Favorite Car Features That Drivers Want Back
Some cars stand out for their sheer innovative genius or design features that simply make sense. Unfortunately, though, some of these features came out before their time, meaning that we didn’t quite appreciate just how useful and cool they really were. Let’s take a closer look at 20 auto features from the past that drivers secretly want back.
Pop-Up Headlights
Pop-up headlights not only looked cool, but they also enhanced aerodynamics. They seemed to be all the rage back in the early '60s and 2000s, but they were also pretty unreliable. In fact, users often had to pay hefty maintenance bills due to the high incidence of electrical faults.
Bench Front Seats
Between the 50s and 90s, bench seats were the norm. They were practical, offering three front row seats for passengers. It also created a warm and cozy driving experience. However, the creation of center consoles rendered them largely useless, and they soon fell out of popularity.
T-Tops
T-Tops were ultimately a compromise between convertibles and a hardtop. In other words, they provided open-air freedom, as well as structural stiffness. Unfortunately, they were also prone to leaking, which ultimately led to their replacement by retractable roofs.
Swiveling Front Seats
Swivel seats were first developed by Chrysler in the late 1950s, and although they were a niche product, they actually served a quite practical purpose. They made entry and exit into smaller cars much easier. Unfortunately, due to their high cost, they didn’t last too long.
Hidden Gas Caps
Back in the day, muscle cars used to conceal their gas caps behind taillights, license plates, or trim pieces. This made the car look much neater and also prevented dirt accumulation.
Column-Mounted Shifters
Column-mounted shifters essentially made more room on the center console, providing additional space for storage or seating. This feature was commonly found in mid-size sedans and pickup trucks. However, as time passed, floor shifters became the norm.
Talking Cars
In the 1980s, some cars featured synthesized voices that told you to buckle your seatbelt, turn off your headlights, etc. However, this feature ultimately gave way to chimes and lights - much less futuristic, but also much cheaper.
Opera Windows
Between the 70s and 80s, some luxury vehicles featured opera windows - small, pretty impractical windows that certainly added a touch of class. However, due to their lack of functionality, they are very rare nowadays.
Bubble Tops
In the 1960s, most American-made vehicles featured very spacious curved-glass roofs. This feature provided great visibility, as well as a very futuristic look. However, bubble top roofs were also structurally weak, which ultimately led to their decline and eventual disappearance.
Speed-Minder
The speed-minder allowed drivers to set a speed on their speedometer, which then made a buzzing sound if this speed was exceeded. Essentially, it was an early generation cruise control that helped to prevent speeding tickets.
Integrated Ice Scrapers
Anyone who lives in cold areas knows just how annoying it is to have to scrape their windows clear of ice every morning in the winter. However, in the late 60s, integrated ice scrapers made this job much easier.
In-Car Record Players
Before cassette decks were a thing, certain Chrysler models featured in-car record players, where drivers could enjoy their 7-inch records. The player also featured a special mechanism that minimized skipping, which wasn’t always too successful on rough roads. For this reason, the system began to be phased out.
Headlight Wipers
Back in the 70s, some Scandinavian vehicles used to feature small headlight wipers to help keep them clear in the rain or snow. While this feature helped enhance visibility, it was ultimately replaced by high-pressure washer systems. Even so, they were charming in their own right.
Front Window Vents
Before air conditioning became a thing, small window vents were fairly common. They were triangular in shape and mainly served to channel cool air into the cabin. However, aerodynamic concerns ultimately led to their elimination.
Built-In Coolers
Some cars, including the Pontiac Aztek and Honda Element, featured integrated coolers in the cargo area or center console. These were perfect for adventurous drivers who enjoyed a good camping trip. However, they never became standard and eventually faded away.
Rear-Facing Third Row Seats
Between the 1950s and 1990s, most station wagons came fitted with a rear-facing third row seat. It was mostly used by children, but allowed for some pretty fun mid-road trip car games. However, safety issues eventually made them obsolete.
Flip-Down Tailgates With Integrated Steps
Older wagons and SUVs featured tailgates that folded down like a truck bed. This made access easy, but the feature didn’t stick around for too long.
Pistol-Grip Shifters
Muscle cars in the 70s usually featured pistol-grip shifters, which provided drivers with a solid and aggressive grip for manual shifting. Over time, however, it was replaced with a more practical and, for lack of a better word, tame shifting design. Nowadays, the pistol-grip shifter is a reminder of a more outrageous driving era.
Hidden Headlights
Back in the day, some cars had their headlights hidden behind retractable or rotating covers. This kept the front end of the car sleek and stylish. However, the system often resulted in electrical faults, leading to costly repairs.
Illuminated Hood Ornaments
From the early 1930s to the late 1980s, luxury models often featured illuminated hood ornaments. Although the feature didn’t serve any real purpose, it did look pretty cool, and some would say it offered improved visibility. However, due to shifting tastes, this once-common feature is now all but obsolete.
