16 Vintage Road Trip Accessories That Are No Longer Made
This list highlights 16 old-school road trip accessories that were once popular but are no longer made or used today.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
These vintage car accessories were once essential for road trips. Many of them added comfort, style, or just a bit of fun to long drives. They are no longer part of modern vehicles, but they still hold a special place in people’s memories. This list brings them back for a quick trip down memory lane.
1. Vent (Wing) Windows
Christopher Ziemnowicz on Wikimedia Commons
These little triangular windows near the front doors were once a clever way to let in fresh air without rolling down the main window. They were especially useful on hot days when air conditioning was not common. Now they are gone, replaced by full sealed windows and modern climate control.
2. Hand-Crank Windows
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Rolling down the window used to mean grabbing a handle and cranking it yourself. It gave drivers and passengers a bit of exercise every time they wanted air. Power windows made this task easier, but many miss the satisfying motion of the crank.
3. Metal Ignition Keys
Viraloutburst on Wikimedia Commons
Older cars started with a simple metal key that you had to insert and twist. There were no fobs or push buttons, just a mechanical connection that got things moving. The modern keyless systems are convenient, but they lack that old-school feel.
4. In-Dash Ashtrays
Christopher Ziemnowicz on Wikimedia Commons
Ashtrays were built right into the dashboard, and almost every car had one. Even people who did not smoke used them to store coins or small items. Today, these features are rare due to health concerns and changing habits.
5. Whip Radio Antennas
Zuzu on Wikimedia Commons
Long metal antennas once stuck out of car roofs like flags. They were easy to replace and sometimes fun to decorate with balls or mascots. Most cars now use short, built-in antennas that are more practical but less noticeable.
6. Locking Gas Caps
Christopher Ziemnowicz on Wikimedia Commons
These gas caps came with keys to stop people from stealing fuel. They were especially popular during times when gas prices were high or theft was common. Now that most cars have locking doors over the gas tank, the extra key is no longer needed.
7. Full-Size Spare Tires
Christopher Ziemnowicz on Wikimedia Commons
Trunks used to hold a full spare tire that matched the ones on the car. It gave peace of mind during long trips because you knew you could drive normally if you had a flat. Compact spares and repair kits have taken their place to save space and weight.
8. Vintage Steering-Wheel Covers
Biswarup Ganguly on Wikimedia Commons
These covers added style and made the wheel more comfortable to grip. Some were padded, while others were stitched in colorful patterns. Today’s steering wheels are usually built with comfort in mind, so the old covers have mostly disappeared.
9. Retro Seat Covers
Vasily Baranov on Wikimedia VC Commons
Seat covers used to come in fun designs like flowers, stripes, or fuzzy textures. They protected the original upholstery and gave the interior a personal touch. Now, cars have more built-in seat options, and decorative covers are not as common.
10. Chrome Exterior Mirrors
Bindydad123 on Wikimedia Commons
Older cars often had shiny chrome side mirrors that were both stylish and sturdy. They had a heavier look and often needed to be adjusted by hand. Modern mirrors are usually plastic and packed with features like heaters or blind spot sensors.
11. Folding Sun Shades
Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand on Wikimedia Commons
These shiny, accordion-style shades were folded out across the windshield to block sunlight. They helped keep the car cooler when parked in the sun. Most drivers now rely on tinted windows or built-in sun visors instead.
12. Classic Car Horn Rings
Christopher Ziemnowicz on Wikimedia Commons
Instead of pressing a button, you tapped or turned a metal ring on the steering wheel to honk the horn. It was a fancy detail that added charm to driving. Now, horns are hidden behind plastic and lack that tactile feel.
13. In-Dash 8-Track Players
Christopher Ziemnowicz on Wikimedia Commons
8-track players were a big deal for music lovers on the go. Drivers had to carry bulky tapes and manually switch them out while driving. They were eventually replaced by cassettes, CDs, and now digital playlists.
14. Rubber Floor Mats
Lothar Spurzem on Wikimedia Commons
These heavy-duty mats had deep grooves and patterns to catch dirt and water. They were easy to clean and lasted for years. Today’s mats are often thinner or carpeted, with fewer design details.
15. Mesh Sun Visors
Bindydad123 on Wikimedia Commons
Mesh visors are clipped to the top of windows to block sunlight without fully blocking your view. They were especially helpful on bright road trips or drives through the desert. Modern cars rely more on tinted glass and built-in sunshades.
16. Road-Trip Tool Kits
BLMUtah on Wikimedia Commons
Drivers used to carry full tool kits just in case something broke during a trip. These kits had belts, hoses, fuses, and even small jacks. Today, most people depend on roadside assistance or call for help through their phone.