a car’s factory coil springs. The air springs were also commonly used on NASCAR race cars for many years. It can expand into the spaces in the coil spring, keeping the factory spring from fully compressing, and the vehicle from sagging. General Motors also built experience on its World War II experience and introduced air suspension as standard equipment on the new 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, further popularizing the technology.

In 1955, Paul Mages designed the Citroen DS, featuring an advanced air suspension system that utilized a hydraulic pump to pressurize air and control the suspension’s ride height and stiffness. The system was groundbreaking and provided a level of comfort and handling that was unmatched by traditional suspension systems. In 1956, air suspension was used on EMD’s experimental Aerotrain.

In the 1950s, air suspension began to be utilized in passenger cars, with Buick introducing “Air-Poised Suspension” and offering optional “Air Ride” systems on all models. In the same year, the system continued on Eldorado Brougham and offered extra cost options on other Cadillacs. The Air Suspension System was available on Ramble Ambassadors and all American Motors “Cross Country” station wagon models, but the American Motors (AMC) discontinued in 1960.

Innovation and Refinement (1960s-1980s):

semi-active air suspension

The 1960s marked a period of significant innovation and refinement in air suspension technology. Although air suspension was not included in the standard production of American-built cars between 1960 and 1963, notable advancements occurred during this time.

In 1960, the first German Car with self-leveling air suspension came – The Bogward P 100. The Mercedes-Benz also introduced air suspension in the W112 platform in 1962, followed by the incorporation of larger air springs in the Mercedes-Benz 600 in 1964. In 1965, Citroen developed a system that incorporated self-leveling suspension on the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, showcasing collaborations and advancements in suspension technology across different automotive brands. Moreover, in 1975, the Mercedes Benz 450SEL 6.9 incorporated hydropneumatic suspension technology after the patents on the technology had expired. This design replaced the expensive, complex, and problematic compressed air system that was still used on the 600 models until 1984.

Advancements and Accessibility (1980s):

ECA suspension

By the 1980s, air suspension became more common in cars, with Ford Motor Company incorporating a new design as a feature on the Lincoln Continental Mark VII in 1984. This system used a simple air compressor to pressurize the air and control the suspension’s ride height and stiffness, making air suspension more accessible in mainstream vehicles. This marked a significant step towards democratizing air suspension technology and paved the way for other manufacturers to start offering air suspension as an option in their cars. In 1986, Nissan installed airbag modifications to MacPherson Struts on the Cedric and Gloria. In 1989, Arnott Air Suspension Products was founded, further expanding the availability and manufacturing plant for dedicated to Air Suspension.

Modern Advancements (1990s-Present):

mercedes air suspension

The 1990s and 2000s saw manufacturers introducing new features and improvements to air suspension systems. Dunlop Systems Coventry UK pioneered Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) for off-road vehicles in 1990, further enhancing the versatility and performance of air suspension. The system was first fitted to 93MY Land Rover Range Rover.

In 1992, Mercedes-Benz introduced the Active Body Control (ABC) system, which used hydraulic servos to control the suspension’s movements and provide an even smoother ride. It was a significant advancement in air suspension technology and it quickly became a popular feature in high-end luxury cars.

In 1998, Cadillac introduced the MagneRide suspension system, utilizing magnetorheological fluid to adjust the suspension’s stiffness in real time. The MagneRide system was a significant breakthrough in suspension technology, and it provided a level of control and handling that was unmatched by any other system at the time. The system quickly became a popular feature in sports cars and high-performance vehicles.

In 2002, the GMT 360 Trail Blazer SUV featured rear air assist air suspension with Dunlop air springs and integrated Wabco control system, showcasing continued innovation in the field, and followed by the GM H2 HUMMER featured an optional rear air suspension system with a dual compressor control system from Dunlop in 2005. In 2013, the Tesla Model S began offering height-adjustable air suspension, highlighting the ongoing evolution of air suspension technology in modern vehicles.

In the past decades, air suspension systems have continued to evolve, with advancements such as electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS) for off-road vehicles and height-adjustable systems becoming increasingly common. Today, air suspension is a popular feature in many modern vehicles, offering drivers unparalleled comfort, stability, and performance on the road.

From its humble beginnings to its widespread adoption in modern vehicles, air suspension has undergone a remarkable journey of innovation and advancement. What started as a simple concept in the early 20th century has transformed into a sophisticated technology that enhances the driving experience for millions of motorists worldwide. As automotive technology continues to progress, we can expect air suspension systems to evolve further, offering even greater levels of comfort, safety, and performance on the road.

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