There was a time when getting into a car meant sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, with no console or divider between you and your passengers. That’s the magic of the front bench seat—a design that once dominated American roads but has since faded into obscurity.

For generations, bench seats were the norm, offering flexibility and a sense of community on the road. Families could fit three across the front, couples could sit close, and drivers could easily slide over to make room. Cars like the Cadillac DeVille and Buick Electra made these seats symbols of comfort and style.

But as cars evolved, so did seating. Safety features like airbags and three-point seat belts made bench seats impractical, while modern drivers preferred the support and storage of bucket seats. Today, they’re mostly a nostalgic footnote—cherished by classic car lovers but absent from new models.