15 ’80s Car Accessories That Are No Longer Made
Take a nostalgic ride through 15 unforgettable ’80s car accessories that vanished with time.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The ’80s were a golden age of quirky car accessories that defined its generation of drivers. These items made every car feel like a rolling personality statement. Today, most have disappeared from shelves — but their legacy lives on in memory.
1. Graphic Equalizer Light Bars
StockCake
These dashboard-mounted bars pulsated with color to match your music’s rhythm. They gave off a high-tech club vibe even during the daily commute. Though purely aesthetic, they were beloved by car audio fans.
2. Fuzzy Dice
Tim Vrtiska on Flickr
Hanging fuzzy dice became a symbol of fun and rebellion. They came in neon colors and leopard prints, reflecting the era’s flair. Though originally a ’50s trend, they reached peak popularity in the ’80s.
3. Removable Sunroofs
Herranderssvensson on Wikimedia Commons
Manual sunroofs required serious arm strength to lift off and store. They were prone to leaks but offered a taste of convertible life without the cost. Some even had tinted plexiglass panels.
4. Velour Seat Covers
Wikimedia Commons
Soft and luxurious, velour seat covers came in wild patterns like burgundy or electric blue. They made even the dullest sedan feel like a lounge. However, they trapped heat and collected lint.
5. Cigarette Lighters with Built-In Ashtrays
Santeri Viinamäki on Wikimedia Commons
Almost every car had a spring-loaded cigarette lighter next to a full ashtray. Drivers smoked freely without a second thought. The decline in smoking habits made these relics disappear.
6. Car Phones (Hardwired Models)
Shane K on Flickr
Before cell phones became pocket-sized, cars came with giant, wired car phones. They were pricey and screamed “executive” status. Calls were often dropped and sound quality was terrible.
7. Sheepskin Seat Covers
TCL 1961 on Flickr
These fluffy covers were all about comfort during long drives. They helped regulate seat temperature but were a pain to clean. Popular in both cold and hot climates, they faded as new materials took over.
8. Cassette Tape Organizers
Yeremia Ganda on Pexels
A plastic case filled with mix tapes sat proudly on your center console or visor. Some even spun around like lazy Susans for easier access. With CDs, MP3s, and streaming, tapes became ancient tech.
9. Pop-Up Headlights
Bradley De Melo on Pexels
Cars like the Pontiac Fiero and Corvette rocked pop-up headlights for sleek styling. They added drama every time you turned them on. However, they were mechanically complex and often failed over time.
10. Window Louvers
Nick Ares on Wikimedia Commons
Louvers covered rear windows with slatted shades to block sunlight and look sporty. They added a muscle car vibe even to mundane vehicles. Cleaning under them was a hassle, though.
11. CB Radios
Zuzu on Wikimedia Commons
Citizen Band radios were all the rage, thanks to trucker culture and road trip movies. Drivers used them to chat, warn about cops, or just kill time. CBs required licenses and proper etiquette.
12. Steering Wheel Spinners (Suicide Knobs)
CZmarlin on Wikimedia Commons
These little knobs let you steer with one hand — ideal for parking lots and tight turns. Though useful, they were also considered dangerous in crashes. Once banned in many places, they’re mostly gone today.
13. Retractable Antennas
Sinitta Leunen on Pexels
At the turn of the key, these antennas gracefully rose from the fender. It was a small show of automotive magic. However, they bent easily and often got stuck.
14. Car Bras
melted_snowball on Flickr
Made of vinyl, car bras covered the front bumper to protect the paint from chips. They gave cars a sporty look but trapped moisture underneath. That led to rust and paint damage — oops.
15. Dashboard Compass
Esteban Szczipnyj on Pexels
Mounted on the dash, these compasses helped drivers find their way long before GPS. They often wobbled or pointed the wrong way. Still, they added a rugged, explorer feel to any car.