Yes, they used to be called asbestos shingles and still are by some. They were the vinyl siding of the 40's and 50's. These were 1/8" thick and in the 60's 1/4" thick ones were introduced. I don't believe any of the 1/4" thick ones ever contained any asbestos though for many years the 1/8" ones did. Both styles are still available today for replacement use though obviously none contain asbestos.
The 1/4" ones were really not bad and will last forever with little maintenance. James Hardie and others made the 1/4" thick style available in long lengths rather than individual shingles. Same thing, new twist. I think this was introduced and became popular on the west coast because of their fire resistant properties and is now becoming popular throughout the US as a vinyl upgrade.
-Hal
