There was a time when driving was just as much about personality as it was about practicality. Long before modern cars came packed with built-in tech, drivers often added their own little touches to make a car feel more “them.” Some of these accessories were fun, others were useful — and a few were just plain quirky. While many have faded away, they still bring back great memories for those who remember them.

Here’s a look back at some of the car accessories many of us once wouldn’t drive without.

Tax Disc Holders
Back when displaying a tax disc was a legal must, drivers proudly stuck theirs inside a tax disc holder on the windscreen. These weren’t just plain bits of plastic – they came in all shapes and styles, from branded versions to colourful or even personalised ones. They were a small but satisfying way to add a bit of flair to your dashboard.

Cassette and CD Holders
Music lovers made full use of cassette or CD holders. Whether they were clipped to the sun visor, stored in special wallets, or slid into plastic organisers, these holders kept your music within easy reach. Choosing the right tunes for a drive was part of the ritual – and swapping out a scratched CD at the traffic lights was all part of the charm.

Furry Dice
No conversation about retro car accessories is complete without mentioning furry dice. Hanging from the rear-view mirror, these soft dice were the ultimate in-car decoration. Whether you thought they were cool or cringey, they were everywhere for a while and became a symbol of fun, carefree motoring.

Personalised Windscreen Sunshades
Not really about blocking the sun, these were all about making a statement. Often seen across the top of the windscreen, they proudly displayed names — usually of couples. Think “Dave & Sharon” or “Kev & Trace.” It was less about shade and more about showing off your other half to everyone on the road. Whether the relationship lasted or not, the sunstrip often stayed a little longer than it should!

Go-Faster Stripes
For drivers who wanted their car to stand out, go-faster stripes were all the rage. These were stickers or painted stripes down the sides or bonnet of the car – said to give the impression of speed, even if the car didn’t quite have the power to match. Whether you were driving a classic Mini or a second-hand Ford, stripes added a sporty look.

Headlight Masks
These gave cars a distinctive, sometimes slightly aggressive, look – especially popular with boy racers and car enthusiasts in the '80s and '90s. They were more about style than function, but they certainly helped a car stand out in the car park.

Removable Seat Covers
Sold in bold patterns or quilted designs, seat covers helped protect your car seats from wear and tear – and were easy to wash if things got messy. Some were there to hide the damage, others were just for fun, but either way, they were part of everyday driving life.

These accessories may seem old-fashioned now, but they were once part of what made driving feel exciting and personal. Before apps and screens took over the dashboard, it was these small extras that made a car feel like your own. Whether or not they’re making a comeback, it’s fun to remember the days when a pair of furry dice and a CD wallet were all you needed for a great drive.