Innovation is the name of the game in the automotive industry. It doesn't matter if we're talking about what's under the hood or about the car features that keep passengers safe; everyone seems focused on the latest cutting-edge stuff. Yet, while we're so focused on looking forward, we don't realise that vintage car parts and features are falling into oblivion one at a time.
Some car parts and features you'll probably never see again include the likes of pop-up headlights, cassette and CD players, as well as power antennas. Even design features like split windows, vent windows, and fender mirrors are no longer seen anywhere, except for maybe on some classic cars.
In this article, we're going to quickly explore 10 car parts and features that you'll probably never see again. Depending on your age, some of these obsolete car parts might trigger a wave of nostalgia, bringing back old memories you had tucked away. You, from the younger generations might be somewhat confused, not recognising these auto parts at all.
Not to worry. We’ll explain each of these obsolete car parts so that everyone understands.
Let’s get to it!
What Car Parts and Features Are Fast Becoming Obsolete?
Now then, let’s get right to it. Here are ten rare car parts and features that you’ll probably never see them again.
#1 Pop-Up Headlights
Once upon a time, pop-headlights were the ultimate automotive feature to have. These headlights were hidden somewhere underneath the panels on the front of the car. But when you'd turn the engine and flip the lights on, they'd majestically pop up, and beams of light would suddenly shoot out.
These lights had been around since the 1930s. Sadly, their popularity peaked just a few decades ago when they were all the rage in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Now, they’re quite a rarity. Even the Miata ditched the pop-ups in its second generation.
#2 Split Windows
You've probably never noticed this, so pay attention to the cars you see on the road the next time you drive. All front and back windshields consist of one broad piece of automotive glass.
What most of us don’t realise is that it wasn’t always like that. In the past, there were car designs with split windows, where the windscreens were split down right in the middle by a portion of the car’s frame.
These are a confirmed addition to the list of vintage car parts, seeing how it’s almost impossible to find them today.
#3 Vent Windows
These are sometimes referred to as ‘quarter glass’, and they’re a small window on the front door.
As you might imagine, they weren't just for show. Their function was to let more air in and ventilate the cabin because older models didn't have air conditioning. So, rather than roll down the entire window, you could pop these vent windows open instead.
#4 Fender Mirrors
Instead of the standard side-view mirrors that most cars have today, many older models had fender mirrors instead. They were regular mirrors mounted further forward on the car’s body rather than on the doors themselves.
You can still find them on some vehicles today because they’re still quite helpful. They’re used to check the car’s blind spots when parking close to a curb or other vehicles.
#5 Manual Windows
Did you know that once upon a time, people had to roll down their windows? Your answer to that question can pretty much sum up which generation you belong.
Before the dawn of power windows controlled by little buttons, people had to turn a little crank that lowered or raised their windows.
You’ll find them on some older cars, for sure, but power windows have been the standard for so long that these are already a relic of a bygone time.
#6 Front Bench Seats
There was a time when the seats in front looked pretty much like the ones at the back. Rather than separate the driver from the front passenger, it used to be that there was just one bench seat in front. Three people could sit up front together and have a jolly good time.
#7 Cassette Players
Yes, when cassettes were still the primary medium for music, cars had them all. Some car designs even featured pop-out holders where you could keep multiple cassettes right in the centre console.
#8 CD Players and Changers
As cassettes gradually faded out, then came the CD players and changers. Having a CD player as your in-car entertainment system was already high-tech enough in the ‘90s and early 2000s, but it was a hassle (and danger!) to change out CDs while driving.
So, you could buy an aftermarket CD changer that held a handful of CDs, ready to switch at the push of a button.
#9 Power Antennas
Cassette and CD players have come and gone, yet the AM/FM radio has stood the test of time. Nothing much has changed about that, except for the car’s antenna for picking up radio signal.
These days, cars tend to have short and fixed radio antennas. They’re discreet and barely noticeable, unlike their predecessors.
Much older cars had long antennas that you had to extend on your own to get a clear signal. Then came the power antenna, which was fun to watch.
They were kind of like pop-up headlights. When you started the car and turned on the radio, a long antenna would automatically extend from the back of the vehicle. Shut the car off, and it'd retract by itself.
It’s safe to say that many people have memories from their childhood of watching that antenna go up and down whenever their families went out for a drive.
#10 Features for Smoking
Smoking used to be much more socially acceptable in the past, and cars worldwide showed that in their designs. Many cars had ashtrays and cigarette lighters as standard features.
The lighters weren't like regular butane gas lighters but consisted of heated-up metal coils. You'd push the lighter like a button, and it'd heat up for a minute, then take it out and press it against your cigarette to light it.
The ashtrays, however, typically ended up being convenient coin holders for people who didn’t smoke.
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I hope you enjoyed this short drive down memory lane. These were awesome and noteworthy car parts and features that have rightfully earned a place in the blog posts of Carpart.com.au.
To learn more about both obsolete car parts and the most cutting edge car features, check out the blog at carpart.com.au. You’ll discover plenty of articles to keep you well-informed about the automotive world of the past, present, and future!
Now, if you’re actually looking for obsolete car parts, or discontinued auto parts, then we’ll also be able to help you. You can send us a request for that car part, and we’ll help you search for it. The service is free (Yes!), but the car part is for a reasonable cost. You’ll receive several quotations, so you get to choose which seller to get it from. Get a quote now!
By Ray Hasbollah