Over the years, thousands of gadgets and accessories that promised to entertain, ease or improve driving have appeared. Some have become permanent fixtures of the modern motoring experience, but just as many have failed to last falling by the wayside while drivers adopted new options or competitors who produced more appealing designs. Many of the devices and systems may have sounded like a stroke of genius at the time, but proved to be nothing more than a ‘flash in the pan’. Others were simply too peculiar to succeed.

A trip down memory lane to these retro features unveils an intriguing universe of quirky automotive engineering. From luxury executive toys to brilliant mechanical patches, these features demonstrate how uniquely automakers once perceived the joy of driving. Some were functional, some opulent, and others well, some were just plain crazy. Each one offers us a glimpse into the time it was released and the buyers it was meant to entertain. Here are 12 strange and abandoned car features from the good old days.

1. Digital Dashboards

Digital dashboards were all the rage in the ’80s and ’90s, intended to make your vehicle cockpit feel more space-age. Drivers could stare at glowing, chunky LED screens that showed speed and cars’ various check engine lights in a display some found alien compared to traditional analog speedometers and gauges. To many buyers, this was a piece of the future sitting in front of the steering wheel. As the first commercially available versions of this space-age tech, automakers included them to show how high tech their new cars were.

Digital Dashboard Facts:

• Popular in the ’80s, ’90s
• Blocky glowing LED displays
• Showed speed and diagnostics
• Often unreliable over time
• Replaced by modern infotainment

While these digital setups looked like something straight out of sci-fi, they were often mechanically unreliable over time. They were ultimately outclassed by modern infotainment systems and heads-up displays. These newer technologies offer far superior usability and advanced features for drivers today. The early blocky displays now look like charming relics of a bygone era. Even so, they paved the way for the digital screens that are standard in cars today.

2. Curb Feelers

Before the age of digital sensors and camera aiding devices, curb feelers were a low-tech way to avoid damage when parking. These springy wires were installed close to the wheels of the vehicle to prevent drivers from rubbing their tires up against high curbs. Parking close to the curb was a common problem, and curb feelers were the solution. They didn’t even need electrical current or power to function, making it a cheap addition to any car.

Curb Feeler Highlights:

• Low-tech parking protection solution
• Spring-like wires near wheels
• Prevented tire scraping on curbs
• Vibrating noise warned drivers
• Replaced by parking sensors

When the wire made contact with concrete, it produced a vibrating noise inside the cabin, warning the driver to adjust their steering. This direct feedback let drivers correct their position before any damage occurred. Modern parking sensors and backup cameras eventually rendered curb feelers obsolete. They deliver far more accurate and sophisticated warnings than a simple spring-like wire ever could. Today, curb feelers are mostly remembered as a quirky piece of automotive history.

3. Mobile CB Radios

Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, mobile CB radios were the kings and queens of communication up and down the highway. They gave you, the everyday car driver and the long-haul truckers on the road with you, a way to communicate with each other, blurt out traffic updates, and share the condition of the roads on the airwaves. As a long-distance driver, it was a way to connect with other people on the road and avoid a bunch of detours along the way.

CB Radio Key Points:

• Popular in the ’70s, ’80s
• Used by motorists and truckers
• Shared traffic and road updates
• Cell phones reduced appeal
• Survives in niche circles

With the rapid rise of cell phones and superior mobile communication devices, CB radios gradually lost their mainstream appeal. Although CB radios still survive in specialized niche circles, they have largely disappeared from standard passenger dashboards. Modern drivers rely on smartphones and navigation apps for the same information. The shift happened quickly once personal mobile devices became widely available. Still, the CB radio remains an iconic symbol of an earlier age of road travel.

4. In-Car Record Players

Before there were CDs and digital downloads, back in the 1950s, auto makers tried to put record players in cars. They saw a future where your choice of music wouldn’t just be whatever station was on the radio. This was an expensive and bold experiment radio was really all you had if you wanted to hear music while you drove. They were excited about getting you the freedom to pick your own sound track on the road.

Record Player Limitations:

• Introduced by 1950s manufacturers
• Limited to 45rpm singles
• Singles held few minutes
• Records flipped every three minutes
• Lingered longer in Europe

However, the concept suffered from major practical limitations, as car record players were strictly limited to 45rpm singles. Because each single only held a few minutes of music, listeners had to physically flip the record over every three minutes while driving. This made the feature both inconvenient and distracting on the road. The trend was brief in the United States. It lingered slightly longer in Europe into the 1960s.

5. Mercedes-Benz and BMW Fax Machines

In the early 1990s, high-powered German executives expected their flagship luxury sedans to function as high-speed mobile offices. To meet this demand, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz offered factory-bundled mobile fax machines in vehicles like the 7 Series and full-size flagships. These cars were meant for business leaders who needed to stay connected while traveling. A fax machine in the car allowed them to send and receive documents on the move. It reflected the idea that a luxury sedan should serve as a rolling office.

Mobile Fax Facts:

• Offered in early 1990s
• Available in BMW 7 Series
• BMW used glove box units
• Mercedes offered RoadFax armrest
• Needed analog cellular networks

BMW offered commercial fax units inside the glove box, on front seatbacks, or hidden in rear armrests on select builds, while Mercedes-Benz integrated the armrest-installed RoadFax. Designed to connect to analog cellular networks that no longer exist today, these mobile fax systems were rarely ordered by buyers. The technology depended on infrastructure that eventually disappeared. As a result, the feature quickly became obsolete. It remains one of the most curious examples of luxury automotive technology from the early 1990s.

6. Ford Chainsaws

At the end of the 1960s, pickup trucks were transitioning from pure work vehicles into everyday daily drivers. To maintain strong appeal with buyers needing heavy utility, Ford offered branded chainsaws made by the Ohlsson and Rice company under the Hawk and Eagle model names. This move helped Ford connect its trucks with rugged outdoor work. It gave buyers a practical tool to go along with their new vehicle. The idea showed how closely trucks were tied to work and utility at the time.

Ford Chainsaw Details:

• Offered at end of 1960s
• Made by Ohlsson and Rice
• Sold as Hawk and Eagle
• Blue-painted with 12-16-inch bars
• Included as purchase incentives

These blue-painted saws were offered with 12 to 16-inch bars as purchase incentives for tractors and light-duty trucks. Remarkably, at least one design featured a special carrying compartment located right under the truck hood. It was situated along the front fender just ahead of the driver. This clever placement kept the saw secure and within easy reach. It remains one of the most unusual accessories ever offered with a Ford truck.

7. Honda CR-V Picnic Table and Shower

When Honda released the first-generation CR-V in the 1990s, it decided the rear cargo floor needed a dual purpose. Instead of a standard cardboard panel covering the spare tire well, Honda installed a removable plastic tabletop with foldable metal legs that lived inside the vehicle. It was ready for an impromptu roadside meal whenever the driver wanted to stop. This clever design turned unused space into a useful feature. It showed Honda’s focus on practical, outdoor-friendly thinking.

CR-V Outdoor Extras:

• First-generation 1990s CR-V feature
• Removable plastic picnic tabletop
• Foldable metal legs included
• Factory portable shower offered
• Powered by 12-volt plug

To top it off, Honda offered a factory portable shower accessory during the CR-V’s entire initial run. Powered by a 12-volt plug, this shower hung from the top of the open rear cargo door and drew water from an included tank. It allowed outdoorsy drivers to wash off sand and mud after a day at the beach or trail. The combination of picnic table and shower made the CR-V a true companion for outdoor adventures. Few compact SUVs offered such thoughtful extras directly from the factory.

8. Rolls-Royce Door Umbrellas

Since 2002, Rolls-Royce has integrated custom umbrellas directly into the thick inner door panels of its ultra-luxury automobiles. Stored inside spring-loaded compartments, these factory-bundled umbrellas ensure wealthy owners never have to suffer through an unexpected downpour. The feature reflects the brand’s focus on convenience and refinement. It turns a simple everyday item into a signature luxury touch. For owners, having an umbrella always at hand is part of the Rolls-Royce experience.

Rolls-Royce Umbrella Facts:

• Offered since 2002
• Stored inside door panels
• Spring-loaded compartment design
• Handles on outer door edge
• Chauffeurs can shield passengers

Fascinatingly, the umbrella handles are accessed along the outer edge of the door rather than the interior cabin. This clever design allows a chauffeur to swiftly extract the umbrella and shield passengers before they even step out onto the pavement. Passengers can leave the car without getting wet, even in heavy rain. The placement shows how carefully the feature was designed for real-world use. It remains a charming example of luxury thinking applied to a small detail.

9. Pontiac Aztek Camping Tent and Air Mattress

Long before overlanding became a massive automotive trend, the Pontiac Aztek attempted to turn a crossover directly into an RV. Pontiac offered a factory accessory tent that attached securely to the roof and sides of the vehicle. This allowed the rear hatch to remain wide open and effectively expand the cabin’s living space. The setup gave campers a sheltered area directly connected to their vehicle. It was an ambitious idea that was ahead of its time.

Aztek Camping Package:

• Factory accessory tent offered
• Attached to roof and sides
• Rear hatch stayed open
• Custom-branded air mattress included
• Tent rolled into stowable bag

The complete camping package also included a custom-branded Aztek air mattress tailored to fit the exact contours of the rear cargo area. This gave campers a comfortable place to sleep without needing to bring a separate bed. When breaking camp, the entire tent system rolled up neatly into a stowable bag for easy transport. The package made the Aztek a surprisingly capable camping companion. It stands as one of the more practical and creative accessories in this list.

10. Fiat 500L In-Car Espresso Maker

Starting in 2012, Fiat brought Italy’s deep caffeine obsession directly into the cabin of the 500L crossover by offering an optional in-car espresso machine. Developed alongside Lavazza, the system featured a dedicated docking station nestled conveniently between the front seats. It was a bold way to merge Italian coffee culture with everyday driving. Coffee lovers could enjoy a fresh cup without leaving the vehicle. The idea showed how seriously Fiat took its Italian heritage.

Espresso Maker Details:

• Introduced starting in 2012
• Developed alongside Lavazza
• Docking station between seats
• Operated at 43 psi
• Needed just 50 ml water

Operating at a whopping 43 psi of pressure, the unit required just 50 ml of water and disposable coffee pods to steam up fresh espresso on the go. While brewing piping-hot coffee inside a moving vehicle was certainly ambitious, the system was designed to be simple to use. Its compact design fit neatly into the cabin. The idea may seem impractical, but it captured the spirit of creative automotive thinking. It remains one of the most delightfully absurd factory options ever conceived.

11. Bentley Bentayga Mulliner Fly-Fishing Kit

For well-heeled drivers who prefer riverside sports, Bentley’s Mulliner customization division crafted a specialized fly-fishing trunk setup for the Bentayga luxury SUV. This elaborate accessory brought together a dedicated tackle station, a refreshment case, and waterproof storage designed specifically for wet waders. Everything an angler might need was organized neatly in the cargo area. It turned the back of the SUV into a mobile fishing base. The kit showed how far luxury customization can go for a specific hobby.

Fly-Fishing Kit Features:

• Created by Mulliner division
• Dedicated tackle station included
• Refreshment case provided
• Waterproof storage for waders
• Bespoke storage for rods, reels

The entire assembly was wrapped in the high-grade leather, rich wood trim, and meticulous craftsmanship expected from the Bentley brand. It offered bespoke storage solutions for rods, reels, and flies. This careful organization kept delicate equipment protected and easy to reach. The kit proved that even a day spent in nature can be wrapped in ultimate luxury. It remains a perfect example of Bentley’s attention to detail.

12. Holland & Holland Range Rover Gun Locker

In the 20-teens, Land Rover teamed up with legendary gunmaker Holland & Holland to produce an ultra-exclusive edition of the full-size Range Rover. Aimed at country estates and noble traditions, this quarter-million-dollar SUV featured a bespoke gun locker built directly into the rear cargo area. The partnership brought together two prestigious British names. It created a vehicle designed specifically for sporting traditions.

Gun Locker Edition Facts:

• Built with Holland & Holland
• Quarter-million-dollar Range Rover
• Bespoke rear gun locker
• Slide-out tailgate seating surface
• Only 40 examples yearly

Designed to securely hold a pair of fine hunting rifles or shotguns, the setup also included a slide-out tailgate seating surface so sports enthusiasts could sit and reload comfortably. With only around 40 examples produced each year, this rare factory option stands as one of the most extravagant automotive add-ons in history. From practical camping add-ons to outlandish high-end lifestyle extras, these eccentric factory options showcase just how far carmakers will go to charm prospective buyers. Automotive history is littered with bold experiments that pushed beyond basic transportation. They give us a wonderfully weird glimpse into what designers envisioned for life on the open road. Each of these features reminds us that creativity in the automotive world knows very few limits.