IN-CAR RECORD PLAYERS

Car audio has become so advanced that even the once ultra-modern CD player is often relegated to a slot in the glove compartment in some newer models, replaced by a shiny satnav console featuring DAB radio and a Bluetooth connection to Spotify via your phone. Yes, it’s just too much trouble to change CDs nowadays, and of course, they can skip on a bumpy journey. But with the vinyl revival, might we see in-car record decks? That’s not a crazy audiophile fantasy, as in the 1950s you could actually get a car with a turntable built in. Now, I know what you’re thinking. But these players apparently did work – after a fashion, anyway. The main disadvantage was that early models - fitted to Chrysler cars (and not removeable for re pair) only ran at Thrpm -so only specially-produced records could be played. However, no sooner had the Highway Hi-Fi disappeared than RCA Records designed their awn in-car system with George Harrison and Muhammad Ali roped into advertise them. They slot-loaded like a CD, and the stylus, apparently, managed to remain in the groove - thanks to a massive weight on the tone arm, which would unforunately ruin your precious vinyl pretty quickly. And, while its prede- cessor would play records lasting well over an hour, T' singles are usually done in three minutes, requiring a frantic change of tunes at the lights, or some life-endangering DJ skills to switch discs. Happily ,the in-car deck died a death before any celebrities did...