List of generic dealer options over the decades 20s-60s??

I'm writing an article/column for a club news letter, need some data on the popular dealer options over the years up unitl say the 60s. WHAT were the options? Heat? Wipers, AC (1948 it was introduced I have found), seatbelts, etc. Nothing too detailed is necessary, just what was an option when, and when did it become 'standard'. Anything, any make. Usually can find just about anything on the web, but this one has left me stumped....

TIA

John H

I don't know the dates, but engine oil filters were an option on Chevrolets (and perhaps other GM cars) at one time. I think this lasted up to the late 40s or early 50s. I'm sure someone else has better info on this.

Oil filters were an option on '55 Chevys. I don't know about the years after that.

rick

I have a 1940 Ford. The oil filter was optional. The manual isn't clear, but the oil bath air filter may have been an option. Heat and wipers were standard.

My father had a 1950 Ford. Turn signals weren't available as factory options, but add-on kits were sold. Same for seat belts. Turn signals were standard on our 1958 Ford, but seat belts weren't. Seat belts and backup lights were both factory options on our 1963 Ford.

I worked on a 1958 Chevy wagon that had PS, PB, Air, Pwr seats and Air ride suspension. It used to leak down every night and take about 15 mins. to pump back up each morning.

You are mistaken. Packard offered AC in 1939. Nash in 1940. Other options that have disappeared over the years are: Built-in hat boxes, golf bag doors, right side tail lights previous to 1934, spotlights, spare tires (cars came with an extra rim but no tire) running board luggage racks, defrosters,roll-out windshields, roll-down back windows, removable trunks, the Tarraplane offered a pickup-type box that slid into the trunk of the coupe, telescoping steering columns, suicide knobs, shortwave radios, and don't forget the back seat. Leave the back seat out and you've got a business coupe.On 03 Feb 2003