If you can tell what this mystery item is, either you’re getting old or your car is. Here’s a few hints before you guess: these little additions became standard in almost all cars in the 1950s, but disappeared in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Now, there’s a good reason you don’t see them anymore, but some folks are pretty mad they’re gone. You see, they’re used for a habit that lots of people still do, and paying to add one to your car can be expensive.
That’s right, this little space is a built-in ashtray, which seems almost unbelievable these days. For a long list of reasons, including pressure from the Surgeon General, a need to make room for electronics like door locks and auto windows, and a desire to keep customers happy, car-makers killed the ashtray in the 90s. Chrysler made their last built-in ashtray in 1996.
If you still smoke, you probably paid for a “smoker’s package,” an ashtray that slides into your cup holder. It’s not as glamorous as the old flip-up version, but it does the job just as well.
The days of the classic car ashtray may be gone, but the memories remain for those of us old enough to remember. So next time you’re digging around your center console, see if you can find the ghostly outline of where that handy little ashtray used to be.
Nowadays, with increased awareness around the health risks of smoking and a push for more sustainable and clean-air vehicles, the car ashtray has become a relic of the past. It’s a small but meaningful symbol of how our driving habits and preferences have evolved over the decades.
There were several factors that led to the demise of the built-in car ashtray. Pressure from health organizations, the need for more electronic features, and a desire to cater to a wider audience all contributed to its gradual disappearance. Car manufacturers recognized the shifting attitudes towards smoking and made the strategic decision to phase out the ashtray in favor of more versatile and eco-friendly designs.
For those who still enjoy the occasional cigarette, the solution has been the introduction of portable ashtrays that can be easily installed in cup holders or other convenient locations. These modern alternatives may not have the same nostalgic appeal as the classic built-in ashtray, but they serve the same purpose while adapting to the changing needs and preferences of today’s drivers.
The gradual disappearance of the car ashtray is a testament to the evolving social norms and environmental concerns that have shaped the automotive industry over the years. It’s a small but significant change that reflects the broader shift towards a more health-conscious and sustainable future for the driving experience.
While the car ashtray may be a thing of the past, the memories and experiences associated with it still resonate with many drivers. For some, the sound of the flip-up lid or the familiar scent of cigarette smoke evokes a sense of nostalgia and a longing for the simpler times when the ashtray was a standard feature in almost every car.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see more innovative and versatile design solutions that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of modern drivers. Whether the car ashtray makes a comeback or remains a relic of the past, one thing is certain: the interior of the car will continue to adapt and reflect the changing times.
The disappearance of the car ashtray is a subtle yet profound change that mirrors the broader transformations within the automotive industry and society as a whole. From health concerns to technological advancements, the factors that led to the ashtray’s demise serve as a reminder of the ongoing process of adaptation and progress that shape the driving experience. While the classic ashtray may be a thing of the past, its legacy lives on in the memories and nostalgia of those who grew up with it, and the continued evolution of the car interior.
