10 Retro Car Features That Modern Drivers Would Cause A Car Crash Today
Buckle up for a wild ride as we dive into 10 retro car features that would leave modern drivers scratching their heads – or gripping the wheel in disbelief.
These quirky, sometimes baffling relics from a bygone era reflect a time when creativity often outpaced safety standards, and car design was as much about flair as functionality.
From oddball gadgets to eyebrow-raising innovations, these features highlight the adventurous (and occasionally reckless) spirit of vintage automotive engineering. Join us on a humorous journey through automotive history and gain a whole new appreciation for today’s safety regulations and modern car comforts.
1. Push-Button Transmissions
Imagine driving down the highway and needing to change gears by pressing a giant, colorful button on your dashboard. Sounds fun, right? In the 1950s, push-button transmissions were all the rage.
These buttons were supposed to make gear shifting easier but often led to accidental gear changes. Can you visualize the chaos if someone mistook the horn button for reverse gear?
It’s a miracle people even survived those days! Thankfully, today’s gear sticks are much less confusing.
2. Floor-Mounted Dimmer Switches
Back in the day, dimming your headlights involved a fancy foot dance.
Floor-mounted dimmer switches required drivers to tap their left foot to adjust the headlights. Just picture the scene: one foot on the gas, another on the clutch, and then a tap dance to dim the lights.
It was like a vehicular dance routine – without the music. Imagine trying this on a busy highway! It’s safe to say that modern steering column stalks are far superior for multitasking drivers.
3. Cigarette Lighters and Ashtrays
Once upon a time, cars were rolling lounges equipped with cigarette lighters and ashtrays everywhere you looked.
Smoking was the norm, and every driver needed an ashtray within arm’s reach. Can you imagine today’s health-obsessed society embracing such a feature?
The constant distraction of lighting a cigarette and dealing with ash could easily lead to a fender bender. Thankfully, cup holders have replaced ashtrays, and vaping has stepped in as a less distracting alternative.
4. Manual Choke
Starting your car in the morning was once a workout.
The manual choke required drivers to pull a knob to get the engine running smoothly. It was a delicate balance—too much choke and the engine flooded, too little and you’d stall. Imagine doing this delicate dance in rush hour traffic!
Juggling the choke while steering could have been a recipe for disaster. Thankfully, fuel injection systems have made starting a car as easy as pie.
5. Bench Seats
Ah, the classic bench seat—a favorite of drive-in movie lovers everywhere.
These long, continuous seats meant no more pesky center console, but also no seat belts! Perfect for snuggling, but imagine trying to make a tight turn with a passenger sliding into your lap.
The lack of support and safety would make today’s drivers cringe. Thankfully, bucket seats have stepped in to provide comfort, support, and most importantly, seat belts to keep everyone safe.
6. Hand-Crank Windows
Remember the days when rolling down your window meant actual rolling?
Hand-crank windows were a mini arm workout every time you needed fresh air. In a hurry to pay a toll or ask for directions? Better start cranking!
The struggle was real, especially in the rain when you’d get a double workout. Fast forward to today, where power windows glide effortlessly with a push of a button, sparing us from potential arm cramps and frustration.
7. Chrome Horn Rings
Honk if you love horn rings!
These shiny chrome beauties encircled the steering wheel, ready to blast a warning at a moment’s notice. However, in a panic, many drivers accidentally honked at themselves rather than the road hazard.
The reflex to squeeze the wheel instead of the ring led to embarrassing and potentially dangerous situations. Today’s horn pads, conveniently located at the center of the steering wheel, ensure that a quick beep is always within reach.
8. Suicide Doors
The allure of suicide doors is undeniable; they open like a grand entrance to a world of style and class.
However, their charm comes with a risk. Imagine opening your doors into oncoming traffic! The design made it easy to accidentally open the door too wide, inviting a potential disaster.
Modern car doors, with their straightforward hinge design, have thankfully minimized this risk, keeping both passengers and passing cyclists safe from sudden surprises.
9. No Power Steering
Driving without power steering was like wrestling a bear, especially during parallel parking.
Every twist of the wheel was a test of strength and endurance. Can you picture navigating a tight corner while wrestling with the steering wheel? It’s no wonder drivers of yesteryear had biceps of steel.
Today, power steering has simplified driving, making maneuvering as smooth as a gentle breeze. A round of applause for modern hydraulics, please!
10. Swing-Away Steering Wheel
Remember when getting into your car was like stepping onto a game show?
The swing-away steering wheel was a novel feature allowing the wheel to move to the side for easy access. It was a nifty trick, but in motion, an accidental release could send it swinging wildly.
Imagine the chaos on a sharp turn! While a fun party trick at a standstill, modern fixed steering wheels have thankfully become the standard, sparing drivers from surprise swings.