For what its worth, up until 1970-71, vacuum operated things in cars (locks and and I think windows) were not uncommon, even beyond that, up until basically the start of the current era (2010), vacuum operated air conditioning systems (to change the flow of air) were the norm too (I suspect they still are on ICE cars). In addition, most cars with concealed headlights used vacuum motors to open and close them.

Furthermore, windshield wipers were not infrequently powered by the power steering system, rather than electrically driven. High torque electric motors in a small enough package and affordable enough didn't exist until the late 60's.