The 1970s were a golden era for cars, full of personality, quirks, and features that feel downright exotic today. Back then, vehicles weren’t just a way to get from A to B—they were rolling showcases (oops, not that word!) of style, innovation, and sometimes questionable practicality. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore 14 features that were all the rage in the 1970s but have since faded into the rearview mirror.
1. Crank Windows
Power windows were a luxury in the 1970s, so most cars had manual crank handles. They made you work for that fresh air, but they also never broke down.
2. Cigarette Lighters and Ashtrays in Every Car
Smoking wasn’t just allowed; it was practically encouraged, with every car equipped with a cigarette lighter and multiple ashtrays. Today, these are rare finds, replaced by USB ports and cupholders.
3. Bench Seats
Front bench seats were standard in most sedans, offering plenty of space for three passengers—or for sliding over next to your sweetheart. They’ve disappeared in favor of individual bucket seats.
4. Vent Windows
These little triangular windows near the front of the car could be angled open to let in a breeze without blasting the passengers. With modern air conditioning, they’ve gone the way of disco pants.
5. Vinyl Roof Covers
A vinyl-covered roof was the height of sophistication in the ’70s, giving cars a faux-luxury look. Today, they’re a thing of the past, often seen as a maintenance nightmare.
6. 8-Track Players
Before cassette tapes and way before CDs, there were 8-track players. They were bulky, prone to tangling, and now, completely obsolete—but oh, the memories!
7. Push-Button Start for the Transmission
Believe it or not, some cars in the early ’70s used push-button systems for shifting gears. It felt futuristic at the time but quickly faded due to practicality issues.
8. Floor-Mounted Dimmer Switches
Back in the day, you’d dim your headlights using a switch on the floor by your left foot. It’s been replaced by steering column controls, but those old foot switches had a charm all their own.
9. Chrome Everywhere
From bumpers to trim, chrome was king in the ’70s. Modern cars prefer sleek plastic and painted finishes, making those shiny accents a relic of the past.
10. Seatbelt-Free Rear Seats
Shockingly, rear seatbelts weren’t always mandatory. Many cars didn’t have them, and they wouldn’t become a standard feature until well into the 1980s.
11. Bubble Rear Windows
Some sporty models, like the Chevy Corvette, had curved, bubble-like rear windows that screamed ’70s cool. They’ve largely disappeared in favor of more aerodynamic designs.
12. Hand-Pulled Choke Knobs
Starting your car in the morning often required manually adjusting the fuel-air mixture with a choke knob. Modern fuel injection systems have made this one less chore to worry about.
13. Woodgrain Paneling
Nothing says vintage quite like faux woodgrain, especially on station wagons. Whether you loved it or hated it, it was a signature ’70s look that’s vanished completely.
14. CB Radios
Citizen’s Band radios weren’t just for truckers—they were a cultural phenomenon. Everyone from hobbyists to families loved the idea of chatting on the road. With cell phones and GPS, they’ve become a quirky relic.
It’s funny how these features, once standard or cutting-edge, have been left behind as cars have evolved. But for anyone who lived through the ’70s, they remain a nostalgic reminder of an era when cars had a little extra flair and personality.
