10 Cars From the 70s–90s That Got Wild Dealer-Installed Options You Forgot About

Between the 1970s and 1990s, car dealerships offered a range of unique dealer-installed options that reflected the automotive culture and consumer trends of the era. These features, often designed to enhance performance, comfort, or style, sometimes led to unexpected outcomes. Exploring these options provides insight into the innovative and sometimes questionable choices made by both manufacturers and consumers during this period.

1. Chevrolet Camaro: Eight-Track Tape Players

In the 1970s, the Chevrolet Camaro offered dealer-installed eight-track tape players, catering to the growing demand for in-car entertainment. This option allowed owners to enjoy music on the go, a feature that was becoming increasingly popular before the advent of cassette tapes and CDs. While some models featured in-dash eight-track players, others had console-mounted units, reflecting the era’s innovative approach to automotive audio systems. (nastyz28.com)

2. Pontiac Trans Am: Removable T-Tops

In the late 1970s, the Pontiac Trans Am introduced dealer-installed removable T-tops, offering an affordable semi-convertible experience. This option allowed drivers to enjoy open-air driving while maintaining the structural integrity of the vehicle. Similar to sunroof options, T-tops provided a balance between the benefits of a convertible and the practicality of a hardtop. The popularity of T-tops was further solidified by their prominent appearance in the 1977 film “Smokey and the Bandit,” where a black and gold Trans Am featured the distinctive roof panels. (hemmings.com)

3. Ford Mustang: Custom Graphics & Body Kits

In the 1970s and 1980s, Ford Mustangs often left dealerships with bold, aftermarket graphics and body kits, tailored to customer taste. These dealer-installed options allowed owners to personalize their vehicles, showcasing early customization trends that would later be surpassed by factory options. The availability of such modifications reflected a growing desire for individuality in automotive design during that era. (carid.com)

4. Nissan/Datsun Z Cars: CB Radios

During the 1970s, the Citizens Band (CB) radio craze swept the United States, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Nissan/Datsun Z car dealers capitalized on this trend by offering dealer-installed CB radios, transforming these sports coupes into mobile communication hubs. This integration allowed drivers to engage in real-time conversations, share road information, and connect with a broader community. The CB radio’s role in American car culture was further popularized by songs like C.W. McCall’s “Convoy” and films such as “Smokey and the Bandit,” which depicted truckers and motorists using CB radios to communicate and evade law enforcement. (en.wikipedia.org)

5. Cadillac Fleetwood: Built-in Mobile Phones

In the 1980s, Cadillac Fleetwood limousines and sedans were often upgraded post-sale with dealer-installed mobile phones, a rare luxury at the time. These devices foreshadowed today’s car connectivity, offering drivers unprecedented communication capabilities. While modern infotainment systems provide a wide array of features, the integration of mobile phones into vehicles like the Fleetwood marked a significant step toward the connected driving experience we have today. (techwalla.com)

6. Jeep Cherokee: Rear Air Conditioning Units

In the 1980s and 1990s, Jeep Cherokee models were often enhanced with dealer-installed rear air conditioning units, providing added comfort for rear passengers. This feature anticipated the multi-zone climate control systems that would later become standard in SUVs, reflecting a growing emphasis on passenger comfort and convenience. The availability of rear A/C units in Cherokees highlighted the brand’s responsiveness to consumer demands for more comfortable and versatile vehicles. (en.wikipedia.org)

7. Toyota Supra: Digital Dash Clusters

In the 1980s, the Toyota Supra offered digital dashboard displays as a premium, dealer-installed option, providing owners with a glimpse into the future of automotive instrumentation. These digital clusters contrasted sharply with traditional analog gauges, featuring numerical readouts and electronic displays that enhanced the vehicle’s modern appeal. This innovation marked a significant shift in automotive design, paving the way for the advanced digital interfaces found in today’s vehicles. (op-imports.com)

8. Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Car Fax Machines

In the 1980s and 1990s, Mercedes-Benz S-Class models offered dealer-installed in-car fax machines, a rare luxury that transformed these vehicles into mobile offices. This feature was a status symbol for executives, providing the ability to send and receive documents on the go, long before the advent of smartphones and email. The inclusion of fax machines in cars highlighted the period’s technological aspirations and the S-Class’s commitment to innovation. (autoconnectedcar.com)

9. Buick Regal: Simulated Convertible Tops

In the 1980s and 1990s, Buick Regal models often featured dealer-installed simulated convertible tops, commonly known as “landau” tops. These vinyl coverings, sometimes heavily padded, mimicked the appearance of a convertible’s soft top, providing a touch of luxury without the expense of a true convertible. This trend was part of a broader movement where aftermarket companies offered such modifications, allowing owners to customize their vehicles’ aesthetics. However, as automotive design evolved and consumer preferences shifted, the popularity of simulated convertible tops declined, leading to their eventual fall out of fashion. (designsbylawrence.com)

10. Honda Accord: Gold Badge Packages

In the 1990s, Honda Accord owners often opted for dealer-installed gold badge packages, adding gold-plated emblems to their vehicles. This customization aimed to impart a touch of luxury to mass-market cars, aligning with the era’s trend of enhancing vehicle aesthetics. While these gold badges provided a premium appearance, they were eventually phased out as automotive design preferences shifted, and the trend of gold accents became less popular. (jalopnik.com)

A Look Back at Dealer-Driven Innovation

The dealer-installed options of the 1970s to 1990s showcased a blend of creativity, status, and technological experimentation. Features like eight-track tape players, T-tops, and in-car fax machines reflected the era’s desire for personalization and cutting-edge technology. While some of these modifications have faded from popularity, they remain a testament to the automotive industry’s innovative spirit and the ever-evolving tastes of consumers. Appreciating these forgotten features offers insight into the rich tapestry of automotive history.

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