Classic Car Features Still Kicking Today

Over the years, decades, heck since the beginning of the 20th century, car design has changed and evolved quite a bit. A lot of original car features have disappeared through the years, and some of those changes were probably for the best because some were downright ridiculous. Others on the other hand, some car features common on once classic cars still appear today. You may even be surprised to know some of the new-age designs we’re seeing now are just copies of old features that fizzled out before they became popular.

Round Headlights

Today, round headlights are definitely not as common as they were previous to the ‘80s. Most headlights are square or slanted, and that design looks pretty neat. Look at the Dodge Charger for instance; although a sedan, the slanted headlights and front fascia really make the car look like more of a muscle car. However, the Dodge Challenger still keeps its round headlights in pretty much all of its trims, and the look is as iconic as the name itself. With the new Dodge Challenger T/A coming back for 2017, that’s a double-whammy: a classic car with classic features.

Automatic Headlights

Surprise! Didn’t think this was a classic feature, eh? Yeah, automatic headlights were introduced by General Motors in the ‘60s, but they didn’t work that well. The lights were temperamental and inconvenient most of the time, so they pittered out until technology became more refined and such a system could work without fail. Now that vehicles are basically run by computers and have sensors, automatic headlights have been redesigned and work effectively; aside from sensing daylight, the headlights also turn on in dimly lit areas such as tunnels and parking garages.

Racing Stripes

Both, the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger can come with racing stripe decals. With the Dodge Charger Daytona also being revived, you know special edition decals will be available. Oddly enough, dual carbon stripes are unavailable, but that’s most likely due to the Daytona Decals on the roof and trunk of the vehicle, along with Daytona badges and a HEMI decal on the hood.

Swivel Seats

How did these ever die? Were they just not cool enough, or was it production costs? We’re going to go with the latter. Perhaps swivel driver seats were just not generating the right kind of revenue needed to keep them in production, and that makes sense. However, how cool would it be to plop into your car and swivel forward-facing to the steering wheel all smooth and suave? Maybe they could bring these back with the upcoming 2018 Dodge Challenger Demon. Seeing as how the passenger seat has been removed, it might be possible; just gotta work around that harness replacing the seat belt.

Suicide Doors

Yes, that’s what they were called, and we don’t know if we disagree. “Suicide Doors” was the name given to rear-hinged passenger doors on cars that open outwards. Instead of both doors opening in the same direction, they open in opposite directions, completely opening the side of the vehicle. It makes for easy access for all passengers to get into the car, but back in the 1960s when these first popped up, simple road wind could fling them open and the driver, or passenger, face first into the asphalt. Add in the fact that it’s missing a side pillar, and it’s no surprise they disappeared. Why they’re making a comeback, who knows, but a lot of cars at motor shows are popping up with these death trap doors, and we just ask “Why?”

Can you think of some interesting, or just weird classic car features you were glad to see go? How about ones you’re happy to still have around? Let us know on our social media .

Photo Source/Copyright: Dodge.com

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