Classic cars are classic for a reason, namely because of their shiny chrome or engine roars. Yet beyond those, these cars also had some features that were secretly ingenious. Let’s look at 10 of these amazing yet forgotten features! Unfortunately, many of these aren’t in modern cars anymore—which really sucks.
Featured Image Credit: Y-Boychenko /Depositphotos.com.
Vent Windows
These cars had little windows in front of the big windows that were great on a hot day. Just a quick flick & you could channel a nice breeze right where you needed it. Essentially, you had a personal cooling system without all the fancy tech and it also allowed you to get some fresh air without messing up your hair too much.
Bench Seats
Forget about bucket seats—the bench seat was where it was at. It felt like you had a sofa in your car and this made it rather cozy for any & all drives. And let’s not forget the space! You could easily fit three people up front, which made it perfect for those family road trips or cozying up next to your date at the drive-in movie.
Column Shifter
While the column shifter might seem a bit old-school now, back in the day it was the peak of convenience. It freed up space in the middle of the car so you had more legroom—or even an extra spot to sit. Plus, being able to shift gears with just a flick of the wrist right next to the steering wheel felt so satisfying.
Tailfin Styling
Those big, flashy tailfins weren’t just for show. Well, okay, they were mostly for show—but they also had a purpose as they were inspired by jets & designers thought they’d help with stability at high speeds. Whether they did or not is up for debate. Either way one thing’s for sure—they made cars look rather futuristic.
T-Tops
T-tops were great for anyone who couldn’t decide between a convertible & a hardtop. You got to enjoy the open air without giving up the frame’s strength so it felt like having a convertible without the hassle of dealing with a fabric roof. Any car with a T-Top instantly felt a lot cooler than those without.
Pop-Up Headlights
Pop-up headlights helped us to see the road more clearly and they also gave our vehicles a sleeker & more aerodynamic look. Also, they protected the headlights from getting scratched or damaged. Just watching those lights pop up & down was a lot of fun—we miss those simple pleasures!
Analog Clocks
While everything might be digital these days, you can’t beat the look of an analog clock in a classic car. It just makes any vehicle seem far more classy. Those were the days when life was far easier & people actually cared about craftsmanship rather than merely telling time. These clocks were a real statement piece.
Hidden Fuel Caps
You’d find hidden fuel caps tucked away behind taillights or license plates & they kept the car’s lines looking smooth. It made refueling all that more interesting. Getting gas could make you feel like James Bond, searching your vehicle for a secret. It’s a shame we’ve largely lost this feature.
Push-Button Transmissions
Before touchscreens took over, push-button transmissions were the most innovative part of a car. With just a push of a button on the dashboard you could shift gears effortlessly and it truly felt so futuristic. Best of all, it made the driving experience smoother & freed up space in the interior for a cleaner look.
Rear Window Defoggers
Nowadays, rear window defoggers might not sound exciting but back in the day, they completely changed the driving experience for us. They improved visibility & safety, especially on those cold, foggy mornings. Sadly, they’re one of those features that we take for granted now although they were a big deal when they first came out.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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