One of the factors that make antique cars so attractive to collectors and enthusiasts is their unique features. They just don’t make cars like they used to. Not only did classic automobiles look and operate differently compared to modern models, but they also often came equipped with certain accessories that are no longer on the market. Here are a few from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. 

The 1950s

In the 1950s, men were most often the breadwinners and drivers of the household. It’s no surprise that one of the most popular accessories of the 1950s was the electric shaver. Made for the mid-1950s Pontiac^®, the Remington^® shaver plugged into the cigarette lighter receptacle via an adapter. Customers could also plug it into an outlet at home. This decade also saw the advent of the automatic transmission and the push-button control systems.

The 1960s

The 1960s was a golden era for music and music accessories. In 1959 and the early 1960s, manufacturers supplied a small transistor radio that was separate from the built-in one on the car’s dash. Car record players, first introduced in the mid-1950s, were also improved in the 1960s, with more affordable options on the market. Eight-track players were also standard in the 1960s, as well.

The 1970s

Nowadays, drivers have many warning lights that come on when parts, such as the rear lights, are malfunctioning. In the 1970s, this was a new concept. The 1970 Pontiac used fiber optics to alert drivers when the rear lamps weren’t working. Vinyl sunroofs were also new this decade, offering an alternative to the glass pop-ups and metal panels. The Ventura II featured a vinyl sunroof with an exterior in black, beige, pewter, or tan and an underside to match the car’s interior. Some cars’ sunroofs could even be converted to awnings for camping trips. 

The Charlotte AutoFair is the Southeast’s largest and most famous antique car event. Held each spring and fall in the Charlotte NC area, the car exhibit brings enthusiasts, sellers, and collectors together to admire and trade. With over 10,000 people in attendance, there’s nowhere better to meet fellow antique car lovers and buy and sell collector vehicles. Call (704) 841-1990 to speak with a friendly team member, or visit their website to learn more about the upcoming event.