10 Car Innovations... That DID NOT Stand the Test of Time

Dive into the world of automotive history as we explore 10 car features that were once the talk of the town but have now faded into obscurity. From the iconic bench seats of the '60s to the pop-up headlights of the '90s, discover why these once-loved innovations are no longer in vogue. Whether it's changing tastes, safety concerns, or technological advancements, join us on this nostalgic journey through the evolution of car design.

#cars #nostalgia #vintage #retro #yesteryear

Welcome to American Rewind, your ultimate trip down memory lane! Dive deep into the golden age of Americana, as we journey through the good old days of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Experience the nostalgia of days gone by, flipping through vintage photo albums and exploring this rich archive from the 20th century. Remember when the USA was filled with memories that shaped its history? Relive those moments growing up, as we bring you a nostalgic look back at America's golden years. From retro vibes to the timeless charm of yesteryear, our channel is dedicated to remembering the past and celebrating our great country. Join us as we travel back in time and let's rewind together!

[AmericanRewind]

If you had to bring one of these features back, which one would it be and why?

[emmahardesty]

Lots of us miss the vent windows. They offered just the right amount of breeze when the weather was right. Bring em back.

[censusgary]

Those triangular vent windows were excellent for ventilating the car. I wish cars still had them.

[Whoremembersusa]

On my classic car, I really loved the vent windows. They were amazing when the weather was nice!

[sparkplug]

The actual reason for the column mount shifter and bench seat was that for many years a family had only one car, no matter how many kids you had, you shoved them all into that one car. Bench seats allowed more occupants per seat, but a floor mount shifter got pretty intimate for the middle front seat passenger so the column shifter was introduced.

[bobblowhard]

Some other features not mentioned: Oversized tail fins on many cars in the late 50's and early 60's; Push-button automatic transmissions; Vent doors located under the dash that you could open or close; floor-button high beam selectors; and of course, the full-sized spare tire.

[stephenguppy]

Bench seats. I would bring them back simply to give kids today the thrill I used to get when I was a boy of sitting in between mum & dad up front. Great memories.

[U.A.W.-VET]

Young people don’t know how great bench seats were at the Drive In movies…luv them

[dangeary]

Ashtrays were always a useful option, even if you didn’t smoke.
They could hold things like spare fuses, keys, or loose change.

[latebloomerabroad]

I grew up in the 60's and never heard of record players in cars. You said they were replaced by cassettes and then CDs, but before cassettes, we had 8-track players for many years in our cars and at home.

[cvcoco]

The ones that should have never left, or should come back are vent windows, bench seats and column shifters. In 2002, Toyota offered you a choice on Avalon, buckets/floor shift or bench/column. We argued in the family about this option and so we bought one of each. Earlier, when bench seats phased out, everyone noticed to their unhappiness that suddenly your girl couldnt sit next to you so many people hung onto their bench cars longer or found ways to fill the gaps. A/C....I wont believe vent windows stopped because of A/C, it was to save cost and complexity on the production line. Im willing to pay a custom shop to re-convert windows to have the vents again, or even consider having an old car permanently, thats how important it is.

[Lottprein]

As a German, I have to say that these customs are for the most part very typically American. But I definitely find the video very pleasant: no clickbait with a dubious thumbnail, a calm voice that speaks very pleasant, understandable English. Very informative and entertaining. It's worth following the channel.

[junaidahmadj]

Bench seating is wonderful, a kid can sit in center, it is still present in japanese cars like Nissan Moco. I like bench seating and driving control on dashboard 😊😊

[ronalddrozdick]

One thing lost to us with bench seats is the ability to easily access the drivers side from the passenger side. Like when you get back to your car and someone parked too close to the drivers side.

[flagman]

Definitley the Vent Window! Great way to vent inside air out or a good
blast of breeze inside, depending upon the direction they were pointed.

[axjason]

Wing windows definitely very useful when the air conditioning didn’t work also floor vents that used to be on the kick panels back in 60s and 70s was useful

[wysiwyg]

You are missing a few: 1) Vinyl roof tops, which you are showing in the Landau Bars segment. 2) Headlight switch in the floor. 3) Lap only seatbelts. 4) Cupholders in the door of the glovebox.

[lakrfan]

My first auto was a 1956 Ford Pickup that came with a bench seat. The bench seat allowed my girlfriend to slide over right next to me while driving. A cool feature back then.

[gregt]

I miss the bench seat- with fold down center arm rest! They were supremely comfortable- especially in Cadillacs.. and offered room to move around in. (not like being pinned in the current bucket seats with fat center consoles) I also like the column shifter. easter to shift instead of looking down to do so.

[Adogslife]

Loved the vent windows! I believe they would stand the test of time, if they were allowed to exist!
Liked the land-o-bars (sp?) back in the day, too. But, not as much as the vent windows.
Really miss them. Wish they would bring them back!