Forgotten Classic Car Features That Failed

Author: Jason / Date: August 8, 2022 / Tags: classic cars

(RareCarMarket.com) – Modern-day cars come with a plethora of features such as automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and cooled seats. Classic cars also came with unique features, like foot switches to turn the brights on/off and manual windows. While some of these are still around today, many just didn’t catch on and remain lost in the past. 

The Iter Avto

In today’s world, the Global Positioning System (GPS) makes it nearly impossible to get lost. However, back in the 1930s, this kind of technology was only found in science fiction. To help drivers find their way, Iter Avto used a series of printed maps that would scroll through a meter, marking a vehicle’s location via stenographs. Checking the map proved to be a major distraction, and any changes to roadways made them obsolete. The system met its end during The Great Depression.

Vinyl Tops

Vinyl Tops likely began as a way for car manufacturers to cut costs. These features couldn’t handle extreme weather and quickly wore down, leading to tears and other damage. If that wasn’t enough, they were also difficult to install and remove on convertibles. Still, there are people who love them, just enough to keep them around in small numbers.

Lightning Rod Shifter

Despite the cool name, lightning rod shifters proved to be a nightmare for many drivers. Invented by Hurst and introduced by Oldsmobile, the three-pronged shifter needlessly over-complicated a system that already worked. Not only did it look odd, but the complex system could lead to drivers accidentally shifting into park rather than a higher gear. 

Thankfully, some classic car features are gone forever, such as glovebox mini-bars (yes, these existed) and in-car record players. As time marches on, one has to wonder which modern features will meet the same fate? 

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