Design Throwback: 8 Classic Car Features We Wish Would Make a Comeback

Automotive design is in a constant state of evolution, driven by a combination of technological advancements, safety regulations, and shifting consumer tastes. While modern vehicles are undoubtedly safer and more efficient than their predecessors, there's a certain charm and character to the classic cars of yesteryear that is often missing from today's homogenous designs. From the flamboyant tail fins of the 1950s to the quirky hideaway headlights of the 1980s, many iconic automotive features have been lost to time. In this article, we'll take a nostalgic journey back to a time when cars were more than just a mode of transportation; they were rolling works of art, and explore some of the most memorable and beloved classic car features that you just don't see anymore.

Tail Fins

Perhaps no other automotive design feature is as evocative of a particular era as the tail fin. Inspired by the sleek and futuristic designs of fighter jets, tail fins first began to appear on cars in the late 1940s and reached their peak of popularity in the late 1950s. These towering appendages, often adorned with intricate chrome details and multiple taillights, were a symbol of American optimism and excess in the post-war era. While they served no real aerodynamic purpose, they added a sense of drama and excitement to car design that has never been replicated.

Hood Ornaments

Long before the advent of the modern brand logo, hood ornaments were the primary way for automakers to distinguish their vehicles from the competition. From the elegant "Spirit of Ecstasy" that has adorned Rolls-Royce vehicles for over a century, to the iconic three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz, hood ornaments were a symbol of luxury and prestige. These intricate and often beautiful sculptures were a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into building classic cars, but they have all but disappeared from modern vehicles due to pedestrian safety regulations.

Rear-Facing Seats

A staple of family station wagons for decades, rear-facing "jump" seats were a source of endless entertainment for children on long road trips. These seats, which were often located in the cargo area of the vehicle, provided a unique and memorable travel experience. However, as our understanding of automotive safety has evolved, these seats have been phased out in favor of more traditional forward-facing seating arrangements that offer better protection in the event of a collision.



Glove Box Mini Bar

In an era before strict open container laws, some luxury vehicles came equipped with a rather unusual feature: a built-in mini bar in the glove box. These miniature bars, which often included a set of custom-fitted glasses and a decanter, were a symbol of the freewheeling and often hedonistic culture of the 1950s and 60s. While the idea of having a cocktail while driving may seem shocking to us today, it was a perfectly acceptable practice in a bygone era.

Flower Vases

Long before the advent of the modern car air freshener, some early automobiles came equipped with a feature that was designed to bring a touch of nature into the cabin: a built-in flower vase. These small, often elegant vases were typically mounted on the dashboard or the door panel, and they allowed drivers to display a fresh-cut flower as they drove. While this feature may seem quaint by today's standards, it's a charming reminder of a time when cars were seen as an extension of the home.

Horn Rings

In the days before multifunction steering wheels and complex airbag systems, the horn was a much simpler affair. Many classic cars featured a "horn ring," a large, chrome ring that was mounted on the steering wheel and could be pressed from any angle to activate the horn. While this design may not have been as ergonomic as the modern horn button, it had a certain tactile and aesthetic appeal that has been lost in the transition to more modern designs.

Front Bench Seats

For decades, the front bench seat was a standard feature in most American cars. These wide, sofa-like seats could comfortably accommodate three passengers, and they were a popular choice for families and couples alike. However, as cars became smaller and safety became a greater concern, the front bench seat was gradually replaced by bucket seats, which offer better support and protection in the event of a collision.

Dual Gas Tanks

In an era of cheap gas and large, fuel-hungry engines, some classic cars came equipped with a feature that is almost unheard of today: dual gas tanks. This feature, which was most common on large trucks and SUVs, allowed drivers to carry a significant amount of extra fuel, extending their range and reducing the need for frequent stops at the gas station. However, as fuel prices have risen and environmental concerns have become more pressing, this feature has been all but eliminated from modern vehicles.

Summary of Classic Car Features

The following table provides a summary of the classic car features discussed in this article, along with the eras in which they were most popular.

Feature Era of Popularity
Tail Fins 1950s - 1960s
Hood Ornaments 1920s - 1970s
Rear-Facing Seats 1950s - 1980s
Glove Box Mini Bar 1950s - 1960s
Flower Vases 1920s - 1940s
Horn Rings 1940s - 1960s
Front Bench Seats 1930s - 1980s
Dual Gas Tanks 1960s - 1980s

Key Takeaways