Modern cars come packed with features that enhance convenience, comfort, and safety. From navigation systems to heated seats, automakers continuously innovate to attract buyers. However, not every idea turns out to be practical. Over the years, some vehicle features have been outright bizarre, serving niche markets or proving to be impractical. While some were innovative for their time, others left car owners scratching their heads. Here, we explore ten of the strangest car features ever introduced.
1. Chrysler Highway Hi-Fi Record Player
Before the era of digital music, drivers had limited entertainment options. In 1956, Chrysler attempted to revolutionize in-car audio with the Highway Hi-Fi record player. It allowed drivers to listen to their favorite records while on the go.
While high-end models benefited from this feature, lower-tier vehicles experienced skipping records due to poor suspension. Additionally, the system played only proprietary 7-inch records, requiring owners to repurchase music specifically for their cars. The impracticality of maintaining a steady sound in a moving vehicle ultimately doomed this idea to obscurity.
2. Toyota Van Ice Maker
Toyota took in-car luxury to an unusual level in 1984 with the introduction of an ice maker in its Toyota Van. The built-in device was connected to the air-conditioning system and included small trays to make ice cubes on the go.
While the feature might have been useful for tailgating, long drives, or picnics, its necessity was questionable. It was one of those quirky additions that had limited utility beyond impressing passengers. Though a novel idea, the Toyota Van’s ice maker never became a standard feature in later models.
3. Subaru BRAT Jump Seats
The Subaru BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter) was a unique coupe-truck hybrid with a peculiar design choice: rear-facing jump seats in the cargo bed. These seats, welded in place, allowed Subaru to classify the BRAT as a passenger vehicle rather than a truck, helping the company avoid the U.S. “chicken tax” imposed on imported trucks.
However, from a safety standpoint, these seats were highly questionable. The exposed positioning of the jump seats left passengers vulnerable, making them one of the most unsafe seating arrangements ever put in a vehicle. While the BRAT itself has a cult following today, the jump seats remain an oddity in automotive history.
4. Fiat 500L Espresso Machine
Coffee lovers might find this feature amusing, but Fiat’s decision to integrate an espresso machine into the dashboard of its 2013 500L model was both brilliant and bizarre. Developed in collaboration with Italian coffee brand Lavazza, the espresso machine included accessories such as spoons and sugar holders. However, for safety reasons, it only operated when the car was stationary.
The idea catered to Fiat’s Italian roots but ultimately failed to gain widespread popularity. The 500L itself struggled in the market, and the built-in espresso machine was eventually discontinued along with the model.
5. Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Drink Tumblers
The 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham epitomized luxury, featuring power seats, automatic locks, and air suspension. However, its most extravagant addition was a set of six stainless steel drink tumblers held in place by magnets inside the glovebox.
Cadillac’s goal was to provide passengers with an elite experience, making the Eldorado Brougham a symbol of sophistication. This elegant touch made it a favorite among the elite, including Frank Sinatra. While the tumblers themselves were not a game-changing feature, they demonstrated Cadillac’s commitment to over-the-top luxury and set a precedent for extravagant car accessories.
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6. Rolls-Royce Vignale Toilet and Champagne Cooler
In 1954, American businessman Joseph Maschuch commissioned a custom Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith featuring an unexpected luxury: a built-in toilet beneath the right rear passenger seat. Although Maschuch claimed it was used only as a champagne cooler, the presence of a functional toilet in a high-end luxury car was an odd choice.
This bespoke Rolls-Royce also included a full bar, chrome-plated pipes, and a green-painted engine bay. While the car itself was a masterpiece of customization, the built-in toilet remains one of the most eccentric requests in automotive history.
7. Pontiac Aztek’s Tent Attachment
The Pontiac Aztek is often remembered for its unconventional design, but one of its quirkiest features was an optional tent attachment. This accessory transformed the SUV into a camper by securing a tent to the vehicle’s wheel well and roof rails.
Additionally, the Aztek came with an inflatable mattress designed to fit inside the cargo area. While the feature made sense for outdoor enthusiasts, it wasn’t enough to salvage the Aztek’s reputation. With its underwhelming performance and unattractive styling, the Aztek became infamous, though the built-in tent remains a curious talking point among automotive enthusiasts.
8. Mercedes-Benz S-Class Perfume Dispenser
Luxury car buyers expect refined interiors, and Mercedes-Benz took this to the next level with a built-in perfume dispenser. The Air Balance system purified the cabin air and allowed owners to introduce custom fragrances into the climate control system.
Each scent was carefully designed to complement the car’s interior materials, and Mercedes assured buyers that the fragrances wouldn’t transfer to clothing. However, the system came with a hefty price tag, as refills cost upwards of $110. While it added an extra layer of sophistication, many questioned whether a built-in perfume dispenser was a necessary feature or just an overpriced gimmick.
9. Volvo’s Anti-Kidnapping Heartbeat Sensor
Security is a top priority for car manufacturers, and Volvo introduced a unique safety feature in its S80 model: a heartbeat sensor. This technology allowed the vehicle’s key fob to detect whether someone was inside the car before the driver entered.
The feature was designed to help prevent potential kidnappings or break-ins, particularly in situations where an assailant might be hiding in the vehicle. While it was an innovative safety measure, it also had an eerie quality. The idea of detecting hidden intruders added an element of suspense to the driving experience, making it one of the strangest yet practical safety features in car history.
10. Bentley Bentayga’s Custom Falconry Set
For ultra-wealthy customers with a passion for falconry, Bentley offered a specialized version of the Bentayga SUV. Designed by Mulliner, the custom Bentayga included a flight station with bird-tracking equipment, binoculars, and leather gauntlets. Additionally, a refreshment case housed metal flasks and cups, ensuring that falconers could enjoy a luxurious experience even in the wild.
The handcrafted wooden marquetry inlay, made from 430 pieces, further emphasized Bentley’s dedication to bespoke luxury. While the falconry set catered to a niche audience, it remains one of the most exclusive car features ever introduced.
Automakers continuously push the boundaries of innovation, sometimes creating features that are groundbreaking and, at other times, utterly impractical. While some of these unique additions catered to niche audiences, others faded into obscurity due to their impracticality or high costs.
From in-car espresso machines to falconry kits, the automotive industry has produced some truly strange features over the years. Nevertheless, these quirks highlight the endless creativity in car manufacturing and serve as fascinating reminders of the lengths companies will go to attract buyers with exclusive and unusual options.
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