Side Access Panels on 1957 Thunderbird

Why are there matching access panels between the doors and the front wheel wells on either side of the mid-1950's Thunderbird convertibles?

Those are fresh air vents for inside the passenger area. It was thought that extra air brought in through those vents would circumvent the over windshield swirl, especially for women with long hair having it blow into their faces. So at highway speeds you were suppose to open them up to scoop in more air to flow at you and against the wind coming from behind. Didn't really do much for that as I can remember.

Thanks 65!