15 ’80s Custom Car Trends That Are No Longer Seen
The 1980s were a vibrant time for car culture, when drivers turned their vehicles into personal statements of style and individuality. Many of the decade’s signature modifications, however, have disappeared from today’s car scene, replaced by more streamlined and subtle trends.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
The 1980s were a bold and unique time for the automotive world, filled with custom trends that pushed the boundaries of design and self-expression. Car enthusiasts embraced flashy aesthetics, high-tech gimmicks, and experimental upgrades that defined the decade’s culture. Many of those trends have since faded from the mainstream, replaced by sleeker, more modern preferences. Exploring these past styles gives us insight into how far car customization has evolved and what we’ve left behind in the rearview mirror.
1. Louvered Rear Windows
Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
Rear window louvers were a popular accessory for sports cars like the Ford Mustang and Pontiac Firebird. They were seen as a way to reduce sunlight and glare while adding a futuristic, muscle-car look. Although they appeared functional, their main appeal was aesthetic. Today’s designs favor clean lines and open views, making louvers feel outdated. Modern aerodynamics and rear visibility concerns have made them a rare sight.
2. Digital Dashboards with Green and Red LED Displays
Alina Rossoshanska on pexels
Digital dashboards were all the rage in the ’80s, often featuring bright LED numbers in green or red. These flashy displays aimed to give cars a futuristic, aircraft-like appearance. While innovative at the time, they lacked the sophistication and clarity of today’s high-resolution digital clusters. Their clunky graphics and limited functionality haven’t aged well. Current drivers prefer customizable, full-color displays with intuitive interfaces.
3. Excessive Chrome Trim
Markus Spiske on pexels
Chrome was everywhere in the ’80s, from grilles and bumpers to mirrors and door handles. The shiny, reflective surfaces were meant to scream luxury and flashiness. However, chrome adds weight and is prone to tarnish, making it less practical in modern car design. Today’s vehicles lean toward matte finishes and blacked-out trim. Sleek and subtle has replaced bright and loud.
4. T-Tops and Removable Roof Panels
Geni Hoka on pexels
T-tops gave drivers the thrill of open-air driving without going full convertible. They were especially popular on muscle cars and sports coupes. Unfortunately, T-tops were notorious for leaking and compromising structural integrity. As safety regulations and build quality improved, T-tops became obsolete. Panoramic sunroofs and retractable hardtops have since taken their place.
5. Pop-Up Headlights
chickenbunny on Pexels
Pop-up headlights were a symbol of cool and sleek car design in the ’80s. Their retractable feature added mystery and aerodynamic appeal. However, the mechanical complexity often led to malfunctions and higher repair costs. Safety regulations and pedestrian protection laws eventually phased them out. Today’s lighting is integrated seamlessly into vehicle design.
6. Velour Upholstery
CZmarlin on Wikimedia
Velour interiors were once seen as the height of comfort and luxury. The soft, plush fabric gave cars a lounge-like feel. Unfortunately, velour wore out quickly and was hard to clean. Leather and synthetic materials now offer better durability and modern appeal. Most manufacturers have long since abandoned velour for more practical options.
7. Two-Tone Paint Jobs
CZmarlin on Wikimedia
Two-tone paint schemes were stylish and distinctive, giving cars extra visual flair. This trend was especially common in luxury sedans and trucks. Over time, the extra cost and complexity of painting cars in two tones became a disadvantage. Single-color finishes with metallic or pearl effects became more desirable. Modern trends favor simplicity and subtlety over flashiness.
8. Ground Effects Kits
Ariadne Barroso on Pexels
Ground effects kits, including side skirts and bumper extensions, were used to give cars a lowered, race-ready appearance. They were often made from plastic and sometimes poorly fitted, leading to durability issues. While visually dramatic, they did little for actual performance. Modern cars use factory-designed aerodynamic elements that improve efficiency and handling. The aftermarket kits of the ’80s have largely fallen out of style.
9. Hood Scoops on Non-Performance Cars
Markus Spiske on Pexels
Hood scoops once symbolized raw power and aggressive design. In the ’80s, many non-performance cars adopted fake scoops purely for looks. These added no real function and often confused buyers. As buyers became more informed, the demand for non-functional features declined. Now, performance cues are reserved for cars that actually deliver.
10. Gold-Plated Badges and Trim
Mathias Reding on pexels
Gold accents were a mark of opulence on cars during the ’80s. Brands like Cadillac and Buick offered factory gold packages with badges and grille highlights. While they stood out, gold trim quickly faded or clashed with other exterior features. The trend began to feel excessive rather than refined. Today’s premium trims rely on brushed metal or black chrome for elegance.
11. Wire Wheel Hubcaps
Mario Amé on Pexels
Wire wheel hubcaps tried to emulate true wire wheels at a fraction of the cost. They were commonly seen on luxury cars and lowriders. Unfortunately, they often rattled, came loose, or were stolen. Their imitation look also failed to hold up under close inspection. Alloy wheels and performance rims have since replaced them entirely.
12. Boxy Body Kits
Clément Proust on Pexels
Square body kits were used to exaggerate the already boxy shapes of ’80s cars. These kits gave vehicles a blocky, muscular appearance. However, they disrupted airflow and increased drag, affecting performance. The rise of wind tunnel-tested design made these outdated. Fluid, aerodynamic shapes are now favored across all segments.
13. Color-Matched Interior Trim
Mike Bird on Pexles
Matching your dashboard, steering wheel, and door panels to the exterior color was once seen as a bold statement. Bright reds, blues, and greens turned many cabins into a sea of monochrome. Though eye-catching, these interiors often felt overwhelming and visually dated. Modern interiors emphasize contrast, texture, and sophistication. Neutral palettes now dominate interior design choices.
14. Rear Spoilers on Sedans
Mohit Hambiria on pexels
Spoilers were added to sedans to give them a sportier, aggressive edge. In most cases, they served no aerodynamic purpose. The trend was fueled more by aesthetics than performance. As car buyers grew more informed, these features were viewed as gimmicky. Contemporary sedans are designed with subtle styling cues and minimal add-ons.
15. Car Phones and Antennas
M&W Studios on Pexels
Car phones were the ultimate status symbol in the ’80s, often mounted on the center console. Large antennas drilled into fenders completed the executive look. However, with the rise of mobile technology, these features have become obsolete. Bluetooth and smartphone integration now dominate in-car communication. The once-coveted car phone is now a nostalgic relic.