Crash-test dummies Vince and Larry become Smithsonian relics after inspiring toys, cartoons

Crash dummies Vince and Larry become museum pieces

WASHINGTON — The crash-test dummies who promoted auto safety for 25 years in public service TV ads are headed to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is donating auto safety objects to the museum Wednesday, along with General Motors and Volvo.

The collection includes several costumes and “severed limbs” from Vince and Larry, the famous crash-test dummies. Their popularity inspired toy lines, cartoons and even a video game.

The donation also includes a real GM crash-test dummy, a three-point safety belt from a 1961 Volvo and an energy-absorbing steering column from a 1967 Chevrolet.