These 14 obsolete car features will take you on a stroll down memory lane. Unfortunately, no one wants these features anymore. See if you remember any of these long-lost automobile features.
The gear stick, formally known as a transmission level, was the gear selector for the vehicle. Drivers would press down the clutch pedal and hit the gear stick to change gears. Automobiles used to have an auxiliary power outlet from the cigarette lighter. The car was initially designed to power an electrically heated cigarette lighter. Many people no longer need the lighter but still use the power for phone chargers, cooling fans, portable fridges, and power inverters.
Another common item that is no longer with us is the car ashtray. These were common through the 1980s as a feature in cars because many people smoked cigarettes. Chrysler luxury vehicles used to describe their lush leather upholstery as ‘Corinthian Leather.’ It was purely a marketing concept, and most Chryslers came with the same type of leather regardless.
Many of us remember the difficulty of rolling up our manual windows during a rainstorm. The crank and handle were tough to operate, especially under pressure to do it quickly.
The automobile has undergone changes over the years, and many have forgotten the station wagon. Sometimes referred to as the estate car, the wagon had an extended back area that provided seating via a tailgate. Some of these large vehicles had folding or removable seats.
Vehicle audio has gone through some changes too. From 8-track tapes to cassettes, the car stereo has evolved. After CDs, the car became a place to stream music from your phone. Before that time, you had to bring your music with you in a carrying case.
Other forgotten items include a high beam button mounted on the floor. Multiple keys for different locks, including one for the doors, one for the gas pump, and one to start the car. Most cars came with an extra full-sized tire, and the fuel tank was located in the back of the vehicle, under the trunk. A hood ornament used to adorn the front of car hoods with different emblems. None of these items are around today, but you may remember them from cars in the old days.
