20 Car Features From the Past That Were More Fun Than Useful
Here's a lighthearted look at the quirky car features we loved, even if they didn’t make driving any easier.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Today’s vehicles are loaded with tech and safety innovations. However, older cars had personality; sometimes at the expense of practicality. Vintage cars came with features that sparked joy more than served purpose. Let’s take a ride down memory lane and revisit the extras that made these rides unforgettable.
1. Pop-Up Headlights
Zaim Anwar on Unplash
These headlights didn’t just light the road; they peeked out with dramatic flair. Watching them rise was half the fun, even if the motors broke constantly.
2. Cigarette Lighters and Ashtrays
Vauxford on Wikimedia Commons
Every car had them, even if you didn’t smoke. The spring-loaded push and orange glow felt futuristic. Now, they’ve vanished, replaced by USB ports and cup holders.
3. Bench Seats in the Front
CZmarlin on Wikimedia Commons
Nothing says “cruise night” like a full-width front seat. Great for dates and squeezing in an extra passenger. It was horrible for support, but fantastic for nostalgia.
4. Hood Ornaments
Mr.TinMD on Flickr
More art than function, these shiny emblems stood proud on the front of your car. From leaping jaguars to flying ladies, they were rolling sculptures.
5. Manual Window Cranks
Bill McChesney on Flickr
That spin-to-open handle gave you a mini workout just to catch a breeze. Kids loved pretending it was a secret gadget. Now, power windows have stolen the charm.
6. T-Tops
Otrs pending on Wikimedia Commons
Half-sunroof, half-convertible, these panels gave you open-air freedom with minimal effort. Just don’t lose the removable glass or forget where you put it.
7. Flip Clocks
Erik Mclean on Pexels
These mechanical dashboard clocks were oddly hypnotic. Watching the numbers drop had a certain analog magic.
8. Faux Wood Paneling
Ben Der Gabelschwanz Teufel on Flickr
A station wagon badge of honor, this vinyl siding screamed family road trip. It looked like a cabin on wheels — tasteful? Maybe not. Memorable? Absolutely.
9. CB Radios
Gophi on Wikimedia Commons
Drivers loved their trucker talk and catchy call signs. It was social media before the internet, just with static and slang.
10. Chrome Everything
Jill Clardy on Flickr
From bumpers to mirrors, the more chrome, the better. Shiny and showy, it made every ride look like a custom build.
11. Headlight Wipers
Tristan Kenney on Flickr
Tiny windshield wipers just for your headlights because why not? They rarely worked as planned but looked fancy.
12. Talking Car Alerts
Yakup Polat on Pexels
Early voice systems warned you with robotic tones: “Your door is ajar.” Weirdly soothing and a little spooky. Today’s beeps just don’t have the same flair.
13. Hidden Gas Caps Behind License Plates
TireZoo on Flickr
Twist the rear plate and surprise — a gas cap! It felt like unlocking a secret feature. Fun to use, until you forgot and bent the plate.
14. Built-In Ice Scrapers
Bearas on Wikimedia Commons
Some older cars had clever little gadgets stored in the wiper area. It was a neat idea but rarely effective. Still, bonus points for creativity.
15. Retractable Antennas
Zuzu on Wikimedia Commons
Turn the radio on, and the antenna gracefully rose from the fender like a metal wand. It was a tiny touch of theater with every drive.
16. Fuzzy Dice on the Mirror
Kayla Linero on Pexels
Total cliché, total classic. Whether a lucky charm or pure decoration, they made every car feel personalized. The ultimate cheap mod with major retro cred.
17. Column Shifters
Mr.TinMD on Flickr
Shifting gears on the steering column made you feel like a bus driver. It freed up space and made driving feel old-school cool.
18. Manual Chokes
SealyPhoto on Wikimedia Commons
You had to pull a knob just right to get the engine started on cold mornings. It was part science, part guesswork. Modern fuel injection killed the fun.
19. Floor-Dimmer Switches
Deane Bayas on Pexels
Tap your left foot and boom, bright lights. It was oddly satisfying and freed up your hands. Buttons on stalks just don’t have the same charm.
20. Rear-Facing Third-Row Seats
CZmarlin on Wikimedia Commons
Perfect for waving at the car behind or pretending you were in a spy movie. Kids loved them, adults hated the nausea.