golf clubs without removing the spare tire. The 1956 Thunderbird had its spare tire mounted outside. However, adding weight behind the rear wheels was said to adversely affect steering and handling. For 1957 the Thunderbird's trunk was stretched to allow the spare tire to migrate back inside, although the continental mounting was still optional. This external spare wheel mount became a customizing aftermarket appearance accessory during the 1950s. In the United States, the external continental tire mounting was a factory option on various types of cars during the 1950s and early 1960s. On some smaller models – such as on the Nash Metropolitan and Jeepster Commando – the continental tire was a standard feature. The two-passenger Nash Metropolitan's rear-mounted spare tire was more convenient because access to the trunk was by folding down the seatback on the early (1954 through 1958) models. The large-sized 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser was the top-of-the-line model and included what Ford described a "Dream Car Spare Tire Carrier" among its many standard features. The car's rear bumper was often extended and the tire had a fabric or metal cover. The bracket for the spare wheel was designed to swing away for access to the trunk. Manufacturers included continental tire mounts for their perceived "distinctiveness" as well as a means to increase luggage space in the trunk, such as on all the 1954 Nash Custom models. The Jeep DJ was available in a "Surrey Gala" appearance package from 1959 until 1964. Included was a fringed top, seats, and a continental tire mount with a colorful vinyl-coated fabric covers in "candy stripes" of pink, green, or blue to match the car's body colors. Simulated continental tire Automotive historians also use this term to describe a nonfunctional circular bulge stamped into the trunk lid to give the impression of a spare tire. This design feature was popularized by several 1950s Italian-bodied Chrysler concept cars. The trunk lid bulge was later embraced by Chrysler designer Virgil Exner and incorporated on many cars such as the luxury 1957 Imperial as well as mass-market models such as the 1959 Plymouth Belvedere and included on the compact Plymouth Valiant by 1960. Some critics described this bulging styling element on the trunk lid as a "toilet seat." The Lincoln Continental Mark III in 1969 included a "bump" in its rear deck lid to vaguely substitute the original 1939 Lincoln Continental spare tire design.