Vintage Vibes: 8 Classic Car Features You’ll Hardly See Anymore in Kenya

There’s something special about older cars-beyond the growl of the engine and that old-school leather smell. They had character. They had quirks. And they had features that today’s buttoned-up, touchscreen-filled rides simply don’t.

If you ever cruised around in a 90s Toyota Corolla or got a lift in your uncle’s Peugeot 504, you’ll know what we’re talking about. These cars weren’t just machines-they were memories on wheels. And if you’re Gen Z, buckle up-you’re about to find out why some of us still get excited about “window winders.”

Let’s hop into the driver's seat of nostalgia and take a ride through some iconic features from old-school cars that have mostly disappeared from Kenya’s roads.

1. The Glorious Cigarette Lighter (…and Ashtrays in Every Corner)

There was a time when every car had a built-in cigarette lighter that popped out with a satisfying click, glowing orange like it meant business.

And ashtrays? Not just one. You’d find them in the dashboard, back doors, and even on the rear armrests. These days, if someone lights up in a car, they get the look-but back then, it was just part of the ride.

Bonus memory: Using the lighter to charge your brick-sized Nokia 3310 with a suspicious adapter that sparked more than it charged.

2. Manual Window Winders (a.k.a. the Original Arm Day)

Before one-touch windows spoiled us, rolling your window down was a full upper-body workout. Twist, jiggle, hope.

Everyone had that one stubborn passenger window that needed just the right amount of angle and shoulder strength. Kids today will never know the pain-or pride-of finally getting the window shut just as rain started pouring.

3. The Legendary “Choke” Lever

No, not the MMA move.

This was a dashboard knob that you pulled out when starting a cold engine. Too much, and you flooded the car. Too little, and it refused to start. But just right? Ah, chef’s kiss-it was art.

A morning ritual that involved prayer, patience, and just a little panic, especially during chilly Nairobi dawns.

4. Bench Seats – Where Seatbelts Were Optional and Vibes Were Mandatory

Before centre consoles and cup holders, there were bench seats. Wide, flat, and cozy.

You could squeeze three in the front. Couples sat close. Friends jostled on corners. Safety? Eh… we lived dangerously. But proximity was unmatched.

5. Map Pockets (That Actually Held Maps)

Before Google Maps and Safaricom bundles, there were real paper maps-massive, creased, and confusing. Every car had a “map pocket” stuffed with:

• A yellowing map of Kenya with half the routes outdated
• A few sugar wrappers
• A receipts graveyard from 1997

Nowadays, those pockets mostly hold… tissues and regrets.

6. Full-Size Spare Tyres – No Donuts Here!

Got a puncture in the 90s? Hakuna shida. Pop the boot, pull out your full-size spare, and you were sorted.

These days? You're handed a donut tyre with a speed limit and a warning not to blink too hard while driving. But back then, a spare was just that-a proper wheel, ready to roll.

7. Headlight Wipers – Because Who Doesn’t Want Spotless Lights?

Yes, some old European models came with tiny wipers just for the headlights. Practical? Questionable. Cool? Definitely.

They added flair to your night drives and gave you the illusion of a car that cared just a little bit too much about hygiene.

8. Quarter (Vent) Windows – The OG Climate Control

Tiny triangle-shaped windows that pivoted open. Small, but mighty.

They directed a powerful breeze to your face, perfect for beating the Nairobi heat or for flicking out your gum like a secret agent. Way more effective (and fun) than dual-zone climate control.

Cars Change. Good Memories Don’t.

Sure, cars today are safer, sleeker, and smarter-but they’re also a little… soulless. The quirks of older cars gave them flavour. They forced us to be hands-on, a little more patient, and a lot more connected to the drive.

But don’t worry-if your current ride is feeling more vintage than retro, Peach Cars has you sorted.

Find a Car That Makes (Modern) Memories

Whether you’re into the old-school charm or looking to upgrade to something with air conditioning that actually works, Peach Cars has the ride for you.

We offer thoroughly inspected, high-quality used cars with none of the choke-pull drama. You get:

• Great value
• Easy financing support
• Simple paperwork
• A car you’ll love to drive (and show off)

Visit Peach Cars today, and let’s find you a vehicle that tells your next story-with or without headlight wipers.