• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

When Door Panels Were Luxury Items

February 20, 2014 By Nadeem

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - 1971 Monte Carlo Door Panel

Forget about expensive cup holders, perfuming systems and even vibrating car seats. Believe it or not, at one time a feature as simple as a door panel was considered a luxury item. And when automakers started making them standard, well that was a big deal.

Check out this commercial for a 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The presenter boasts that the vehicle’s door features “a map pocket, carpeted scuff panel, elegant upholstery and a vinyl assist grip — all at no extra cost.”

The door panels were such a big deal that Chevy even recruited Anthony Eisley, star of the hit television series “Hawaiian Eye,” to host the commercial.

We’ve sure come a long way — haven’t we?

http://youtu.be/-FPQlf6Ib9k

Filed Under: Archive, Industry History Tagged With: 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Door Panels

Primary Sidebar

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • Hyde Leather
  • MasterTech Expo 2026
  • Keyston Bros
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring
  • Douglass Interior Products
  • Albright's Supply

THR Favorites

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Chevrolet Camaro Door Panel

Design Studio: 1967-69 Camaro Door Panel

You asked for it and we listened. Starting … [more] about Design Studio: 1967-69 Camaro Door Panel

Auto Upholstery News - The Hog Ring - Carlex Design - Mercedes-Benz SLS Black Series

Carlex Design Trims a Mercedes SLS AMG

What happens when Polish automotive trim shop … [more] about Carlex Design Trims a Mercedes SLS AMG

The Hog Ring - Customs by Vos 1967 Ford Mustang

Customs by Vos Built a Mustang Interior That Will Blow Your Mind

Elite trim shops do more than cut, sew and … [more] about Customs by Vos Built a Mustang Interior That Will Blow Your Mind

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - JS Custom Upholstery

Shop Profile: JS Custom Interiors

In Just 10 years, JS Custom Interiors of Salt … [more] about Shop Profile: JS Custom Interiors

The Hog Ring - Auto Upholstery Blog - 2011 Jaguar XK

Bolder French Seams With QTC Contrast

Nothing sets off an upholstery job better … [more] about Bolder French Seams With QTC Contrast

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Tandy Super Skiver

The $20 Skiving Tool Every Trim Shop Needs

Unwilling to drop big bucks on a leather … [more] about The $20 Skiving Tool Every Trim Shop Needs

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Choosing the Right Grommet for Long Lasting Performance
  • The Iran War and a Texas Plant Fire are Driving Foam Prices Higher
  • Register Now for the 2026 AAPEX Show
  • 2026 SEMA Show Registration Now Open
  • Keyston Bros Drops 10 New Carbon Fiber Vinyl Colors and They Pop

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in