Automakers have always experimented with bold innovations, but some features leave even the most seasoned car enthusiasts scratching their heads. From a built-in espresso machine to an anti-kidnapping sensor, these quirky additions blur the line between brilliance and absurdity.
Here’s a look at 10 of the strangest car features ever produced—features that make you wonder just what these manufacturers were thinking.
1. Chrysler Highway Hi-Fi: Records on the Go—Sort Of
In 1956, Chrysler introduced the Highway Hi-Fi, an in-car record player. The idea was ambitious, but it came with a catch: the player only used special 7-inch records sold exclusively by Chrysler. Worse yet, unless you were driving a top-tier model with exceptional suspension, every bump in the road caused the needle to skip. What could’ve been the Spotify of the ‘50s ended up as a short-lived novelty.
2. Toyota Van Ice Maker: Drinks On the Road, Literally
Toyota’s 1984 Van came with an unexpected addition—a built-in ice maker. This quirky feature was cooled by the van’s air conditioning system and included small trays to keep drinks chilled. It sounded perfect for road trips, but in reality, few drivers needed ice cubes mid-commute. Today, the Toyota Van’s ice maker remains one of the most curious examples of automakers pushing the boundaries of practicality.
3. Subaru BRAT’s Rear-Facing Jump Seats: Safety Takes a Backseat
To avoid a 25% import tariff on trucks, Subaru added rear-facing jump seats in the cargo bed of its BRAT. This move reclassified the vehicle as a passenger car, saving millions in taxes. Unfortunately, the open-air seats were a major safety hazard, with little more than a seatbelt to protect riders. The BRAT remains a strange blend of loophole and liability.
4. Fiat 500L Espresso Machine: A Caffeinated Commute
Fiat’s 2013 500L offered an optional espresso machine, created in partnership with Lavazza. While it added a touch of Italian flair to the compact car, it had one major limitation—the machine only worked when the car was parked. Though it sounded great in theory, the feature never gained traction, and the 500L itself was discontinued a few years later.
5. Cadillac Eldorado Brougham’s Magnetic Tumblers: Luxury by the Glass
Cadillac’s 1958 Eldorado Brougham went all out in the luxury department, offering not just power windows and air suspension but also a set of stainless steel tumblers held in place by magnets in the glovebox. Designed to prevent spills, these tumblers were part of Cadillac’s attempt to create the ultimate luxury experience—and yes, it was Sinatra-approved.
6. Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith’s Toilet: Champagne Cooler or Something Else?
In 1954, businessman Joseph Maschuch commissioned a custom Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith complete with a toilet disguised as a champagne cooler. While Maschuch insisted the feature was only for chilling drinks, the inclusion of a gold seat raised plenty of eyebrows. Whether or not the toilet was ever used for its original purpose remains a mystery, but it certainly secured the Silver Wraith’s place in automotive lore.
7. Pontiac Aztek’s Tent Package: Camping, Aztek Style
The Pontiac Aztek may be infamous for its awkward design, but it offered something few other vehicles did—a tent that attached to the rear of the car, turning it into a camper. With an inflatable mattress that fit perfectly in the cargo area and optional rear speakers, the Aztek was ready for road trips and camping adventures. Unfortunately, the car’s other design flaws overshadowed its practical features.
8. Mercedes-Benz S-Class Perfume Dispenser: A New Car Smell, Redefined
Mercedes-Benz took in-car fragrance to a new level with the Air Balance system—a built-in perfume dispenser that introduced custom scents into the cabin. Each fragrance was designed to complement the car’s luxurious interior, but refills came with a hefty price tag of $110. This feature was quintessential Mercedes—elegant, expensive, and slightly over the top.
9. Volvo S80’s Heartbeat Sensor: Safety Meets Spy Tech
The Heartbeat Sensor in the Volvo S80 was like something out of a spy movie. The system could detect the presence of someone inside the car by sensing a heartbeat, alerting the driver if they approached their vehicle with a stranger hiding inside. While it added peace of mind for drivers, it also raised eyebrows for being a little too… paranoid.
10. Bentley Bentayga Falconry Edition: Luxury Takes Flight
The Bentley Bentayga Falconry Edition by Mulliner catered to a niche crowd—falconers. This ultra-luxurious SUV came with a flight station, bird tracking equipment, and a marquetry inlay crafted from 430 pieces of wood. If you’re the kind of person who travels with a falcon, this Bentayga was made just for you. As Bentley put it, if you can afford it, the price doesn’t matter.
When Creativity Crosses the Line
These strange car features show just how far automakers are willing to go in the quest for innovation—and how often they miss the mark. Whether they were practical attempts at luxury or quirky novelties, each of these designs adds a unique chapter to automotive history. From espresso machines and ice makers to toilets masquerading as champagne coolers, these features remind us that, sometimes, creativity can get a little out of hand.
Elizabeth Puckett