In the world of automotive innovation, some ideas push the boundaries of practicality and dive straight into the bizarre. Over the years, manufacturers have introduced features that left car enthusiasts either scratching their heads or laughing out loud.
From falconry kits in luxury SUVs to espresso machines in commuter cars, here’s a list of the most unusual features ever put into production. Whether they were brilliant, quirky, or just plain weird, these designs prove that automakers sometimes go way beyond the ordinary.
1. Chrysler’s Highway Hi-Fi – When Records Ruled the Road
In 1956, Chrysler revolutionized in-car entertainment by offering the Highway Hi-Fi—a built-in record player. It sounded like a great idea at the time, giving drivers a way to enjoy albums on the go. However, the player only worked with special 7-inch records sold by Chrysler, forcing buyers to purchase exclusive albums. And, unless you were driving a high-end model with advanced suspension, the needle skipped whenever the car hit a bump. The dream of cruising to smooth vinyl tunes was short-lived, as the Highway Hi-Fi was quietly discontinued.
2. Toyota Van’s Ice Maker – Cool Drinks on Demand
Toyota’s 1984 Van brought families together with its functional and futuristic design, but what made this van truly unique was the inclusion of a built-in ice maker. Connected to the van’s air-conditioning system, the device came with small trays for ice cubes. While it seemed perfect for tailgate parties, few drivers needed ice cubes on their morning commute. The novelty of having an ice maker in a car never quite caught on, and today it serves as a quirky reminder of Toyota’s creative, if impractical, design choices.
3. Subaru BRAT Jump Seats – A Dangerous Loophole
The Subaru BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter) is remembered not only for its unique truck-coupe design but also for its rear-facing jump seats installed in the cargo bed. The seats were added to dodge the U.S. “chicken tax,” a 25% tariff on imported trucks. By classifying the BRAT as a passenger vehicle, Subaru saved millions in taxes. Unfortunately, the open-air seats weren’t exactly safe, and the idea didn’t survive beyond the BRAT’s production years.
4. Fiat 500L’s Espresso Machine – Coffee Break on Wheels
In 2013, Fiat offered an optional espresso machine for the 500L model, developed in collaboration with Lavazza, Italy’s famous coffee company. The machine, built into the dashboard, came with spoons, sugar holders, and even tiny cups. However, for safety reasons, the espresso machine only worked when the car was parked. Though the idea catered perfectly to caffeine lovers, the 500L and its coffee machine are now relics of the past, leaving us wondering whether the world was ready for espresso on the go.
5. Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Tumblers – Magnetic Luxury
The 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham wasn’t just a luxury car—it was a rolling lounge. Along with cutting-edge features like power seats and automatic locks, Cadillac included a vanity set of six stainless steel tumblers held in place by magnets inside the glovebox. With its sleek design and magnetic drinkware, the Eldorado ensured passengers could enjoy their drinks without spills. A favorite of celebrities like Frank Sinatra, this Cadillac was a true symbol of high-end automotive design.
6. Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith’s Champagne Cooler (or Toilet?)
When American businessman Joseph Maschuch commissioned a customized 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, he had one unique request: a toilet hidden beneath the right rear passenger seat. Officially, the compartment was called a “champagne cooler,” but it’s hard to believe that the feature wasn’t used for its original purpose at least once. With a gold seat and a mechanism to empty the contents onto the road, this Rolls-Royce became one of the strangest luxury cars ever built.
7. Pontiac Aztek’s Tent – Camping in Style (Sort Of)
The Pontiac Aztek is widely considered one of the ugliest cars ever made, but it had one redeeming feature: a tent accessory that attached to the back of the vehicle, turning it into a camper. It also included an inflatable mattress that fit perfectly in the cargo area. The Aztek may have looked awkward, but it earned a small fanbase among outdoor enthusiasts who appreciated its practicality—at least when it came to camping.
8. Mercedes-Benz S-Class Perfume Dispenser – The Smell of Luxury
Instead of settling for traditional air fresheners, Mercedes-Benz equipped select S-Class models with the Air Balance system, a custom fragrance dispenser integrated into the climate control. Each scent was carefully designed to enhance the car’s luxurious leather interior without transferring to passengers’ clothing. However, refilling the dispenser cost a cool $110—because, of course, it’s a Mercedes. The system also came with an empty vial so drivers could add their own perfume if desired.
9. Volvo’s Heartbeat Sensor – Anti-Kidnapping Tech
Volvo took security to another level with the Heartbeat Sensor in the S80. This unusual feature detected whether someone was inside the car by picking up on their heartbeat. If the key fob holder came within range of the vehicle, the system would alert them if someone was lying in wait. While it felt more like a spy gadget than a car feature, it gave Volvo drivers peace of mind—and made them feel like James Bond for a moment.
10. Bentley Bentayga Falconry Edition – Luxury for Falconers
If you thought luxury SUVs couldn’t get more extravagant, Bentley proved otherwise with the Bentayga Falconry Edition by Mulliner. This custom creation came with everything a falconer could need, including bird trackers, gauntlets, and a removable transportation perch built into the armrest. The centerpiece of the design was a marquetry inlay crafted from 430 individual pieces of wood, assembled over nine days. As Bentley put it, “If you’re buying a bespoke Bentayga, the cost is simply just another number.”
When Automakers Get Creative—And Weird
These strange car features remind us that automakers are always looking for ways to stand out. Sometimes, those ideas hit the mark, and sometimes… they don’t. Whether it’s an espresso machine that can’t be used on the go or a toilet disguised as a champagne cooler, these innovations show just how far manufacturers are willing to go to create something unique.
As quirky as they may seem, these features tell a story about automotive history—where creativity knows no bounds, and practicality sometimes takes a back seat. So the next time you get into your car and turn on the air conditioning, be grateful there isn’t a record player skipping along to the bumps in the road.
Lead Image Via AutoJosh.com
