The Most Bizarre Car Features Ever Offered

Throughout automotive history, car manufacturers have continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation, introducing features designed to enhance comfort, safety, and convenience. However, not all of these ideas have stood the test of time. Some were so unusual, impractical, or downright bizarre that they left drivers scratching their heads. From pop-up headlight washers to built-in espresso machines, here’s a look at some of the strangest car features ever offered.

1. Pop-Up Headlight Washers (1960s–1980s)

Before modern aerodynamic designs took over, many cars in the 1960s and 1970s featured hidden headlights that would pop up when turned on. Some manufacturers, like Saab and Citroën, took this a step further by adding tiny windshield washer nozzles that would emerge from the bumper to clean the headlights. While innovative, these mechanisms were prone to freezing in cold weather and often malfunctioned, leading to their eventual disappearance.

2. The Talking Dashboard (1980s)

In the early 1980s, when voice synthesis technology was still in its infancy, some automakers thought drivers would appreciate a car that could talk. The 1983 Chrysler New Yorker and Dodge 600 featured an electronic voice that would announce warnings like “Your door is ajar” or “Fuel level is low.” While novel at the time, the robotic voice quickly became annoying—especially since it couldn’t be turned off—and the feature was soon abandoned.

3. The Citroën DS’s Single-Spoke Steering Wheel (1955–1975)

The Citroën DS was a revolutionary car in many ways, but one of its quirkiest features was its single-spoke steering wheel. Unlike conventional wheels with multiple spokes, the DS had just one, making it look like a futuristic joystick. While it gave the dashboard a cleaner look, it also made the steering wheel less rigid, leading to a somewhat flimsy feel—something most drivers weren’t fond of.

4. The Rolls-Royce Umbrella Holder (1920s–Present)

Rolls-Royce has long been synonymous with luxury, but one of its most peculiar features is the built-in umbrella holder in the door panel. First introduced in the 1920s, this hidden compartment contains a specially designed umbrella that automatically ejects when the door is opened. While undeniably classy, it’s also one of the most extravagant solutions to a problem that could easily be solved with, well, an umbrella.

5. The Amphibious Car (1960s–Present)

While not exactly a “feature,” amphibious cars like the Amphicar (1961–1968) deserve a mention for their sheer absurdity. These vehicles could drive on land and then—with the flip of a switch—float on water like a boat. The Amphicar even had twin propellers at the rear. Unfortunately, it wasn’t particularly good at being either a car or a boat, leading to its quick demise. Still, the idea of a car that doubles as a boat remains one of the weirdest automotive concepts ever realized.

6. The Cadillac’s Thermostat-Controlled Seats (1960s)

Long before heated and cooled seats became common, Cadillac experimented with a bizarre temperature-controlled seating system in the 1960s. The “Comfort Control” seats used a network of air ducts to blow warm or cool air through perforations in the upholstery. While it sounded luxurious, the system was prone to malfunctioning, often leaving drivers either sweating or shivering.

7. The Volkswagen’s “Flower Holder” (1998)

When Volkswagen launched the New Beetle in 1998, they included a small vase-like holder on the dashboard, marketed as a place to keep a fresh flower. While charming in theory, it was completely impractical—most drivers quickly realized that a flower would either wilt in the heat or spill water everywhere during sharp turns.

8. The Ferrari F12’s “Passenger Screen” (2012)

Ferrari’s F12 Berlinetta came with an unusual option: a small LCD screen mounted on the passenger side of the dashboard that displayed speed, RPM, and other driving data. The idea was to make the passenger feel more involved in the driving experience. However, most owners found it unnecessary, as anyone riding in a Ferrari was probably more interested in the thrill of the ride than staring at a tiny screen.

9. The Aston Martin’s “Emotional Control Unit” (2007)

Aston Martin’s DBS and later models featured a key unlike any other—a thick, crystal-like fob called the “Emotional Control Unit.” Instead of a traditional key, drivers inserted this heavy, glass-like object into a slot on the dashboard to start the car. While undeniably cool, it was also fragile and expensive to replace if lost or broken.

10. The Fiat Multipla’s Front Bench Seat (1998–2010)

The Fiat Multipla was already one of the ugliest cars ever made, but its strangest feature was its front bench seat, which could accommodate three passengers up front—just like a pickup truck from the 1950s. While it maximized seating capacity, it also meant the driver had to share space with two other people, making for an awkward and uncomfortable ride.

Conclusion

Automotive history is filled with bold—and sometimes baffling—ideas. While many of these features were well-intentioned, they often proved too impractical, too expensive, or just too weird to last. Yet, they remain fascinating reminders of how far car design has come—and how far it can still go. Who knows? Maybe one day, a feature that seems bizarre today will become the standard of tomorrow.

Would you drive a car with any of these features? Let us know in the comments!