11 Car Features from the ’50s and ’60s That Were Truly Unique
The 1950s and 1960s pushed car design to new heights, blending style with engineering creativity. Automakers introduced bold innovations that made driving feel futuristic, many of which were ahead of their time.
While some features faded away due to practicality or safety concerns, they remain unforgettable pieces of automotive history.
Let’s look back at how cars looked during this remarkable era.
1. Push-Button Transmission
In an era obsessed with automation, push-button transmissions promised a high-tech driving experience. Instead of a gear lever, drivers simply pressed a button to shift between drive, reverse, and neutral.
However, the system proved unreliable and confusing for many drivers, leading manufacturers to return to traditional shifters by the early 1960s.
Despite its failure, the push-button transmission symbolized the optimism of mid-century car design.
2. Swivel Seats
For a touch of elegance, some 1960s cars featured swivel seats that turned outward when the door opened, making entry and exit effortless. This was especially helpful for passengers in formal attire or those with mobility concerns.
Though practical, safety regulations and the rise of bucket seats led to their disappearance. Today, they’re a rare but stylish feature found in some vintage luxury models.
3. Hidden Headlights
To achieve a sleek, aerodynamic front-end design, some sports cars of the 1960s concealed their headlights behind flaps or within the grille. The lights flipped open only when needed, giving the car a futuristic look.
Despite their appeal, mechanical failures and rising production costs led to their decline. While rare today, pop-up headlights still evoke nostalgia among classic car enthusiasts.
4. Bubble Tops
Some ‘60s cars experimented with large, curved glass roofs that offered a near-360-degree panoramic view. These bubble tops made interiors feel open and futuristic, giving passengers a new perspective on the road.
However, excessive heat buildup and glare made them impractical for daily use. While short-lived, they remain an iconic design element in classic concept cars.
5. Floor-Mounted Dimmer Switch
Long before high beams were controlled by a stalk on the steering column, drivers used a small foot-operated switch near the pedals to toggle between high and low beams.
This setup kept drivers’ hands on the wheel but was prone to wear and tear, leading automakers to phase it out in favor of steering-column controls.
Despite its disappearance, it remains a nostalgic quirk of vintage cars.
6. Tuck-and-Roll Upholstery
Luxury in the ‘50s wasn’t just about chrome and tailfins—handcrafted tuck-and-roll upholstery gave car interiors a plush, tailored look. This technique, featuring deeply pleated cushions, was common in high-end vehicles and custom hot rods.
While stylish, it was expensive to produce and maintain, and mass-produced vinyl eventually replaced it.
Today, tuck-and-roll remains a sought-after detail in custom car restorations.
7. Vent Windows
Before air conditioning was common, small vent windows in the front doors allowed fresh air to circulate without rolling down the main window. They were particularly useful for reducing wind resistance while keeping the cabin cool.
Over time, better climate control systems and concerns about water leaks led to their removal.
While no longer standard, vent windows are still appreciated in classic cars for their simple, effective ventilation.
8. Tailfins
Inspired by jet planes and the space race, tailfins became a defining feature of late ‘50s American cars, with Cadillac leading the trend. The bigger the fins, the more futuristic the car looked.
By the mid-1960s, designs became more restrained as buyers preferred sleeker, more understated styling.
Today, tailfins remain one of the most recognizable symbols of classic car design.
9. Bench Seats
For decades, bench seats were the norm in American cars, providing enough room for three people in the front row. Many drivers fondly remember the days when a date could slide over and sit close while cruising.
As seatbelt laws and ergonomic improvements took priority, bucket seats became standard. Although bench seats still exist in trucks, they’ve disappeared from most modern cars.
10. Retractable Hardtops
A marvel of engineering, retractable hardtops allowed cars to switch between coupe and convertible with the push of a button. Unlike soft tops, they offered more security and insulation while maintaining the open-air feel.
Despite their elegance, they were costly to produce and took up valuable trunk space, leading to their decline in favor of simpler soft tops.
However, some modern luxury convertibles have revived the concept with improved technology.
11. Hood Ornaments
For much of the mid-century, hood ornaments were a defining feature of luxury and performance cars, often sculpted into sleek, artistic designs. Cadillac, Rolls-Royce, and Mercedes-Benz featured some of the most recognizable emblems.
By the late 20th century, pedestrian safety concerns and cost-cutting measures led to their decline.
While rare today, they remain treasured collector’s items and symbols of classic automotive craftsmanship.