The idea of a timeless car that never rusts sounds like a dream for every owner, but in the reality of mass production, stainless steel remains more of an exotic experiment than an industry standard. Although Ford proved back in the 1930s that a body made of such a material could outlast generations, the reasons why this metal does not dominate the conveyors are a complex mix of economics, physics and even human psychology.
The main obstacle lies in the incredible tenacity of the material during processing. Stainless steel is significantly harder and tougher than the standard low-carbon steel used in the industry. This means that the huge presses that shape the fenders and hoods wear out at breakneck speed, and the dies for the parts must be constantly replaced. The welding process also requires a specific environment and technology, which turns the production line into a costly logistical challenge, raising the final price of the car to the sky.
Aesthetics is another “pitfall” that scares marketing departments. Stainless steel is capricious to paint and is usually left in its natural metallic luster. This not only deprives buyers of color variety, but also turns maintenance into a nightmare - every touch leaves marks, and every small scratch is visible from miles away. If it gets hit in the parking lot, repair becomes an art. Traditional hammering and puttying do not work here; restoring the perfectly smooth surface of bare metal is so difficult that it is often easier (and cheaper) to replace the entire part.
Paradoxically, even the greatest advantage of the material - its eternity - is not in its favor. The automotive industry is built on life cycles. Most drivers replace their vehicles long before corrosion has caused fatal damage, and by then the interior, suspension, and electronics are already morally and physically obsolete. In a world where technology is developing at lightning speed, investing in a body that will last a hundred years simply doesn't seem logical to either manufacturers or consumers.