Classic road trip gadgets and accessories

So you’ve got your dream classic car but have you got all the right accessories and gadgets to go with it?

Every vintage motor enthusiast dreams of the perfect road trip. Whether you favour the scenic coastal route or can’t get enough of classic car shows, the planning beforehand can be just as fun. You need to map out the route, pick out fun things to do along the way, and shop for gadgets that make the journey a little bit more enjoyable.

But in the search for the vintage experience, it can be tough to strike the right balance between vintage accessories and practical, modern tech. In this article, we take a look at those little extras that will make your journey safe but still authentic and unforgettable.

We’ll also explore why classic vehicle insurance should be the first item on your road trip checklist.

How car accessories have evolved

Classic cars are timeless. But with hindsight, some of their contemporary gadgets and accessories have proven less futureproof.

For example, before the luxury of even CDs or tapes, some vehicles in the 1950s featured car gramophones, such as the Chrysler ‘Highway Hi-Fi’, which for the first time ever gave drivers total control over what song was playing when they were behind the wheel.

It only played records that were specifically designed for the system and its time on the market was short lived. The car record player would soon make way for the tape deck which truly revolutionised the concept of having your own music in the car.

While even the biggest nostalgia fan might be a bit apprehensive about installing a record player in their classic, some accessories from back in the day would be completely out of the question today.

The ‘ready-lit’ cigarette lighter was incredibly handy for smokers who didn’t want to stop driving to light up, but it has become obsolete for many reasons. Firstly, Ash says the number of UK adult smokers dropped from 45% in 1974 to just 14.7% in 2018. Meanwhile, as if smoking wasn’t an expensive enough habit, doing it behind the wheel could land you with a fine for careless driving. In 2015, the UK government made it illegal to smoke in a vehicle carrying someone who was under 18. If you do, you will be risking a £50 fixed penalty notice.

Car laws have also evolved considerably in terms of vehicle safety. Many pre-1965 classic cars will not have seatbelts, as they weren’t compulsory at that time. While the DVLA says you don’t have to wear a seatbelt if your classic car never had them, small children cannot travel in the vehicle unrestrained. You will also have to weigh up whether you’re comfortable without the life-saving ability of seatbelts on a long road trip.

It can be tough to navigate technology and laws around driving a vintage vehicle. However, having the right insurance for your classic car will not only suit your individual needs, but also ensure your protection evolves with time.

As we explore the gadgets and accessories you might consider using in your classic road trip, we will focus on the ones that still stand up today, some up-to-date versions that carry the same retro vibe, and some modern technology that you shouldn’t be without – even in the name of nostalgia!

• Having a safe journey

When it comes to safety on the road, many classic accessories are still crucial today.

It’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in the boot, check it regularly and keep it up to date. This could include items like a torch, compass, a high-vis vest or jacket, a poncho for the rain, jump leads and a properly inflated spare tyre. Also, emergency supplies of drinking water and nonperishable food like nuts or dried fruit would be a good idea.

If you’re going on a road trip to somewhere new, it’s a good idea to have modern maps or a guide book to hand so that you don’t get lost. Printed maps are still widely available today and can help you get to your destination in classic fashion.

However, when it comes to modern technology, portable sat nav systems, such as those by TomTom and Garmin, make navigating new territory a complete breeze and greatly reduce the human error that can still be common with a printed map.

You can also find highly advanced map and direction systems on many, if not all, modern smartphones. While it’s illegal to hold your phone or sat nav when driving, you can buy a simple mounting device that attaches to the car – for example, on the head rest or the dash – allowing you to use the hands-free settings to find your destination. Just be careful not to mark or tear your classic’s interior when you’re attaching them to the car.

It’s also worth thinking about how you can ensure your classic car is going to keep you safe on modern roads. There are ways to boost your protection without spoiling the precious aesthetic of the vehicle, for example updating the rear, fog and headlights. While older cars typically had less powerful sealed-beam units, you can find modern replacements that offer a much higher output without compromising on the look.

Other areas that could have tasteful (but life-saving) upgrades include the brakes, steering and tyres. Also, even if your classic car doesn’t have seatbelts, they can be retro-fitted. Some fitters specialise in classic car seatbelts, fitting them in a way that’s both safe and considerate to the car’s interior.

You may want to think about restraints for pets if you’re planning on taking your dog with you on a road trip. Your classic car may not have seatbelts, but strapping your dog in would be for their own safety. Also, if you were to have an accident on the road as a result of your pet distracting you, it could lead to being punished for driving without due care and attention, not to mention a claim on your classic car insurance.

• Connectivity

Tapping into wifi might not be the most nostalgia-friendly feature for your classic car, but it is incredibly practical. It will keep kids entertained, can be useful if you need to quickly look up how to use the camping stove, and it could be a lifesaver if you break down in an area with a bad phone signal.

Many smartphones double up as a wifi hotspot that other devices can connect to. However, there are dedicated portable wifi devices on the market that provide a much more reliable connection when you’re on the go. It will also be much less punishing on your battery than if you used your mobile as a hotspot.

Speaking of which, it’s also important to think about charging your device during your road trip. Keeping a portable phone charger in the car will ensure you don’t get caught short.

• Entertainment

Car radios have been around for almost a whole century. They first appeared as an invention by Chevrolet in the US, before hitting the mainstream thanks to Paul Galvin, who invented a far more affordable version and, in doing so, formed the company Motorola.

Via the 8-track systems of the 1960s and CD players of the 1990s, we have arrived at the modern world where it’s hard to imagine any long car journey without some sort of radio or music. And with modern capabilities you can choose to listen to pretty much anything you want, whether it’s any song ever, talk radio, audiobooks or podcasts.

For drivers of a classic car, it’s a tough dilemma. You might be used to the variety and performance of a modern entertainment system, but don’t want to spoil the look of your classic motor with futuristic gadgets.

One solution could be to explore specialist classic car stereos – aesthetically, they have the desired retro look and fit for vintage dashboards. However, they can be enhanced to include various features that bring them into the modern era, such as USB connectivity for using or charging devices, digital radio, bluetooth and more.

Alternatively, you could bring a portable entertainment device with you that requires no modification to the car.

With a modern bluetooth speaker, for example, you can enjoy high audio quality with a sturdy connection that doesn’t need internet or even phone signal to keep going.

Some new models will offer extra features like voice commands, allowing you to navigate your playlist without having to use your hands.

• Food and drink

Picnics have long been a favoured activity at the end of a long drive, whether it’s on the beach or in a park. If you love vintage culture, you might already have a classic picnic hamper that holds all your sandwiches, flasks and cutlery. In fact, some of these hampers in original condition can still go for good money at auction. Do a search for ‘Vintage Brexton Picnic Hampers’ on eBay and you’ll see what we mean.

They have been convenient for road trippers for decades and are still just as handy today. There are all kinds of beautiful vintage hampers and baskets available online, perfect to be stowed away in the boot of your classic car, or strapped to the back in your luggage rack.

Even though smoking may be less common in cars today, you can still make good use of the cigarette lighter. Rather than having to settle for a lukewarm brew from a flask or an overpriced cuppa from a service station, you could invest in a portable coffee maker. Some of the models available today can plug straight into the cigarette lighter socket to serve up a perfect espresso whenever you need it.

In fact, you can find all kinds of inventive uses for your classic car’s cigarette lighter. From a portable pizza oven, to a slow cooker, a drinks cooler or even a wine bottle opener (for your passengers). Perfect if you want to heat up some leftovers on the way, or keep some drinks cool for when you arrive – but just keep an eye on your battery.

• Looking the part

One of the thrills of owning a classic car is being able to live out your nostalgic dream, and that is helped by looking the part as much as you can.

Some of the fashion accessories that spring to mind when you think of classic car drivers might include head scarves, leather helmets, gloves, and the classic driving goggles. But just because they’re a vintage style doesn’t mean you have to buy an old pair second hand.

Some retailers specialise in classic car accessories like these online, or if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby in a physical store. So you can pick out some brand new accessories that suit your style or even match your vehicle.

If you’re a keen photographer, or just hoping to get some cool shots of your road trip to look back on in the future, you could look into buying a vintage camera to take some authentic snaps. Cameras like the Olympus Trip 35, introduced in the late 1960s, gave people access to more simple ‘point-and-shoot’ style cameras that are easy to get to grips with. You’ll be able to quickly start taking striking pictures – film and developing is still available online.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for somewhere to go to really get into the vintage spirit, there are classic car shows like the Goodwood Revival that specialise in more than just the vehicles.

It’s about going all in with the fashion, the music and activities across the whole weekend. And with all the great vintage stands there, you’re sure to find some authentic accessories to take on your next adventure.

Classic car insurance that suits your needs

After taking the time to plan your journey, gathering your accessories and gadgets, you’ll be excited for the road trip of a lifetime.

But after all that, you don’t want to take chances with the classic car itself. Classic car insurance can offer protection if any issues do occur.

At Lancaster Insurance, our team is genuinely passionate about classic cars. We know what benefits owners value in classic car insurance, whether it’s limited mileage or club member discounts. Our 24-hour, UK-based call centre is always on hand to deal with claims and get you back on the road without the hassle.

Get in touch with us today for a classic car insurance quote.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.