ROMA – How to forget them? We have lived with it for a thousand years, when no one yet thought that the car could become electric or even self-driving. They were those options that you did not buy together with the car from the dealer but rather from the gas station, even better in the Autogrill on the motorway. There were all types and needs: from those more or less useful to those that were only ornamental. Now the old Autogrill (where something is still to be found) has become Amazon, and just take a trip on the net to find a world that we thought was lost.
The first example that comes to mind is him, the seat cover made with small wooden spheres. They said it had mysterious healing powers: it relaxed the driver, was good for the back and prevented excessive sweating. On Amazon there are all kinds, with prices ranging from 20 to 40 euros.
The alarm that attaches to the pedals is another very popular antique. It is the famous Bullock, an iron rod that effectively prevents any maneuver. Even if it would make the most rudimentary of satellite alarms pale, it is very popular, and on the net it is available at a price ranging from 30 to 60 euros depending on the model.
On the side of the decorative options, there is one that beats all: the steering wheel cover. In addition to the one in Verdonian fur (the emigrant who comes from Germany to Basiicata with his red Alfasud to go and vote), there are many models. In non-slip rubber (not even we had to do the Monte Carlo Rally), in silicone, in microfibre of various colors, more or less sporty. There is one even with rhinestones. The prices are all very affordable: from a minimum of 15 to a maximum of 30 euros.
Another ornamental trinket is the dog puppet with a moving head. It sticks in the car from anywhere and does nothing but make fun of its fellow traffic lights, swinging its nose as a sign of defiance. Here, too, there is plenty of choice: of various races, with a languid or threatening look (usually inspired by the driver) and it costs really nonsense, no more than 15 euros.
We could go on indefinitely: from the holy card with Padre Pio to the buckskin, from the car cover to the horn in truck tones, ideal for giving an unsuspecting pedestrian a heart attack.
However, given the current 35 degrees in the shade, we suggest one, the last one: the dashboard fan. If the air conditioning breaks down while you are queuing at the toll booth, take this precious object out of the drawer and hook it to one of the air vents: it will save your life. It is powered by a USB socket and costs a maximum of 20 euros.
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