Rare factory options thread

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Three spoke wheels were a rare factory option on the mid-90s Buick Park Ave if you opted for the Ultra package.

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Saw this a while back and wasn't prepared to address it at the time, much less to derail the thread I saw it in. I was just geeking out over a gorgeous LS6 convertible and that reminded me.

CTznOfTime
Apparently only 20 were made in this configuration:

1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6

605907.jpg
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Unless it's a really obscure, specific build sheet, an LS6 Chevelle isn't quite that rare.

Nearly 4500 LS6 cars were built. There was no production breakdown between the Sport Coupe, convertible and El Camino (the three SS cars for 1970, and the hot rat was only available for an RPO Z15 SS build), but the Sport Coupe is likely to be in the top two when it comes to desirability.

Rare in the grand scheme of things, but a far cry from "only 20 made" rare.
 
Maybe it's like a Mecum auction, where the car crossing the block is one where someone ordered a '71 Barracuda with a 440/4-speed in baby:censored: green with a blue interior and wire wheels and the commentators have to note that it's "one of four in this rare option combination"
 
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Tornado
Maybe it's like a Mecum auction, where the car crossing the block is one where someone ordered a '71 Barracuda with a 440/4-speed in baby:censored: green with a blue interior and wire wheels and the commentators have to note that it's "one of four in this rare option combination"
Click to expand...

As far as I know, my Porsche 986 is one of ONE with its VIN combination.

Can I have my millions now?
 
Aerocoupe
I...highly doubt those are factory. I know Ultras could be had with larger "turbocast" style wheels like this:
View attachment 988547
But I seriously doubt Buick would've offered tart American-Racing style wheels from the factory.
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Yeah I don't see anywhere where that style of wheel was offered on the Park Avenue much less any Buick of the time. Those are definitely aftermarket wheels with Buick emblems attached. Also, it may be an illusion, but those look to be wheel covers. It looks like there is a wheel weight poking out from behind in the 5:00 position.
 
I'll bring this one back. Here are some interesting car option oddities I've compiled in a document over some time:
  • The base trim of the 2000-2005 Buick Lesabre, a premium full-sized car, could be had with no radio.
  • The 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze in the Eco trim came with bespoke, lightweight forged rims instead of the traditional alloys.
  • The 2022- Subaru WRX can be optioned with a CD player.
  • Early model, manual Volvo 240s, for some reason, have an analog clock instead of a tachometer.
  • Volvo 240s also could come with a dashboard-mounted plastic clip for the purpose of holding notes and tickets.
  • Early 2000s Volvo S80 Executive models could be optioned with a small refrigerator in the rear seat center fold down.
  • Only the second generation of the Lexus ES (1991-1996) could be optioned with a manual transmission.
  • A moonroof was available as an option on the Pontiac Firebird, 1976 only. Allegedly only 30 of them were produced.
  • An automatic transmission was actually the option for the 2002-2006 Porsche Cayenne, only with the 3.2 V6 engine. With the 3.2 V6, a 6-speed manual was standard.
  • The 1st gen Geo Tracker/Suzuki Sidekick could never be optioned with air conditioning from the factory. Dealers in southern states would occasionally add AC themselves to encourage sales.
  • The base trim 1978-1982 Ford Fairmont's horn was located not on the steering wheel, rather a button on the turn signal lever.
  • The 1999-2005 Saturn L-Series could be optioned with heated mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, and a rear-seat VHS player (only on the Wagon model, oddly).
  • It's relatively common knowledge that the early model Pontiac Azteks could be had with a folding tent, but did you know that an inflatable air mattress was also an option?
  • A fax machine was an option for the E32 7-Series.
  • A chalet-themed camper option was available on the mid 1970s Chevrolet Blazer called "Blazer Chalet".
  • The 1967-1969 Pontiac Firebird could be had with a front bench seat, even with a manual transmission.
  • The 1958 DeSoto Adventurer could be had with electronic fuel injection, the first car in history to do so.
  • Late model FD RX-7s, in Japan only, came with complimentary bottles of Nikka Red Label whiskey.
  • Heated rear seats were available in the Saab 9-3 only in 1999.
  • 1998-2001 Saab 9-5s could be optioned with both heated and cooled seats.
  • Civilian versions of the 1998-2011 Crown Victoria had ABS as standard, yet it was optional on police package versions.
  • The 2010-2013 Toyota 4Runner had a very obscure option: “Tailgate Party Mode”. A button that directs all sound to the rear speakers only.
  • The second generation Mini Cooper Convertible could come with an option called the “Openometer”, which showed how much you drove it with the top down.
  • One could option a full first-aid kit in the 1996-1999 Lexus LS. It could be located either in the trunk or its very own compartment under the drivers’ seat.
  • The 1993-1996 Cadillac Fleetwood had a “towing package” option. Cadillac claimed it could tow up to 7000lbs.
  • The short-wheelbase second-gen Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager could have both the “high-torque” 2.5 turbo 4-cyl and a 5-speed manual.
  • The Bentley Bentayga Mulliner comes with a falconry kit.
  • The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air could be had with a built-in tissue dispenser and, for convertible models, a sensor that would automatically close the top upon detecting rain or snow.
  • As late as 2007, power windows were optional on the base trim Audi A4.
  • The 1966-1967 Oldsmobile 4-4-2, a muscle car, could still be optioned with wire wheels.
  • Early model first-gen Audi TTs could be had with a denim cloth interior in Europe, though it is apparently so rare that no images exist of it on Google.
  • 4WD was an option on the 1984-1987 Ford Tempo, but only with the diesel engine. It was one of the slowest cars available in the US at the time.
  • Later model Buick Park Avenues and Cadillac Devilles could come with heads-up display, built by Raytheon, unheard of for the early 2000s.
  • In the mid 2000s, Saab had a short-lived feature called “Night Panel Mode”, in which the entire dashboard would go pitch black except for a dimly-lit speedometer.
  • The 2008-2010 Chrysler Town N Country came with optional second-row swivel seats called “Swivel N Go”.
  • The 1956 Chrysler 300 had an option called “Highway Hi-Fi” , a factory installed, dashboard-mounted record player.
  • The 1971-1974 Dodge Charger had an option called “Recording Secretary” in which one could record and play back the radio, or oneself.
  • The Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS have “Car Wash Mode”, in which the automatic wipers shut off, retracts the side mirror, and shuts off the parking sensor alarms.
  • The 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark had optional 16’ silver and red painted alloy wheels for $1,100, a tenth of the car’s price to begin with.
  • In 2003 only, the Acura TL Type S A-Spec package came with a complimentary black leather jacket with blue inserts.
  • Early model Chrysler PT Cruisers could be had with a built-in flashlight in the dashboard. PT Cruisers were also the last cars in the US to not have standard ABS, lasting all the way up to 2010.
  • In 2014, the first model year of the C7 Corvette, GM offered a $5,000 option called the “Experience Package”, in which one would get a complimentary flight to and tour of the Corvette factory in Kentucky, even allowing buyers to assist in the manufacturing process of the engine and other components.
  • The 2004-2007 VW Phaeton could be had with a driver door-mounted umbrella holder.
  • 2010-2014 Ford Mustangs with the V6 could be optioned with both a manual transmission and adaptive cruise control. Somehow, the cruise control was still reported to work smoothly.
That's enough for now.
 
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  • The Lexus SC 430 could be optioned with a cassette tape player, all the way until 2010, the last car to do so.
  • The Subaru Ascent can be optioned with as many as 19 cupholders.
  • The Jaguar X-Type could be simultaneously optioned with AWD, three open differentials, and no traction control, from 2002-2004.
  • The Land Rover Range Rover can be optioned with sonar under the wing mirrors that tells you how deep the water you're in is.
  • The Nissan 350Z even offered a passenger-seat mounted child booster seat anchor.
  • The 1998-2002 Mazda 626 had an option called "swing mode", in which the dashboard air vents would rotate from the drivers side to the passengers' side.
  • The first-gen Audi A8 could be had with a roof-mounted solar panel that charged when sunny, and the power was used to operate fans that blew ambient air throughout the car when it was parked so the interior temperature was the same as outside.
  • The 1991-1995 Mazda 929 (Japan-spec only) also could be had with the same feature as the A8.
  • The current-gen Chrysler 300 has heating and cooling cup holders as an option.
  • The current-gen Honda Civic can be had with both a CVT transmission and paddle shifters. How useful.
  • The 1997-2005 Pontiac Montana could be optioned with a built-in telephone that one would need to add minutes to in order to use.
  • The 2003-2007 Honda Inspire (Japanese version of USDM Accord) could be had with a passenger swivel seat with the luxury ALMAS package.
  • Some later 1950s Chevrolets had a dealer-installed option that used an engine vacuum to empty the ash tray contents into a bottle in the engine compartment.
  • The 1997-2004 Volkswagen Passat, and the 2010-2020 Dodge Journey, could be had with an air-conditioned glove box.
  • In 2004 only, the Lexus RX could be optioned with a multi-tiered moonroof.
  • The European spec Volvo S40 and V50 in the mid-2000s could be optioned with a transparent plastic dashboard trim. Due to its ugly, out-of-place look, this option was very rare.
  • The Chrysler Pacifica offered an instrument cluster navigation system as early as 2004, almost unheard of at that time, but given its high price tag it's a very rare option to find on a Pacifica.
  • Late 1970s Chevrolet Monte Carlos briefly had swiveling a drivers' bucket seat as an option.
  • Cadillac offered a trip computer called Tripmaster on the Seville as early as 1979, to differentiate it as a more "modern" offering.
  • The 1990-1996 Pontiac Grand Prix Sedan could be offered with a 4-seat package instead of the traditional 5.
  • In the late 1980s, the Audi 5000 and 100 could be offered with a rear-seat switch-operated headphone device, so that rear passengers could listen to separate music than those up front.
  • The early models of the 1988-1993 Audi V8 could be optioned with a wool interior.
  • The 2000-2005 Lexus LS could be optioned with rear massaging seats.
  • As late as 2013 (technically 2016, for rental fleet spec only), the Chevrolet Impala could be had with a front bench seat and column shifter, the last US market sedan to do so.
 
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GranTurNismo
The European spec Volvo S40 and V50 in the mid-2000s could be optioned with a transparent plastic dashboard trim. Due to its ugly, out-of-place look, this option was very rare.
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It was called "Iced Aqua" and, while rare, you can still source them if you find the right parts dealer. The last mention of it I know of is 2008.

volvo-v50-2005-1280-5a-jpg.166033


The really rare center waterfall trim was "Nordic Oak" which replaced the Iced Aqua and was inspired by Scandinavian furniture. I've seen exactly one car with that trim on it and the guy could only source the waterfall and nothing else. Looked cool though.
 
Eunos_Cosmo
Crazy as it sounds, I've seen references (in OEM Porsche parts information) to wood interior trim for these cars.
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This isn't the infamous pistachio one or actually a Boxster, but here you go:

bringatrailer.com

2002 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe 6-Speed

Bid for the chance to own a 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe 6-Speed at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #113,329.
bringatrailer.com bringatrailer.com


Did you want your probably $120,000 Porsche to look like a conversion van? Porsche would (just as now) happily hook you up with all the 90s-Buick-but-actually-real-wood you want; and these are the best photos I've ever seen of one this... "well" equipped. He even ordered the leather-wrapped cupholders.
 
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The color combo of this one is a bit insane, but I like it.

bringatrailer.com

24k-Mile 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe 6-Speed

Bid for the chance to own a 24k-Mile 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe 6-Speed at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #138,012.
bringatrailer.com bringatrailer.com

It has just about the maximum amount of wood trim as I think you can get away with in a 996 and it's not in that awful teak wood nastiness and is a proper darker style.
 
Tornado
The color combo of this one is a bit insane, but I like it.

bringatrailer.com

24k-Mile 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe 6-Speed

Bid for the chance to own a 24k-Mile 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe 6-Speed at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #138,012.
bringatrailer.com bringatrailer.com

It has just about the maximum amount of wood trim as I think you can get away with in a 996 and it's not in that awful teak wood nastiness and is a proper darker style.
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I was actually looking at this car the other day. I really like it. The seal gray on red is fantastic, though the Boxster red I think is a nicer color. The headrest crests are awful though.
 
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While I prefer mine (of course), the export taillights on the early C4 (and the convertible in particular) makes me think a lot of an 80s version of the Daytona. Especially when the turn signals are outboard, which I'm not sure is correct but I think looks much better:

 
The tail lights don't do anything for me but the bumper on that Caprice is kind of fantastic.

GG5IDyEXoAALM83.png
 
  • The 2016-2022 Renault Scenic could be optioned with 20 inch rims that were only 195 wide.
  • About 50 early model 1958 Auto Union 1000sp cars had a 1.3L two-stroke V6 instead of the standard 1.0L I3.
  • The Dodge Caliber, Jeep Patriot, and first-gen Compass had an option called "music gate", in which were a set of speakers with a subwoofer integrated into the rear tailgate.
  • The Nissan Pulsar NX featured an optional door-mounted umbrella holder.
  • Bluetooth connectivity was an option in the redesigned 2004 Acura TL, the first car sold in the US to have this option.
  • The Mitsubishi 3000GT had an auxiliary port as an option as early as 1992, the first car to do so.
  • The W211 (2002-2009) E-Class wagon could be optioned with rear-facing third row seats.
  • In 1996, the Porsche 911 could be optioned with a fax machine in the center console.
 
  • Early model 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokees (those that were built in 1992) could be had with a pretty ghastly looking red cloth interior.
  • Remote keyless entry was an option on the 1982-1985 AMC-Renault Fuego.
  • In 1984 and 1985, Lincoln offered a 2.4L BMW turbodiesel engine in the Continental Mark VII making a mere 113hp. Roughly 2,500 were made.
  • The first gen Toyota Celsior (JDM version of the Lexus LS) could be had with a CD based navigation system, while the Mercedes S class at that time for around 65% higher price did not even offer a CD based music player.
  • For 1997 Only, the Toyota Paseo was sold as a convertible. Less than 1,000 were sold in the US market.
  • The 2008 Saturn Astra XR could be optioned with automatic windshield wipers, something even high-end luxury cars lacked at the time.
  • A base model 1976 GMC Blazer had an optional front passenger seat. It also folded forward at the front on a hinge so people in the back could get out.
  • The Eagle Premier could be optioned with rain-sensing windshield wipers that detected resistance of the wiper blade moving on the glass as the method of determining how much rain was present. This was in contrast to the otherwise ubiquitous infrared rain sensor used on virtually every other implementation.
  • GM offered airbags on 1973 Impalas and Caprices as a part of the safety measures like the big bumpers and no-start without a seatbelt. It was an optional extra, and very rarely ordered. They quietly discontinued it because they were afraid it would become mandated on all cars like seatbelts.
  • The 1960 Chrsyler 300 had a record player as an option.
  • The 1965-1967 Pontiac Bonneville could be had with 8-lug wheels.
  • The base 1995-1999 Tercel could still be had with no passenger side mirror, the only car in the US to not have this as standard by that time.
  • Early-production Ferrari Testarossas only had a single side view mirror. Lane changes must have been frightening.
 
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GranTurNismo
In the mid 2000s, Saab had a short-lived feature called “Night Panel Mode”, in which the entire dashboard would go pitch black except for a dimly-lit speedometer.
Click to expand...
As far as I know, this was a very common feature in Sweden. At least I think I have never seen a 9-3 or 9-5 without it from around 2005 and until the bankruptcy.
GranTurNismo
The first-gen Audi A8 could be had with a roof-mounted solar panel that charged when sunny, and the power was used to operate fans that blew ambient air throughout the car when it was parked so the interior temperature was the same as outside.
Click to expand...
This is a really cool feature that I actually had on a 2008 Seat Exeo (the rebadged Audi A4 B7). Did not know about it, until I walked past it on a sunny day and realised the fans were on. Was a nice feature that should be more common!
GranTurNismo
The 1997-2004 Volkswagen Passat, and the 2010-2020 Dodge Journey, could be had with an air-conditioned glove box.
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Air-conditioned glove box was standard option on most VAG products from late 90s/early 2000s until a few years ago, when they removed it for some reason. At least on the swedish market. On my Skoda Superb I have air-conditioned glove box AND air-conditioned ”arm-rest box”. And standard umbrella holder in the front doors. Skoda is the ultimate luxury brand 🙂

The refrigerator in the glove box-option is very rare though, saw one in a 2005 Audi A6 a while ago.
 

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