Rare factory options thread

[Heldenzeit]

How about a thread showcasing rare car options from the factory?

Toyota Celsior fax machine!

Ice maker from 80s Toyota vans was neat too.

Manual transmission W140 S-class

 

[TheCracker]

BMW E90 indicator/turn signal stalk. This was fitted to a UK spec (RHD) 2008 320d (SE). May be a more popular option to tick in other markets.

 

[Dennisch]

That took me longer than I dare to admit.

edit.

I realised I still had the option brochure for our 1988 Suzuki Alto.

 

[Mikeybc]

http://www.creativeaudioworks.com/2...-portable-music-for-your-car-was-an-am-radio/

 

[D.Kadettdriver]

Alloy bear-shaped wheels (Mazda 121):

 

[Mikeybc]

Alloy bear-shaped wheels (Mazda 121):

Too bad they couldn't reposition the valve stem

 

[Pupik]

Toyota Celsior fax machine!

Since that model had sat-nav, I wonder how many folks faxed directions, just in case...?

Would have liked that option in the US:

PAGE 1

YOU ARE DUE FOR SERVICE
CALL TO MAKE APPOINTMENT
OR DROP IN ANYTIME!

HOPEFULLY THIS MESSAGE DID
NOT FALL UNDER THE PASSENGER
SEAT.

ALSO, SORRY ABOUT THE
MISSING GLOVEBOX. WE
HOPE THE BEEPING DID
NOT DISTRACT YOU.

RANDOM DOTS AND LINES
ACROSS YOUR OUTPUT IS
NORMAL OPERATION.

 

[Heldenzeit]

I didn't notice the nav screen! Pretty advanced for 1990.

 

[Joey D]

Alloy bear-shaped wheels (Mazda 121):

If I recall correctly, those wheels are worth a decent amount of money now if you have them.

 

[Pupik]

I didn't notice the nav screen! Pretty advanced for 1990.

Looks like a third-generation LS/Celsior interior, which were produced from 1997-2000. Not sure if JDM models had nav back then, USDM cars didn't. Maybe the fax option dates back further, though.

 

[Dennisch]

If I recall correctly, those wheels are worth a decent amount of money now if you have them.

You can order them brand new!

 

[Heldenzeit]

Looks like a third-generation LS/Celsior interior, which were produced from 1997-2000. Not sure if JDM models had nav back then, USDM cars didn't. Maybe the fax option dates back further, though.

Interior looks just like my 90. I think the 30s are different on the inside.

97-99 Japan market would be a UCF21, which looked like this.

 

[el fayce]

The Eunos Cosmo also had a GPS, With touch screen And A CD changer, in 1990!

 

[7up747]

 

[Tornado]

The Eunos Cosmo also had a GPS, With touch screen And A CD changer, in 1990!

"Turn left, and follow your current route until you reach East Berlin"

 

[Legro]

I didn't notice the nav screen! Pretty advanced for 1990.

Wiki tells that the year the system was launched is 1992. Still, such a device is very advanced for the time.

 

[VXR]

Honda's gyroscopic navigation unit for the 1981 JDM Accord.

http://jalopnik.com/the-first-commercially-available-car-navigation-system-1574754802

 

[Heldenzeit]

How about Corvette Regular Production Option B2K? Callaway twin turbo offered from new.

 

[Wiegert]

Not a civilian factory option for the B3 Passat, but a factory option nonetheless:

 

[Heldenzeit]

Some W126 Mercedes had that too.

EDIT: Found this too. Option code 972 "criminal police car"

 

[Sage Ages]

Some W126 Mercedes had that too.

EDIT: Found this too. Option code 972 "criminal police car"

And they say America is known for guns and big cars.

 

[Legro]

Some W126 Mercedes had that too.

EDIT: Found this too. Option code 972 "criminal police car"

Well, it seems that they really wanted to make sure that their dictator customers kept buying their cars in the future as well.

 

[VXR]

That's a Polizei car, not a passenger car for a mob boss.

Looks like it predates the fall of the Berlin Wall and that's the tail end of the Cold War era, so it makes sense for it to have weaponry.

 

[synchromesh]

The Chevrolet Vega was offered with a 2 speed semi automatic.

 

[Mikeybc]

The Chevrolet Vega was offered with a 2 speed semi automatic.
View attachment 466211

I've never heard about that transmission before, quite rare.

More here :http://www.curbsideclassic.com/unca...-chevrolets-torque-drive-a-dumber-powerglide/

 

[synchromesh]

I've never heard about that transmission before, quite rare.

More here :http://www.curbsideclassic.com/unca...-chevrolets-torque-drive-a-dumber-powerglide/

Did you see one of the comments?
"More like a shiftless automatic, none of the fun of stick shift, with all the power robbing of an automatic and only 1/2 the convenience!!"

 

[Cano]

This thread is awesome.

 

[Davis]

The very rare 360 removable sunroof:

I've only seen one in person.

Factory 6-speed Californias:

 

[VXR]

A manual California makes sense. That roof option on the 360 seems terribly misguided, though.

 

[TheCracker]

That roof option on the 360 seems terribly misguided, though.

👍 It's only a pokey little hole and just something to potentially leak and squeak.