Apropos of nothing, I suddenly had to know the history of Little Tree Car Freshners (not fresheners, it’s freshners) and that got me thinking about today’s Autopian Asks question – though I gotta say, it’ll be hard to beat Little Trees as a truly iconic car accessory. Especially if we’re thinking about accessories that go beyond the items car people clamor for (or used to) such as Recaro seats, Holley carbs, Nardi steering wheels and such.
The true icons, to me, are those car accessories that even “normies” know about and purchase. Like my college buddy who didn’t know beans about cars, but he knew a foot-shaped gas pedal was cool, and by gum, he had one. What qualifies as such a thing today? Perhaps a skull shift knob? Chain-link license plate frame? Stick-on fender vents? I don’t know, you tell me.
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Oh, and back to Little Tree Air Freshners real quick, in case you were wondering:
In 1952, a milk truck driver in northern New York complained to Julius Sämann about the smell of spilled milk. To address this issue, Julius combined exceptional fragrances with specialized blotter material and invented the first car air freshener. He gave it the shape of an abstract evergreen tree in honor of his years extracting aromatic oils in Canada’s pine forests.
These air fresheners proved an efficient, high-quality solution to a common problem and soon they were flying off shelves. Orders started rolling in from all over the country and quickly gained a strong international following. Julius’ pioneering product has become a global symbol of freshness and quality.
Now you know! Let’s get to it in the comments: What Are The Most Iconic Accessories For Cars?
Top graphic images: Little Trees; Curboom via Amazon
CD sleeves clipped to the visor. Sunglass holder clipped to the visor.
I’m just here to be really, really negative about stick-on VentiPorts.
Totally shocked shitless that faux mink covered light up curb feelers haven’t made this list yet. JC Whitney battery powered stick-on opera lamps haven’t made the list, either. The stick-on Autozone fender vents were low hanging fruit y’all.
“I find one of these (Little Trees) in every car.” – Repo Man
Nothing says early 2000s ricer era like silver Altezza-style taillights and a coffee can muffler.
Wannabe HID hyperwhite headlight bulbs that came out late 90s, broadway mirrors, and JDM squash air fresheners.
Weird fact about me: When I was little I somehow got the idea that those tree air fresheners were the silhouette of Boris from Rocky and Bullwinkle. It was many, many, many years before I realized what they actually were.
The only other accessories I have are some bumper stickers making fun of myself on my Prius, and hitch covers for my vehicles with receivers. Of those I feel like the Prius bumper stickers are probably the most iconic.
My neighbor has two great stickers on his Prius:
“Honk if you’re dead inside” and “ooh, squirrel!”
Mine are:
“Cool Prius”
-No one, ever
Don’t follow me, I do stupid things (with a stick figure endo’ing on a bike)
YouTube Certified Automotive Mechanic
Ooh, I need the “don’t follow me” sticker. A few years back I endo’d my mountain bike and broke my hip. (because I landed on granite, not because I’m old LOL)
I’ve gotta go with curb feelers. I’ve seen a set on a Cadillac once. It was a regular old 1984-ish sedan, well preserved, looked like it was driven by an older woman, and it had the curb feelers on all four corners. Totally iconic and a relic of a different era. No fancy surround view cameras, just little bits of metal to gently scrape the curb.
Gulf gave self-adhering horseshoes back in the NO-NOX days.
Gulf No Nox horseshoes promo advertising Extra Kick 3D Plastic Horsepower vtg | eBay
Hood ornaments. Preferably on a hooptie.
What about the dancing hula girl on the dashboard?
If you are in the south, the fish symbol or a cross sticker