Back when cup holders were an afterthought and style beat out sensors, cars had features you won’t find on today’s dealer lots. Some were practical, others just plain cool. Think you’ve seen it all? Buckle up—these throwback features might just jog your memory.

Manual Window Cranks

Manual cranks were standard in most cars until the 1980s and still appeared in base models into the 2010s. Electric windows eventually replaced them. Off-road drivers liked their simplicity. Today, they’re mostly remembered as nostalgic relics in older vehicles and restorations.

Bench Front Seats

These wide front seats fit three passengers and were common in family cars and pickups. Safety regulations and center consoles led to their decline. The Chevy Impala and Ford Crown Victoria were the last holdouts. You mostly see them now in classic trucks or custom builds.

Cigarette Lighters And Ashtrays

Standard in nearly every car before 2000, these were removed as smoking habits changed. Lighter sockets now serve as 12V outlets. Ashtrays doubled as coin trays. Older luxury cars like Cadillacs kept them longer, but most drivers now plug in their chargers instead.

Pop-Up Headlights

Such headlights were a design trend from the ’70s to the early 2000s, found in cars like the Corvette C5 and  Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, they disappeared due to pedestrian safety rules and mechanical failure risks. Although they’re gone from showrooms, they remain popular in retro sports cars.

Full-Size Spare Tires

Most cars once came with full-size spares, but compact “donuts” or repair kits now take their place to reduce weight and increase trunk space. Full-size spares are still common in trucks and SUVs. But long-distance and rural drivers often prefer them for peace of mind.

Column Shifters

Popular in American vehicles through the 1980s, column shifters opened up space for extra seating or legroom. They’ve largely vanished in favor of consoles and electronic shifters. You’ll still see them in older vans and classic American cruisers.

Pull-Type Emergency Brakes

Hand-pulled or foot-operated emergency brakes were once the norm, but have been replaced by electronic parking brakes in the 2010s for convenience. Enthusiasts prefer manual versions for better control, especially in motorsports. They’re easier to repair and were once essential for quick stops and basic parking.

Vent Windows (Wing Windows)

These triangular windows were common before air conditioning became standard. They provided airflow without full window use and helped reduce fog. Their simple design posed a theft risk, which led to their phase-out. This feature is still appreciated by fans of vintage cars and trucks.

Mechanical Odometers

Before digital dashboards, cars used mechanical odometers with rotating drums to track mileage. These could be tampered with using drills. Though outdated, they’re still valued by classic car restorers for their authenticity. They did lack lighting and trip memory but did the job reliably.

Hideaway Radio Antennas

Power antennas that retracted into the fender were once a premium feature, especially in the ’90s. They jammed easily in cold or wet weather. Modern cars use shark-fin or window-embedded antennas instead. They’re now a discontinued reminder of old-school car tech and design.