I think my favorite speedometer design of old was on my grandparents' Oldmobile (late 60s/early 70s?), which was a horizontal bar that extended to the right to go under the different MPH markers — and changed color from green to more ruddy tones as you passed different milestones.
But these are fun, too.
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Chevrolet speedometer design
The evolution of Chevrolet speedometer design. From analogue meters from the 1940s to the digital versions from the 2010s.
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Noticed nonlinearity as speeds rose in some. Makes very little difference if you're going 110 or 130 – either one will land you in jail or the morgue. But a lot of difference between 20 and 40 in a school zone.
I always like the classic Smiths Speedometers from the 50’s and 60’s. Classic and simple.
Dear Speedometer Makers: Please use all the tens, not just every twenty. Given that most speeds are increments of five, interpolating the three ticks between 60 and 80 is distracting.
Also, the guy who thought, since the national speed limit was 55, we should have all of the numbers showing that end in 5 … please retire, if you've not already.
@George They all looked pretty even to my eyeball, at least at a glance. But, yeah, the importance of those 5 or 10 or 20mph at low speeds is a lot greater.