Features We Love in a Classic Car
The automotive industry is competitive, and new designs and technologies come out constantly. Every new production year is an evolution on its predecessor, offering more to meet the changing needs of drivers. But sometimes, things get left behind in the rush to make vehicles more efficient, comfortable, and appealing. Thankfully, a classic car can serve as a time capsule of what vehicles once were.
Sometimes, a classic car will boast features that we would like to see more of today. The following is a quick look at some of our personal favorite features seen on classic cars:
3 Classic Car Features That Deserve a Comeback
- Front-row bench seats: Front-row bench seats had a long run -- in fact, the 2013 Chevrolet Impala was the last model to succumb to bucket seats separated by a center console. Bucket seats do have their benefits, including side-bolstering for cornering comfort and a middle space that serves as a handy place for gearshifts. But there are also good reasons for the single bucket seat too. They make it easier to cozy up with your partner, and the style is easy to upholster for a more individualized appearance. Just take a look at what we did with the front-row bench seat in this '50 Merc.
- Hood ornaments: Hood ornaments allowed manufacturers to express some creativity and transform boring radiator caps into something beautiful. For decades, winged creatures, confident beasts, and mythic figures like the archer on early Pierce-Arrows graced every car. But concerns over passenger injuries and reduced drag eventually ultimately doomed hood ornaments. Today, only a few select luxury car models continue feature hood ornaments (and these contemporary versions quickly retract upon collision). However, when we restore a classic car at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice, we try to bring back this iconic feature whenever possible.
- Quarter glass vent windows: This classic car feature served a practical purpose, but we also miss it for aesthetic reasons. Quarter glass vent windows, the triangular-shaped pieces found at the front-slope of car windows, could be flipped open for some much-needed interior cooling in the pre-AC era. They also offered smokers a quick way to vent out smoke in the cooler months. A simple, practical design feature, these windows defined an era of automobiles and gave a sleek, balanced look -- as seen on models like this in-shop '67 Camaro.
Want to learn more? Come see these outstanding classic car features and more at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice.