These elements are trim items positioned on the entrance of a automobile, overlaying the world the place the door body meets the ground. Usually constructed from steel or plastic, they typically characteristic branding or ornamental parts. As an example, many Basic Motors automobiles manufactured through the mid-Twentieth century had these protecting and aesthetically pleasing additions bearing the mark of a outstanding coachbuilder.
The presence of those elements served a number of functions. Functionally, they protected the underlying rocker panel from put on and tear brought on by ingress and egress. Aesthetically, they added a contact of refinement to the automobile’s inside, signaling high quality and a focus to element. Their connection to a traditionally vital automotive physique producer additional enhanced the perceived worth and status of the car.