15 Retro Car Features from the ’70s That Disappeared
Cars in the 1970s had features that were once normal but have completely disappeared from modern vehicles.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
The 1970s was a unique time for car design and technology. Many features that seemed standard back then are no longer used today, replaced by more efficient and safer alternatives. This list looks back at real features that were common in that decade but are now gone.
1. Bench Seats
CZmarlin on Wikimedia Commons
Bench seats in the front row were common in the 1970s, especially in American cars. These wide seats could fit three people across and were often used in family sedans and trucks. As center consoles, airbags, and individual seat designs became standard, bench seats began to disappear. Today, they are rarely seen in any modern passenger vehicle.
2. Crank Windows
Santeri Viinamäki on Wikimedia Commons
Manual window cranks were a basic feature in most cars during the 1970s. Drivers had to rotate a handle to roll windows up or down. As power windows became more affordable and reliable, they replaced crank handles in nearly all cars. Now, crank windows are mostly found in vintage or economy models from decades ago.
3. Ashtrays and Lighters
CZmarlin on Wikimedia Commons
Smoking was socially accepted and very common in the 1970s, so cars were built with ashtrays and cigarette lighters. These were usually located on the dashboard or inside the doors. As smoking in public places declined and health concerns grew, these features started to be removed. Today, most cars do not include built-in ashtrays or lighters unless requested.
4. Chrome Trim
CZmarlin on Wikimedia Commons
Chrome was used heavily in car exteriors, especially for bumpers, mirrors, and grills. It was considered stylish and gave cars a shiny, polished appearance. However, chrome added extra weight and required constant care to avoid rust or fading. Modern vehicles now use lighter, more durable materials with painted or plastic finishes.
5. Fake Wood Paneling
dave_7 on Wikimedia Commons
Some station wagons and sedans in the 1970s had vinyl woodgrain paneling on their sides or interiors. This design was meant to make cars look more luxurious or rustic. Over time, these panels were known to fade, crack, or peel from sun exposure. Manufacturers eventually stopped using them because of changing design preferences and quality issues.
6. Manual Choke Controls
Don O’Brien on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1970s, many cars used carburetors and had manual choke levers to help start the engine in cold weather. The driver had to pull or adjust the choke manually to control the air-fuel mix. When electronic fuel injection systems became common in the 1980s and 1990s, manual chokes were no longer needed. Modern engines now adjust automatically without driver input.
7. Opera Windows
CZmarlin on Wikimedia Commons
Opera windows were small, fixed windows placed behind the rear side windows, often in two-door coupes. They were added for decoration and did not serve a functional purpose. By the 1980s, these windows were mostly removed from new car designs. They are now considered outdated and unnecessary.
8. Velour Upholstery
CZmarlin on Wikimedia Commons
Velour was a popular choice for car interiors in the 1970s, offering a soft, textured fabric for seats and panels. It was available in bright colors and patterns that matched the style of the time. However, velour wore out quickly and was hard to clean. Newer materials like leather and synthetic fabrics became more popular because they lasted longer and were easier to maintain.
9. Lack of Headrests
Finoskov on Wikimedia Commons
Many early 1970s cars did not have proper headrests, or they had very small ones that were not adjustable. This lack of support increased the risk of neck injuries during rear-end collisions. As safety regulations improved, headrests became mandatory and were redesigned to meet crash standards. Today, adjustable headrests are required in most modern vehicles.
10. Pop-Up Headlights
Phil_Parker on Wikimedia Commons
Pop-up headlights were a design trend used in sports cars and some sedans during the 1970s. These headlights stayed hidden when not in use and lifted when turned on. Over time, they were phased out because they were prone to mechanical failure and did not meet modern lighting standards. Fixed headlights are now more reliable and efficient.
11. Metal Dashboards
AIMHO’S REBELLION 8490s on Wikimedia Commons
Many cars from the early 1970s had metal dashboards with painted or vinyl-covered surfaces. These dashboards could cause serious injury during accidents. As vehicle safety improved, padded dashboards became the new standard. Today’s cars use softer materials and are designed to reduce injury during impact.
12. T-Top Roofs
Robert Stinnett on Wikimedia Commons
T-tops featured removable glass or metal panels over the driver and passenger seats, supported by a solid bar in the middle. This design gave drivers the feel of a convertible without losing structural support. They were popular in sports cars but often had issues with leaking and wind noise. Car makers later switched to sunroofs and full convertibles instead.
13. Cassette Players
FMVBIBLO on Wikimedia Commons
Cassette players were the main in-car entertainment system in the 1970s. Drivers could listen to their own music by inserting a tape and using physical buttons to rewind or fast forward. As CDs, MP3s, and digital streaming became common, cassette decks were removed from production. Today, very few vehicles include any form of tape player.
14. Hidden Fuel Doors
Sicnag on Wikimedia Commons
Some cars in the 1970s had fuel filler doors hidden behind license plates or rear trim pieces. These hidden spots gave the exterior a cleaner look but could be hard to find or access. They also made refueling less convenient and were phased out over time. Now, fuel doors are clearly visible and designed for easy use.
15. Hood Ornaments
Naioli on Wikimedia Commons
Many cars had decorative hood ornaments on the front of the hood as a symbol of style or brand identity. These were often made of metal and featured logos, animals, or custom designs. Over time, they became less common due to pedestrian safety concerns and theft. Most new cars now use flat badges instead.