Gallery

Ten Classic Car Features We Miss in Modern Vehicles

Although technology brings many advantages, there is a certain charm to these classic features that many car enthusiasts still cherish. They represent a time when the driving experience was more mechanical and direct.

Malene Kristiansen
By Malene Kristiansen 8. June 2025

Modern cars are packed with technology and comfort, but in the pursuit of innovation, some beloved features have been lost. Here are ten classic car features that have been replaced by the digital age:

Manual Window Cranks

Before electric windows became standard, rolling up or down your car’s windows required a good deal of hand power. It was a simple yet reliable mechanism that has now become a rarity.

Pop-up Headlights

Once symbols of sportiness and style, pop-up headlights have disappeared from modern car designs, primarily due to safety regulations and aerodynamic considerations.

Analog Dashboards

The classic needles and dials have been replaced by digital screens in many vehicles. While new displays offer more information, many car enthusiasts miss the traditional look.

Cigarette Lighters and Ashtrays

Once universal in nearly all cars, cigarette lighters and ashtrays have largely disappeared, replaced by USB ports and 12V outlets.

Manual Parking Brakes

The classic handbrake lever has been replaced by electronic parking brakes in many modern cars, altering the tactile experience of parking.

Car Phones

Before the proliferation of mobile phones, car phones were a status symbol in luxury vehicles. Now they are a curiosity from a bygone era.

Fresh Air Vents

Older cars often had simple air vents that could be manually opened to get fresh air into the cabin. Modern climate control systems have rendered these obsolete.

CD and Cassette Players

With the rise of streaming services, physical media players like CD and cassette players have been phased out in new car models.

Key-Operated Ignition

The traditional car key has been replaced in many instances by keyless systems and start buttons, altering the classic starting procedure.

Manual Transmissions

Automatic transmissions have become standard in many new cars, making manual gearboxes a rarity, particularly in certain markets.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.