The automotive sector has been one of the most prominent playhouses for innovation. Features have been developed for performance, convenience, styling, and safety. While some have become the key industry standard, others have fallen to the fringes due to their quirkiness. They may have served a particular purpose for the specific model they were tailored for but could not be adapted for the rest of the line. These attributes might not always be practical, but they have a distinctive charm and sometimes even create a cult following.
Swivel Seats on the Chrysler Turbine, 1960s
Swivel seats first appeared in Chrysler models in the early 60s, where the front seats swiveled to 40 or 45 degrees. It was meant to be a novelty rather than an innovation, but it was moderately popular among Chrysler buyers and considered a great convenience. While they seem to be popular, swivel seats were discontinued after 1961 for reasons that were not confirmed. Rumor has it, though, that a Chrysler executive’s wife was embarrassed following a dress mishap when the valet opened the door. The swivel seats were discontinued afterward.
“Snake” Headlights on the Citroën DS
The Citroen DS’s style is one of the best in the automotive industry, though most of it is attributed to the snake-shaped headlights. Its headlights were shaped like a sharp oval with circular lights, hence the ‘snake’ moniker. These lights also swiveled according to direction. The features made Citroen appear ahead of its time but were soon discontinued due to budgetary constraints. Citroen has had to switch to more conventional-looking models, meaning the end of the more striking models like the DS.
Third Headlight on the Tucker 48
The Tucker 48 was one of the pioneer models of the 1940s, providing advances in design and safety that had yet to be seen. Chief and most apparent among these elements was the third directional headlight, also referred to as the Cyclops Eye. It was centrally located and could activate at steering angles of more than 10 degrees to light the car’s path when navigating corners. During this era, 17 states had a law that vehicles could not have more than two headlights. The automaker then fabricated a cover for the center light in these states. Only 51 of these models were made, so the feature did not carry forward to other models.
Transparent Roofs on the Peugeot 1007
One of the 1007’s interesting aspects is its glass roof panels. These, along with the higher seating position and big glass area, give everyone a great view of the road and everything around it, making the car seem even more spacious. The other interesting aspect was the interchangeable Cameleo panels, which allow owners to choose from different color schemes. Each panel consisted of 18 pieces that were zipped or velcroed in place.
Dog Mode on the Tesla
The Dog Mode feature allows the owner to set the temperature in the car the same way they would at home. Specific to Teslas, the vehicle keeps the interior of the car at the same temperature until the driver returns. It does not matter if the cabin needs to be heated or cooled. Instead, the car controls the environment to keep it at the set temperature. However, Tesla’s Dog Mode remains in place until the vehicle runs out of battery. After driving, the climate control feature draws the largest amount of power. However, this is dependent on the outdoor temperature.
Mood Lights on the BMW iX
Also known as ambient lighting, it creates a cozy atmosphere within the interior, particularly in the dark. However, the LED strips in the doors are visible during the day and show different car states. A green light, for one, indicates the doors are unlocked. Red lighting warns there is a potential danger of getting out. BMW LEDs may also show a light signal when charging or when a phone call is received while the operator is driving. The colors and brightness of this feature can also be adjusted within the settings.
Rotating License Plates on James Bond-type Cars
These are also known as plate flippers and can be used on James Bond-style vehicles and motorcycles. The plate flipper is a device that can rotate a license plate and change its numbers. It can rotate 180 degrees with the push of a button. That said, this feature is illegal in all 50 states. If a police officer pulls a driver over and discovers the vehicle has a flipped plate, they will face several legal issues.
Yoke Steering Wheel on the Tesla Model S Plaid
The yoke steering wheel is a departure from the traditional circular options. These were initially introduced in the Tesla Model S, though the rectangular half-wheel design looks like something out of Star Trek. The goal of the yoke wheel was to give the driver a better view of the digital display. It was also meant to provide a techy experience, aligning Tesla with innovation. It is not without criticism within different communities, though. Traditionalists have expressed that it is uncomfortable to use. People also complain about the absence of turn signal stalks, which touch-sensitive buttons have replaced.
Heart Rate Monitors on Ford Models
In 2011, Ford infused heart rate monitors into some models’ seating. These monitor the driver’s heartbeat via sensors on the surface of the backrest, which detect electrical impulses coming from the heart. The system was designed to assess the heart rate through clothes without touching the skin. However, fabrics like wool proved troublesome.
Waterproof Interior on the Nissan X-Trail
The X-trail was designed to provide both luxury and durability, hence the inclusion of waterproof seating. This is a testament and part of the reason for carefree driving experiences. This fabric repels moisture even when in contact with damp clothing, so stains and dampness roll off. The seating is highly popular, considering it is one of the most sought-after options on Nissan’s website.
Joystick Steering on the Saab Prometheus
Saab Engineering was quirky in a good way, and one of its interesting features was the steering wheel. In the 1990s, the automakers designed a version of the Saab 9000, also called the Prometheus, without a steering wheel. Instead, it had a joystick in the center console, which could twist left and right to turn the vehicle when driving. Safety-wise, it was a good idea so drivers wouldn’t hit the steering wheel in an accident. The problem with the joystick was it turned 180 degrees from lock to lock, meaning even minor adjustments led to massive changes.
Record Players in Chrysler Models
In 1956, Chrysler came up with several improvements to their lineup, including a highway hi-fi and factory-installed record player on the car’s dashboard. It utilized an elastic three-point suspension system so the unit could play non-breakable seven-inch records. Chrysler claimed the discs would never skip, even when turning sharply or driving on bumpy terrain like railway tracks. The automaker indicated that it was almost impossible to jar the arm off; however, one can imagine how problematic it was to spin a record in a moving vehicle.
A Bygone Era of Automotive Creativity
The automotive world has seen its fair share of absurd designs over the decades. Most of these attributes came out during the 1960s to 1990s when creativity in car design was a significant priority. It is harder for these attributes to appear presently because manufacturers know what works and what doesn’t, so only a little investment goes into the unique and eccentric. That said, these unusual elements did add some personality, whether or not they became widely accepted.
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Mark Muhoro is a car enthusiast and writer who loves everything about automobiles. With over 11 years of experience in the automotive industry, Mark has become an expert in how cars work and what makes them special. He writes clear and interesting articles about cars for magazines and websites, making valuable contributions to renowned platforms like Vroom Magazine, Internet Brands, and Contentmotive.
