Timeless Accessories for Classic Cars: Enhancing the Vintage Appeal
A period-correct steering wheel is one of the most iconic accessories for any classic car. Whether a wood-rimmed wheel or a leather-wrapped one, these retro-style steering wheels add a touch of sophistication and give the driver a more immersive driving experience. Popular designs include thin-rimmed wheels with chrome or polished metal spokes, a feature in many 1960s and 1970s sports cars.
For those on a budget, reproductions of these classic parts can be found online. But if you’re looking for an authentic stock part, you’ll have to fork over a pretty penny off eBay or other automotive auction sites (unless you get lucky at a junkyard).
Some popular designs include:
Wood-rimmed wheels: Often seen in British and European sports cars.
Banjo steering wheels: These are common in pre-war American cars and feature wire spokes.
Leather-wrapped wheels: Found in classic muscle cars, offering comfort and grip. You can add a leather wrap (fairly inexpensive) to an existing steering wheel for the same effect.
Classic Chrome Side Mirrors
Side mirrors from past decades are simple, elegant, and often made of polished chrome. But over time, many of those side mirrors have been replaced or fallen into disrepair. Adding a pair of vintage-style chrome mirrors to your classic car can elevate its exterior styling. These mirrors often feature rounded or bullet-shaped housings, which were standard on many cars from the 1950s and 1960s.
Key Features:
Polished chrome finish: Adds a retro, shiny look that can’t be missed on the road.
Bullet-style mirrors: Sleek, aerodynamic design from mid-century cars.
Round or oval mirrors: A minimalist touch for an authentic period look.
Whitewall Tires
Nothing says classic car like whitewall tires. Popular from the 1920s to the 1960s, whitewalls were synonymous with luxury and style. Today, you can still find reproduction whitewall tires that give your vintage vehicle the iconic look of its era. Whether you own a 1950s Cadillac or a 1930s Packard, whitewall tires are the perfect finishing touch to complete the car’s period-correct appearance. Sure they can be a pain to keep clean, but the end results are beautiful.
And check out the benefits:
Enhances the vintage look: Timeless elegance for pre-1970s vehicles.
Available in various widths: From narrow whitewalls for sports cars to wide ones for luxury sedans.
Completes the classic exterior: A must-have for true vintage car enthusiasts.
Vintage Luggage Racks
Many classic European and British sports cars came equipped with external luggage racks mounted on the trunk or rear deck. These racks not only provide extra storage for long drives but also give the car a stylish, practical accessory that harks back to a time of grand touring. Whether it’s for function or aesthetics, a vintage luggage rack adds a distinct touch of nostalgia, especially when paired with a leather suitcase. A must-have if you plan to take that classic out on the highway for a long road trip.
Some key features:
Polished metal racks: Often made of chrome or stainless steel (there are some more budget-friendly options out there too)
Mounts to the rear deck or trunk: Adds extra storage for road trips if you’re travelling with family.
Pairs well with vintage leather suitcases: Enhances the classic touring look. You’ll look straight out of a time machine.
Classic Hood Ornaments
Hood ornaments were once a statement of luxury and style. From the iconic flying lady of Rolls-Royce to the leaping jaguar of Jaguar, these emblems are works of art that reflect the era’s elegance. Adding a correct hood ornament is necessary for those who want to restore their classic car to its original splendor. Vintage hood ornaments can be found at specialized retailers or sourced as reproductions, helping maintain the car’s authenticity. Just be careful where you’re parked, as they make nice trophies for local hooligans.
Some our personal favorites:
The Flying Lady (Spirit of Ecstasy): Rolls-Royce’s iconic figure.
Leaping Jaguar: Symbolizes speed and grace for Jaguar models.
Radiator Cap Ornaments: Found on many pre-1930s cars, often featuring animals or wings. Incredibly hard to find an authentic one these days.
Rear View Mirror and Dash Accessories
The interior of your classic ride was riddled with toys and other accessories back in the day. Fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror of that convertible or a hula girl dancing on the dash of your sedan. It was a great way to showcase your personality and add that extra little something to your ride.
Starting in the 1960s, hanging car air fresheners became popular to help mask the smell of cigarette smoke (yes, almost everyone smoked back then). The Little Trees company came out with its iconic tree design, and its popularity remains today. For a couple of bucks, you can toss up one of those pine-scented trees or even create custom air fresheners with your own design for a more personal touch. Either way, you’ll keep that classic smelling fresh after decades of use and have an iconic symbol dangling in front of you.
Retro Dash Instruments and Clocks
The dashboard of a classic car is its command center, and vintage-style instruments are crucial for maintaining its authenticity. Plus, let’s face it, many vintage car fans are not happy about the recent shift to touchscreens. Retro clocks, speedometers, and gauges with chrome or brass bezels can bring back the period-correct feel of your car’s interior that never goes out of style. These accessories often feature simple, elegant designs with needle dials and art deco numerals, reflecting the design trends of their time.
Suicide Knobs (Steering Wheel Spinners)
Popular in the 1950s, suicide knobs (also known as steering wheel spinners) were mounted on the steering wheel to help drivers make quick turns with one hand. While they may not be as practical in modern driving that features power steering, these knobs are a nostalgic nod to the past and can still be found in reproductions today. Many come in chrome, wood, or even customized with period-specific designs.
Key Features:
Chrome or wood finishes: Matching the vintage steering wheel.
Easy turning assistance: Ideal for those wanting an authentic old-school driving experience.
Nostalgia: Adds character and fun to classic cars. It’s definitely a conversation starter.
Classic Shift Knobs
A vintage-style shift knob can make a big difference in maintaining the authentic feel of a classic car’s interior. Whether your car originally came with a wood, chrome, or bakelite knob, upgrading to a period-correct reproduction or custom shift knob can complete the vintage look. Many owners opt for round or T-handle designs popular in sports cars and muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s.
Popular Materials:
Bakelite: Often found in pre-1950s vehicles.
Wooden knobs: Common in European and British sports cars. A real sophisticated look.
Chrome and metal finishes: Typical of American muscle cars that really gives it an edge.
Fender Skirts
Fender skirts were a common feature in luxury cars from the 1930s to the 1950s, with a bit of a mixed fandom. These accessories cover the rear wheel arches, giving the car a sleek, streamlined appearance. And at the time, it was believed they provided some aerodynamic benefits to improve on fuel efficiency (although the science on this is a bit messy)..
While not an easy task, adding fender skirts to your classic car not only enhances its vintage styling but also adds a touch of elegance that was associated with high-end models like the Cadillac, Buick, and Lincoln of that era. Just be sure the job is done correctly, as improper installation can lead to tire pressure issues from the lack of airflow. Or buy a detachable set that you can leave on at shows.
Key Benefits:
Streamlined design: Gives the car a lower, sleeker profile.
Enhances vintage styling: Period-appropriate and one of the most recognizable features of a vintage automobile.
Completes the authentic look: Particularly popular in American classics.
Vintage Fog Lights and Spotlights
Classic cars look great with additional lighting features, such as vintage fog lights or spotlights. Mounted on the front bumper or near the grille, these lights were a common car accessory from the 1930s through the 1960s. They provide better illumination during foggy conditions and enhance the car’s retro appeal with chrome housings and period-correct designs. But if you want to keep that old-school look, stay away from those powerful LED bulbs (oncoming drivers will thank you for that, too).
Key Features:
Chrome or brass housings: Match the exterior trim of vintage cars.
Improved visibility: Functional and stylish.
Period-correct designs: Popular in both classic American and European cars.
Make Old School Cool Again
Owning a classic car is all about preserving and enjoying a piece of history. By adding these classic accessories, you not only enhance the appearance and functionality of your vintage vehicle but also stay true to its heritage. From stylish fender skirts to vintage steering wheels and elegant hood ornaments, these accessories keep the spirit of classic motoring alive, ensuring that your car remains a timeless symbol of automotive elegance.
