No. They are fairly recent.
all cars have air bags
1995
2011
airbags
Airbags
Newer cars are equiped with new safety devices such as airbags, anti lock braking system, and seatbelts. Yes and older cars like my restoration haas no airbags
It's required by law.
Side impact airbags are there to reduce injuries to the head, neck and torso. Like front airbags they deploy instantly on impact. Side airbags deploy from the roof, door panels and seats. Furthermore, like front airbags the side airbags have reduced limb and torso injuries significantly and because of there safety record most new cars are now equipped with side airbags as standard equipment.
Airbags became a requirement for all new passenger vehicles in the United States starting with the 1999 model year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated that all cars and light trucks must be equipped with driver-side airbags, with passenger-side airbags becoming mandatory in 2000. Over the years, regulations have expanded to include additional safety features and requirements for various vehicle types.
1973 Oldsmobile toronado
In the 1950's an airbag system was developed, but in 1954 some government cars came with airbags. In 1988 Chrystler offered the first cars with airbags as standard equipment, but it wasn't until 1994 they were used widely. but they have always had mother in-laws
A small pyrotechnic (like gunpowder) charge.