20 Car Features from the Past That Were Actually Pretty Genius
Some of the coolest car features from the past, like pop-up headlights, swiveling seats, and hidden gas caps, were not just stylish but surprisingly ingenious, making you wonder why they ever disappeared.
- Alyana Aguja
- 6 min read
Automakers have added countless innovative features throughout the years, some of which were masterfully practical, chic, or simply fun—though many have disappeared from contemporary vehicles. From pop-up headlights and swiveling seats to concealed gas caps and in-car record players, these lost gems brought personality and utility to vehicles in ways today’s technology-centric designs often forget. As safety standards and changing fashions brought about their downfall, a look at these clever design elements has one questioning whether a few of them are due for a revival.
1. Swiveling Front Seats (Chrysler, 1950s-1970s)
Image from eBay
Chrysler developed swivel seats in the late 1950s, making the front seats swivel out for better entry and exit. This was particularly helpful for women wearing skirts or anyone who struggled to enter and exit a low vehicle. Though an attractive solution, safety and cost made them vanish.
2. Pop-Up Headlights (Various Cars, 1960s-2000s)
Image from Wikipedia
From the Corvette to the Mazda RX-7, pop-up headlights enhanced aerodynamics and provided a futuristic touch. They enabled cars to have sleek, low-profile noses without compromising night visibility. Unfortunately, tighter pedestrian safety regulations and reliability problems brought them down.
3. Bench Front Seats (Multiple Brands, 1950s-1990s)
Image from The New York Times
Bench seats were the norm for decades, accommodating three individuals sitting comfortably in the first row. It created a warm driving experience, and even some automatic-transmission vehicles let the driver slide over easily. The advent of bucket seats and center consoles rendered them useless, but they were certainly convenient.
4. T-Tops (Chevrolet Corvette, Pontiac Firebird, etc., 1968-2002)
Image from Wikipedia
T-tops were a compromise between a hardtop and a convertible, providing open-air freedom with structural stiffness. Made famous by muscle cars such as the Pontiac Firebird and Chevy Camaro, they were dramatic in appearance and enjoyable to drive. However, they tended to leak and were eventually replaced by retractable roofs.
5. Hidden Gas Caps (Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Impala, etc.)
Image from Stonewall Insurance Group
Earlier muscle cars tended to conceal their gas caps behind taillights, license plates, or trim pieces for a smooth, unbroken look. Not only did this look neat, but it also avoided dirt accumulation around the cap. Today, designs favor convenience over aesthetics, so this has become a rare feature.
6. Column-Mounted Shifters (Various Models, 1930s-Present in Some Trucks)
Image from The Truth About Cars
Column shifters made room on the center console for additional seating or storage. They were particularly popular in full-size sedans and pickup trucks before floor shifters became standard fare. Although still utilized in some trucks, most contemporary automobiles have left them behind for trendier, console-mounted varieties.
7. Talking Cars (Datsun 280ZX, Chrysler New Yorker, etc., 1980s)
Image from Hagerty
Certain 1980s vehicles had synthesized voices telling you to buckle up, turn off your headlights, or check your doors. The Datsun 280ZX would remind you politely, “Lights are on,” if you left them on. This endearing, futuristic touch later gave way to chimes and lights.
8. Opera Windows (Luxury Coupes, 1970s-1980s)
Image from Wikipedia
Luxury vehicles such as the Lincoln Continental Mark IV featured tiny, ornamental rear side windows known as “opera windows.” They provided a hint of sophistication and additional light to the otherwise substantial C-pillars. Although they appeared sophisticated, they were not very functional and eventually vanished.
9. Bubble Tops (Chevrolet Impala, Ford Galaxie, etc., 1960s)
Image from Old Cars Weekly
Early 1960s American automobiles featured roomy curved-glass roofs with great visibility. The “bubble tops” created airy, futuristic cabins that contributed to the fun of driving. They were weak structurally and costly to make, so they disappeared.
10. Speed-Minder (Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, etc., 1950s-1970s)
Image from Norwegian SciTech News
This feature allowed drivers to set a speed limit on their speedometer, which would sound like a buzzer if they exceeded it. It was an early cruise control awareness system that prevented speeding tickets. Although it has been replaced by today’s adaptive cruise control and speed limiters, this system was brilliant in its simplicity.
11. Integrated Ice Scrapers (Saab 99, 1968-1984)
Image from Snow Joe
Saab, which specializes in winter-friendly solutions, had a windshield wiper ice scraper integrated into the 99. Drivers in snowy regions could clear ice-covered blades immediately without leaving their vehicles. Contemporary vehicles used heated windshields, which was a quick and effective solution.
12. In-Car Record Players (Chrysler, 1950s-1960s)
Image from Dark Roasted Blend
Before cassette decks, Chrysler tried in-car record players, where the driver could play 7-inch records. It featured a specialized mechanism to minimize skipping, although it was not always successful on rough roads. This idea is outdated with today’s digital music, but it was innovative when it was first developed.
13. Headlight Wipers (Volvo, Saab, Mercedes-Benz, 1970s-1990s)
Image from CarParts.com
Some luxury and Scandinavian vehicles had small wipers on the headlights to clear them in rain or snow. This feature enhanced visibility, particularly in places with severe winters. Modern high-pressure washer systems have replaced them, but they were charming and functional in their own right.
14. Front Window Vents (Many Cars, 1930s-1970s)
Image from Visual Autowerks
Prior to the popularization of air conditioning, small vent windows in a triangular shape served to channel fresh air into the cabin. They were adjustable and could provide a comfortable breeze without rolling down the entire window. Fuel efficiency issues and aerodynamics eliminated them in the end.
15. Built-In Coolers (Honda Element, Pontiac Aztek, etc.)
Image from A Girls Guide to Cars
The Pontiac Aztek and Honda Element had removable, integrated coolers in the cargo area or center console. They were ideal for camping trips, tailgating, or road trips. Practical as they were, they never became a standard in any automobile.
16. Rear-Facing Third Row Seats (Station Wagons, 1950s-1990s)
Image from TopGear
Most station wagons came with a rear-facing third row, allowing riders to wave at those behind them. It was a great feature for children and used space in the cargo area effectively. However, safety issues and current SUV configurations ultimately rendered them obsolete.
17. Flip-Down Tailgates with Integrated Steps (Ford Bronco, Chevy Suburban, etc.)
Image from Nemesis Industries
Older wagons and SUVs had tailgates that folded down like a truck bed or swung open. A few even had built-in steps for easy access. Though contemporary SUVs emphasize liftgates, this design was handy and useful.
18. Pistol-Grip Shifters (Dodge Challenger, Plymouth Road Runner, etc., 1970s)
Image from eBay
Pistol-grip shifters in ’70s muscle cars provided drivers with a solid and aggressive grip for manual shifting. Gear changes felt more exciting and race-like with this design. Though some contemporary vehicles provide retro cues, the pistol grip is still a reminder of a more outrageous driving age.
19. Hidden Headlights (Buick Riviera, Ford Thunderbird, Pontiac GTO, etc.)
Image from Motorious
Some classic cars had headlights hidden behind retractable or rotating covers, keeping the front end sleek and stylish. This added a futuristic, aerodynamic look that made cars feel more high-tech. However, complexity and durability concerns led to their extinction.
20. Illuminated Hood Ornaments (Rolls-Royce, Lincoln, Cadillac, etc., 1930s-1980s)
Image from Robb Report
Luxury models once featured illuminated hood ornaments, which provided a royal glow to the front of the vehicle. This was a statement feature that provided additional visibility to the brand of the car. Because of pedestrian safety laws and shifting tastes, illuminated hood ornaments are no longer common.