[freebeard]

automadesimply.com/cars/why-are-fender-mirrors-so-popular-in-japan/

Conclusion
Fender mirrors have evolved from a safety innovation of the 1960s into an enduring fixture of Japanese automotive culture. This is a story of how regulation and necessity fostered tradition.

Beyond improving visibility, fender mirrors now encapsulate the look and feel of Japanese cars. Their aesthetic design and customization make fender mirrors artistic expressions. They also represent a beloved driving culture.

Yet as iconic as they’ve become, fender mirrors steadily adapt as well. Digital integration and camera-fed displays show how fender mirrors blend innovation with heritage.

All told, no single car part better symbolizes the ingenuity and passion of Japanese automotive identity than the culture’s iconic fender mirrors. They are a unique blend of safety, style, and history unlikely to fade anytime soon from Japanese streets.

Also, from theSamba: www.thesamba.com/vw/forum: Albert swan neck mirrors history?

Popular in Scandinavian countries in the 1950s, reproductions today. Prone to vibration but good for blind spots.