The rise and fall of ashtrays in car design

Explore the evolution of car ashtrays, from their 1920s debut to their decline in the 1990s, and discover why they’ve vanished from modern vehicles.

Today, they’re almost extinct — unless you drive a classic or own a portable one tucked into your cupholder. But just a few decades ago, ashtrays were a standard fixture in every car. Their history tells a larger story: one of changing social norms, evolving design trends, and the transformation of automotive culture itself.

Origins: Suction Cups and Gearshifts

The earliest known mentions of in-car ashtrays trace back to the 1920s. Automakers had already begun accommodating smokers behind the wheel. A 1929 design even featured an ashtray integrated directly into the gear shift knob — both novel and functional. In the 1930s, suction-mounted ashtrays became popular, clinging to metal dashboards with simplicity and ease.

The Golden Era: 1950s–1980s

From the mid-1950s through the late 1980s, ashtrays reached their peak. Smoking was a societal norm, and so was equipping every vehicle — whether a modest sedan or a luxury Cadillac — with built-in ashtrays. Often, each passenger had their own, especially in premium models like Buick. They weren’t just practical; they became part of the design language: chrome-trimmed, leather-lined, even engraved — ashtrays spoke of style and status.

The Decline: Smoke-Free Shifts

Things began to change in the 1990s. With rising awareness of smoking’s health risks and a drop in the number of smokers, carmakers started dropping ashtrays from the standard package. Chrysler was one of the first — its 1994 models began shipping ashtray-free. By the early 2000s, most brands offered ashtrays only as part of a smoker’s package — often as an extra-cost option.

Why They Disappeared

The reasons were layered. Social perception shifted: smoking was no longer glamorous or “cool.” Carmakers also welcomed the chance to cut costs and use that interior space for more modern needs — cupholders, charging ports, USB hubs. And then came tighter regulations, banning smoking in public spaces and, in some countries, even in cars with children onboard.

Ashtrays Today

Built-in ashtrays are now rare, often found only in optional packages. Some drivers still use portable ashtrays that fit into cupholders. Among collectors and fans of vintage cars, however, mid-century ashtrays have become prized items — restored, traded, and discussed in online forums.

The story of the car ashtray isn’t just about an accessory that fell out of favor. It’s a reflection of how fast norms evolve. Today, a USB charger has replaced the cigarette lighter, a latte sits where the ashtray once did, and the thought of designing cars around smoking habits feels almost surreal.