1. Fuzzy Dice
If you think of a ’60s car, chances are fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror comes to mind. They weren’t just for decoration, they became a kind of status symbol, especially among younger drivers who wanted their rides to look a little cooler. The dice were often bright colors like hot pink or neon green, and sometimes oversized just for fun. They didn’t serve any purpose other than showing personality, but that was exactly the point.
What’s funny is that some drivers claimed they were lucky charms, especially for rolling doubles at the craps table. By the late ’60s, they were so popular that you could buy them at gas stations or souvenir shops. While they might seem silly now, back then, they were just one of those little extras that made your car feel personal. And honestly, who doesn’t smile when they see a pair swinging around?
2. Cigarette Lighter and Ashtray
Back in the ’60s, almost every car came standard with a built-in cigarette lighter and ashtray. People smoked everywhere, and driving was no exception, so it only made sense for car manufacturers to cater to the habit. You’d press in the lighter, wait for it to pop back out glowing hot, and then light up without even thinking about it. The ashtrays were usually tucked into the dashboard or doors, sometimes with little metal inserts.
Even if you weren’t a smoker, those lighters came in handy for other things. Kids would sometimes stick crayons or gum wrappers in there (to the horror of their parents), and some drivers even used the ashtrays for loose change or gum. Today’s cars might have USB ports, but back then, the lighter and ashtray were just part of the driving experience. It’s a strange reminder of how much habits have changed.
3. Road Maps
Before GPS and smartphones, everyone had a pile of road maps stuffed in the glove compartment. They were usually folded all wrong, jammed into the space, and practically impossible to refold neatly. Families relied on them during road trips, with someone in the passenger seat trying to figure out whether to take the next exit or not. The maps were often free at gas stations, so you could collect them for every state you passed through.
The problem was that not everyone was good at reading them. Drivers sometimes argued with their spouses over directions, and more than a few wrong turns happened because of those confusing little lines. But they were also part of the fun, a reminder that trips weren’t just about the destination but the adventure along the way. It’s hard to imagine a car in the ’60s without at least one dog-eared map rattling around.
4. Tissue Box on the Rear Deck
One oddly common sight in a ’60s car was a full-size tissue box sitting on the rear deck under the back window. It might sound strange now, but back then it was considered practical and a little stylish. Companies even made decorative covers so the box looked like it belonged there, often in colors that matched the car’s interior. If you had allergies or kids, tissues within easy reach were a must.
Of course, leaving a cardboard box in the sun all day didn’t always end well. They’d fade, warp, or sometimes even melt a bit onto the upholstery. But people didn’t mind, it was just one of those things you did. It’s almost quaint to think of how a box of tissues became a sort of car accessory in its own right.
5. 8-Track Player
In the ’60s, having an 8-track player in your car was like owning the future of music. Before cassettes took over, 8-tracks were the go-to for listening to your favorite albums on the road. The bulky cartridges slid into the player with a satisfying click, and even though they sometimes switched tracks mid-song, people loved them. It made long drives feel a lot less boring.
You’d see whole cases of 8-tracks riding along with you, filled with rock albums, country hits, or even comedy recordings. The sound quality wasn’t perfect, and tapes often jammed, but it felt luxurious to play music of your choice instead of relying on the radio. For many drivers, the 8-track was more than just a gadget, it was freedom on wheels.
6. Floor Mats with Logos
Car interiors in the ’60s weren’t as uniform as they are today, and one way people customized their vehicles was with flashy floor mats. These often had logos, fun designs, or even cartoons on them. Some matched the car brand, while others were just funky patterns that showed personality. The mats were almost always rubber, with big ridges to catch dirt.
Of course, the ridges didn’t stop kids from spilling sodas or muddy shoes from staining everything else. Still, they were a staple item, and sometimes car dealers even threw them in for free as part of the sale. When you think of that era, it’s funny how something as simple as floor mats could feel like a cool upgrade.
7. Gas Station Giveaways
Cars in the ’60s often had random knickknacks from gas station promotions rolling around inside. Oil companies loved giving away things like drinking glasses, toys, or little souvenirs with a fill-up. Drivers would stash them in the glove box, the trunk, or even under the seats. These freebies added up quickly, turning cars into mini time capsules.
Some people even collected them religiously, making sure to stop at their favorite station just to get the latest set. It sounds odd now, but in that era, loyalty programs came in the form of physical stuff, not apps. So if you peeked into a ’60s car, you’d probably find at least one odd trinket from the corner gas station.
8. Drive-In Theater Speaker
Before car radios synced with drive-in movies, you’d clip a metal speaker to your window. These speakers were clunky, tinny, and often tangled up in cords, but they were the standard way to watch a movie from your car. If you didn’t hang it right, the sound would crackle or cut out entirely. Still, families piled into cars with popcorn and blankets for a night at the movies.
Some drivers even forgot to unclip the speaker when they left, ripping the cord right out of the post as they drove away. It was all part of the drive-in culture, though, and everyone knew the drill. Looking back, it’s one of those little details that instantly brings the ’60s car experience to life.
9. Bench Seats
Instead of separate bucket seats, most cars in the ’60s had long, wide bench seats up front. That meant you could slide across the seat without interruption, which couples loved for date nights. Families appreciated the extra room too, since you could squeeze in more people. Seat belts weren’t always standard, so the wide-open space sometimes felt like riding on a couch.
Of course, safety wasn’t top of mind the way it is now. People perched kids on laps, slid around corners, and rarely thought twice about it. But those bench seats are burned into memory because they made cars feel more communal. Everyone was closer, for better or worse.
10. Window Crank Handles
Before power windows became common, you had to roll down the glass with a crank handle. Every door had one, and it was sometimes a workout to get the window all the way down. Kids often fought over who got to roll theirs up and down, while parents complained about the squeaky noise. It was one of those little chores you didn’t think about until power windows came along.
If the handle popped off, you were out of luck until it got fixed. But for most people, it was just second nature. Rolling down the window by hand felt normal, and even today, some older cars still carry that reminder of simpler times.
11. Hood Ornaments
In the ’60s, cars were works of art, and hood ornaments were like jewelry for them. From sleek chrome rockets to animal figures, each one told you something about the brand and style. They gleamed in the sun and gave cars an instantly recognizable look. Kids often reached up to touch them, fascinated by the shiny detail.
The problem was they were also theft magnets. People sometimes swiped them as souvenirs, and replacements weren’t cheap. Still, they were a defining feature of the cars of the era, a little piece of style right at the front of the hood.
12. Portable Fans
Not every ’60s car came with air conditioning, so many drivers turned to portable fans. These were small, electric fans that clipped onto the dashboard and plugged into the lighter socket. They weren’t particularly powerful, but on a hot day, they made a difference. Families often relied on them during summer road trips when the sun turned the car into an oven.
The hum of those little fans became part of the soundscape of driving. They might not have cooled you as well as today’s A/C, but they gave a sense of relief. It’s one of those quirky add-ons that really captures the DIY spirit of car ownership in the ’60s.