Cars in the 1960s were generally equipped with electronic turn signals, a technology originating from the relay-controlled flashing system first introduced by Buick in 1939. In the early 1950s, some vehicles still used mechanical turn indicators (such as retractable black movable plates) or manually operated signal lights, but by the 1960s, after Buick extended turn signals to the headlight position and implemented the auto-cancel function in 1940, electronic turn signals had become the mainstream configuration. Notably, some 1960s models still retained transitional mechanical signaling devices, but electronic turn signals dominated due to their higher reliability and convenient operation (integrated into the steering wheel's combination switch). The turn signals of this period predominantly used vane-type flashers that emitted a "clicking" sound during operation-a design feature later perpetuated through electronically simulated sound effects that continue to this day.
