14 Things That Were Once in Every Car But Are Gone Now
Car interiors have changed a lot over the decades, shedding once-standard features in favor of sleeker tech and streamlined designs. What used to be everyday elements of driving are now either outdated or completely forgotten.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
From manual gadgets to forgotten storage spots, cars once came equipped with all sorts of things that modern vehicles no longer include. Many were replaced by digital technology, while others faded as safety and convenience standards evolved. Though they’re no longer around, these features tell the story of how people used to drive, travel, and even entertain themselves on the road. Remembering them gives a new appreciation for how cars used to function.
1. Cigarette lighters and ashtrays
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Once found in every car, these were standard equipment, even in the back seats. Drivers and passengers smoked freely, and manufacturers included lighters as part of the dashboard. Today, they’ve largely disappeared due to health concerns and lifestyle changes. Ashtrays have been replaced by cup holders or storage bins.
2. Manual window cranks
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Before power windows became standard, you had to roll your windows up by turning a crank. It was a simple system but required effort, especially in large vehicles. Kids today might not even recognize what these handles were for. They’ve been replaced almost entirely by electric controls.
3. Bench seats in the front
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Front bench seats allowed three passengers to sit up front comfortably. Common in older sedans and trucks, they offered lots of room but little support. Safety features like center airbags and seat belts made them obsolete. Most cars now have bucket seats with a center console instead.
4. Cassette players
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In the ’80s and ’90s, having a cassette deck was essential for music on the road. Drivers made mixtapes or listened to albums one side at a time. As CDs and streaming took over, cassette players quietly disappeared. Now they’re mostly found in collector cars or storage bins.
5. Car phone antennas
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Before cell phones were truly mobile, car phones were installed directly into vehicles. These required visible antennas mounted on the roof or trunk. They were a status symbol at the time, reserved for businesspeople or the wealthy. Eventually, mobile phones made the built-in versions unnecessary.
6. Pop-up headlights
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These headlights hid away during the day and flipped up at night, adding style to sports cars. They were once popular for their futuristic look. However, changes in safety and aerodynamics led to their decline. Now they’re considered a classic feature of retro designs.
7. Hand choke levers
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Older vehicles often required manual adjustment of the air-fuel mixture during cold starts. Drivers used a choke lever to make this happen before turning the key. Fuel injection systems have made this step completely unnecessary. Most drivers today have never needed to use one.
8. Full-size spare tires
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Cars once came with a full spare tire in the trunk, ready for emergencies. These days, most vehicles include smaller space-saver spares or tire repair kits. The change helps save space and weight but sacrifices convenience. Long trips used to feel safer with a full-size backup.
9. Floor-mounted high-beam switches
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Drivers used to control high beams with a switch near the clutch on the floor. It required a stomp of the foot instead of a flick of the hand. The design made sense for older car layouts but became awkward as interiors changed. Steering column stalks took over the job.
10. Map pockets stuffed with paper maps
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Before GPS, glove compartments and map pockets overflowed with state and city road maps. Long trips required planning, folding, and sometimes pulling over to check directions. Getting lost was a common occurrence during travel. Digital navigation has made paper maps nearly obsolete.
11. Vent windows (wing windows)
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Small triangular windows that could be opened independently for airflow were once a common feature. They were perfect for ventilation without blasting the main windows. Over time, they disappeared as air conditioning became standard. Now they’re a signature feature of vintage cars only.
12. Column shifters
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Gear shifts used to be mounted on the steering column, especially in older sedans and trucks. It freed up space on the floor and was a unique part of the driving experience. Today, most cars use center console shifters or push-button systems. Column shifters are mostly found in classics or specific trucks.
13. Hood ornaments
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Luxury and even regular cars often sported hood ornaments as a design centerpiece. They were a symbol of brand pride and visual flair. Due to safety concerns and changing aesthetics, they’ve largely disappeared. Modern vehicles opt for flush emblems instead.
14. Pull-out car stereos
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In the ’80s and ’90s, car stereos were removable to prevent theft. Drivers would pull them out and carry them like a briefcase. As in-dash systems became more integrated and alarms more common, this trend faded. The idea now seems almost comedic, but it once made total sense.