1. The “Suicide Doors” on the 1930s Lincoln Zephyr
In the 1930s, the Lincoln Zephyr introduced “suicide doors,” a daring design choice that opened backwards rather than forwards. These doors added an element of elegance to the car’s sleek, streamlined look, creating symmetry that was ahead of its time, according to MotorTrend. While the aesthetic appeal was undeniable, the design earned its ominous nickname because of its potential danger. Without modern locking mechanisms, these doors could fly open unexpectedly, posing serious risks to passengers.
Imagine cruising at highway speeds and realizing that the very door meant to protect you might be the first to fail. Modern drivers, accustomed to safety-first engineering, would find this design choice laughable, if not terrifying. Yet, despite its impracticality, the suicide door remains a symbol of automotive audacity—a relic of an era when form often triumphed over function.
2. The Tailfins of the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado
The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado was impossible to ignore, thanks to its towering, rocket-inspired tailfins. Designed during an era of post-war optimism and the space race, these fins reflected America’s fascination with the future and its love of bold statements, Wilson Auto Repair explains. The exaggerated rear design made the Eldorado appear larger-than-life and turned every street corner into a stage for its flamboyance.
From a modern perspective, these tailfins seem utterly ridiculous. While current designs prioritize aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, the Eldorado’s fins were purely decorative, adding unnecessary bulk. But for enthusiasts, these impractical features are cherished symbols of a time when cars were rolling art pieces that embraced imagination over practicality.
3. The Crank Starter on the 1920s Ford Model T
Starting your car in the 1920s wasn’t as simple as turning a key or pressing a button, Car and Driver explains. The Ford Model T required drivers to use a manual crank to start the engine, a process fraught with danger. Drivers had to position the crank just right and turn it forcefully, all while praying the engine wouldn’t backfire. A sudden kickback could cause serious injuries, including broken wrists or arms.
For today’s drivers, who enjoy the convenience of remote starts and push-button ignitions, the idea of wrestling with a crank feels like a step into prehistoric times. The crank starter is a vivid reminder of how much we’ve taken the evolution of automotive technology for granted. What was once a common daily chore now seems absurdly unsafe and unnecessarily arduous.
4. The Manual Choke on the 1950s Chevrolet Bel Air
Before the advent of modern engine management systems, cars like the 1950s Chevrolet Bel Air relied on a manual choke to regulate the air-fuel mixture in the engine. Drivers would pull out a knob on the dashboard to enrich the fuel mixture for a cold start, then carefully adjust it as the engine warmed up, experts explain on the AMC Forum. It was a finicky process that required patience and a basic understanding of how engines worked.
Fast forward to today, and the concept of manually calibrating your car before driving feels absurd. Automatic sensors now handle these adjustments with precision, making the manual choke seem as outdated as a hand-cranked phone. While it may evoke nostalgia for classic car enthusiasts, most modern drivers would find it baffling and unnecessary.
5. The “Hood Ornament” of the 1937 Packard Super 8
The hood ornament on the 1937 Packard Super 8 was a statement of luxury and status. These ornate sculptures, often depicting animals or mythical figures, were meticulously crafted and prominently displayed on the car’s front. While undeniably striking, they served no functional purpose and added unnecessary weight to the vehicle.
In today’s era of sleek, minimalist car designs, the idea of placing a heavy, sharp object on the hood seems laughable. Modern cars are built with pedestrian safety and aerodynamics in mind, making hood ornaments not only impractical but potentially dangerous. They’re a relic of a time when cars were as much about flaunting wealth as they were about getting from point A to point B.
6. The Handbrake Lever of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL featured a handbrake lever that required significant effort to operate, according to Car and Driver. Positioned awkwardly, the lever demanded both physical strength and careful maneuvering to engage properly, making parking on a hill an exercise in frustration. This manual mechanism was a stark contrast to today’s electronic parking brakes, which engage with the push of a button.
Looking back, the cumbersome handbrake lever seems hilariously outdated. Modern cars have replaced this physical workout with effortless convenience, making the 300SL’s design feel more like a gym challenge than a practical feature. It’s a clear example of how far we’ve come in simplifying everyday car functions.
7. The Bench Seat in the 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air was all about togetherness, and its bench seat epitomized that philosophy. Stretching across the entire front row, the seat could comfortably fit three people, fostering a communal driving experience. It was perfect for romantic drives or family outings, but it sacrificed individual comfort and support.
Today, bench seats feel absurdly impractical. Modern drivers demand bucket seats that provide personalized comfort and ergonomic support. The thought of being crammed shoulder-to-shoulder with passengers on a long road trip is enough to make anyone grateful for the advancements in car interiors.
8. The “Wind-Up” Radio in the 1947 Buick Roadmaster
The 1947 Buick Roadmaster’s radio required manual tuning via a large knob, a process that demanded patience and precision. Hunting for a station meant slowly twisting the dial and dealing with static until you found the right frequency. There were no pre-set buttons or digital displays—just the hum of trial and error.
In an era of touchscreens and voice-activated controls, this tedious process seems utterly absurd. Today’s drivers can effortlessly switch between stations or stream playlists with a few taps, making the Roadmaster’s radio feel like a relic from a different world.
9. The “Armrest” Window Crank in the 1967 VW Beetle
In the 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, lowering the window meant rolling a crank handle repeatedly—a task that doubled as an arm workout. Positioned as an armrest, the crank was functional but far from convenient. Rolling down the window took time and effort, especially if the mechanism became stiff.
For modern drivers accustomed to power windows, the manual crank is almost comical. The ease of pressing a button has made this once-standard feature feel needlessly labor-intensive and outdated. It’s a small but striking reminder of how much car design has evolved.
10. The Dashboard “Speedometer and Odometer Combo” of the 1940s Buick Special
The 1940s Buick Special combined the speedometer and odometer into a single gauge on the dashboard. While innovative for its time, the display could be difficult to read at a glance, forcing drivers to squint and decipher critical information. It lacked the clarity and separation of today’s digital dashboards, where each function is displayed independently.
This combo gauge now feels impractical and overly simplistic. With modern cars offering heads-up displays and customizable digital screens, the Buick’s design seems like an unnecessary compromise that prioritizes style over utility.
11. The Floor-Mounted Dimmer Switch in the 1951 Ford F-1
In the 1951 Ford F-1 pickup, changing the headlights’ brightness required tapping a button on the floor. Known as the floor-mounted dimmer switch, this feature was meant to make headlight adjustment more accessible. Drivers would use their foot to toggle between high and low beams, leaving their hands free to steer. While functional in theory, it was easy to miss the switch, especially in the dark, making for a frustrating driving experience.
Today, the idea of taking your foot off the pedal to find a tiny floor button seems ridiculous. Modern vehicles integrate dimmer controls into steering columns or dashboards, allowing drivers to adjust their headlights without taking their attention off the road. The floor-mounted dimmer switch serves as a quirky reminder of how far convenience and safety have come in automotive design.
12. The Rearview Mirror “Day/Night” Switch on the 1970s Cadillac Coupe de Ville
The 1970s Cadillac Coupe de Ville introduced a manual day/night switch on its rearview mirror to reduce glare from headlights behind you. By flipping a small lever, the mirror tilted to a different angle, diffusing bright lights. While clever for its time, the adjustment required careful hand-eye coordination and often distracted drivers, especially at night.
In an age of automatic dimming rearview mirrors, this manual toggle seems hilariously outdated. Modern technology does the job seamlessly, adjusting for glare without driver intervention. The day/night switch is a nostalgic nod to simpler times, but it’s clear that automation has rendered such features obsolete in today’s world of hands-free convenience.
