184. Waterbeds
Where It Was Sold: Furniture stores, specialty bed stores
Company: Various manufacturers
Original Price: $50 for a basic model*
Float into the realm of the ’60s, where Waterbeds made waves in bedrooms across America. These fluid fantasies offered a sleeping experience like no other, contouring to every curve and cradling sleepers in aquatic comfort.
Waterbeds @theatlantic/Pinterest
Beyond their novelty, waterbeds symbolized the era’s thirst for innovation and personal expression, making a splash with their sensual appeal and promise of a better night’s sleep. They were statements of modern living and the dreams of a generation seeking to break free from the conventional, one ripple at a time.
185. Datsun 240Z
Where It Was Sold: Datsun (now Nissan) dealerships
Company: Nissan
Original Price: $3,500*
Rev your engines for the Datsun 240Z, the sleek Japanese sports car that raced into the hearts of auto enthusiasts in the early ’70s. This nimble beauty combined style, speed, and affordability, challenging perceptions of what a sports car could be.
Datsun 240Z @Google/Pinterest
With its smooth lines and roaring engine, the 240Z didn’t just turn heads—it shattered expectations, becoming a legend on the road and the track. It was more than a car; it was a beacon of automotive innovation and a symbol of the rising sun in the global car culture, driving the point home that performance need not break the bank.
186. Casio Mini Calculator
Where It Was Sold: Electronics stores, department stores
Company: Casio
Original Price: $120*
Press the buttons of history with the Casio Mini Calculator, the gadget that added up to a revolution in mathematics and beyond in the ’60s. This pocket-sized prodigy brought the power of calculation to the masses, transforming the way people handled finances, schoolwork, and everyday problem-solving.
Casio Mini Calculator @Pen and Stationery/Youtube
Its compact design and affordability made it a staple in homes and offices, demystifying numbers and making math accessible to all. The Casio Mini was a key to unlocking potential, proving that big intelligence often comes in small packages.
187. The North Face Backpacks
Where It Was Sold: Outdoor recreation stores, specialty sporting goods stores
Company: The North Face
Original Price: $50*
Hit the trails or the textbooks with The North Face Backpacks, the ultimate companion for adventurers and students alike in the ’60s. These durable carriers were more than just bags; they were a symbol of exploration and resilience, designed to withstand the elements whether you were scaling mountains or navigating the urban jungle.
The North Face Backpacks @thenorthface/Pinterest
With innovative features and ample storage, they promised comfort and convenience for every journey. The North Face Backpacks were about carrying your dreams, inspiring generations to explore further and reach higher, all while keeping their essentials secure and accessible.
188. Pentel Sign Pen
Where It Was Sold: Office supply stores, department stores
Company: Pentel
Original Price: $1.49*
Make your mark with the Pentel Sign Pen, the tool that redefined writing and illustration in the ’60s. This gem became the pen of choice for President Lyndon B. Johnson and gained popularity in the U.S., symbolizing authority and elegance in every stroke.
Pentel Sign Pen @ebay/Pinterest
Its precise tip and smooth ink flow turned ordinary writing into an art form, whether for signing important documents or crafting personal notes. The Pentel Sign Pen wasn’t just an instrument; it was a statement of style and significance. In offices, studios, and classrooms around the world, it became the choice for those who valued clarity, creativity, and a splash of history in their script.
189. The Toyota Corolla
Where It Was Sold: Toyota dealerships
Company: Toyota
Original Price: $1,700* for base model
Drive into the era of reliability and affordability with the Toyota Corolla, introduced in the late ’60s. This compact sedan quickly became synonymous with durability, fuel efficiency, and practical design, changing the automotive landscape forever. It wasn’t just a car; it was a vehicle of change, bridging the gap between quality and affordability for families and first-time buyers.
The Toyota Corolla ©Bravada/Wikimedia
The Corolla taught the world that small could be powerful, and economical could be stylish. With millions sold worldwide, it didn’t just occupy roads; it conquered hearts, cementing its legacy as the go-to car for those who valued longevity, performance, and value in their daily drive.
190. The Pea Coat
Where It Was Sold: Navy surplus stores, department stores
Company: Various military surplus and clothing brands
Original Price: $25-$30*
Bundle up in timeless style with The Pea Coat, a naval classic that sailed into the fashion world of the ’60s and ’70s. With its broad lapels, double-breasted front, and naval buttons, it became a symbol of effortless cool, worn by icons of the era and everyday heroes alike.
The Pea Coat @etsy/Pinterest
The Pea Coat transcended its military origins to become a staple of winter wardrobes, proving that true style knows no bounds. It was an anchor of fashion, blending functionality with flair.
191. Space Hopper
Where It Was Sold: Toy stores, department stores
Company: Various manufacturers
Original Price: $5-$10*
Bounce into the playful spirit with the Space Hopper, the iconic orange ball with a cheeky grin that defined childhood joy. With its simple design and the promise of boundless fun, this toy was a phenomenon. Kids (and adventurous adults) embraced the challenge of balancing and hopping around, turning backyards into arenas of laughter and competition.
Space Hopper @Google/Pinterest
The Space Hopper was more than a toy; it was a vehicle of imagination, encouraging active play and bringing smiles to faces with every bounce. It encapsulated the era’s love for quirky, simple pleasures, proving that happiness is just a hop away.
192. The Yamaha FG-180 Acoustic Guitar
Where It Was Sold: Music stores
Company: Yamaha
Original Price: $100*
Strum the chords of nostalgia with The Yamaha FG-180 Acoustic Guitar, a musical icon that resonated through the folk and rock scenes of the ’60s and ’70s. Renowned for its rich tone, durability, and affordability, this guitar was the companion of choice for budding musicians and seasoned performers alike.
The Yamaha FG-180 Acoustic Guitar @Google/Pinterest
It was a part of the cultural fabric, a witness to songs of love, protest, and everything in between. The Yamaha FG-180 made music accessible to all, embodying the spirit of an era that celebrated expression, harmony, and the universal language of music.
193. The AMC Gremlin
Where It Was Sold: AMC (American Motors Corporation) dealerships
Company: AMC
Original Price: $1,900*
Hit the road with the AMC Gremlin, the subcompact car that zigzagged its way into the hearts of individuals with its unique design and economical appeal. This quirky vehicle, with its short rear end and distinct styling, became a symbol of American automotive innovation during a time of oil crises and environmental awareness.
The AMC Gremlin ©Gerry Dincher/Wikimedia
Far from ordinary, the Gremlin offered a blend of practicality and personality, challenging conventional car design and becoming a cult classic. It was a statement on wheels, proving that smaller could indeed be smarter, and standing out from the crowd could be a virtue.
194. The IBM System/360
Where It Was Sold: Direct sales by IBM to businesses
Company: IBM
Original Price: Starting from $133,000*
Power up with the IBM System/360, the mainframe that revolutionized computing in the ’60s. This technological titan was not just a computer; it was a system designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses large and small, offering unprecedented compatibility across models.
The IBM System/360 ©ArnoldReinhold/Wikimedia
With its ability to tackle everything from payroll to complex scientific calculations, the System/360 ushered in the era of modern computing, setting the standard for reliability, scalability, and versatility. This machine was the backbone of industries, transforming the way the world processed information and paving the way for the digital age.
195. The Rolex Daytona
Where It Was Sold: High-end jewelry stores
Company: Rolex
Original Price: $200-$250*
Elevate your style with the Rolex Daytona, the epitome of precision and elegance in the world of timepieces. Introduced in the ’60s, this luxury chronograph became synonymous with racing and high performance, named after the famed Daytona International Speedway.
The Rolex Daytona @hodinkee/Pinterest
Its impeccable design and mechanical prowess captured the essence of speed and adventure, making it a coveted accessory for the elite and enthusiasts alike. The Daytona was an icon of craftsmanship and a testament to the pursuit of excellence, ticking away moments of triumph and timeless sophistication.
196. The Chevy Camaro
Where It Was Sold: Chevrolet dealerships
Company: Chevrolet (General Motors)
Original Price: $2,466*
Roar onto the scene with the Chevy Camaro, Chevrolet’s roaring reply to the Ford Mustang that quickly revved its way into the heart of American muscle car lore. Launched in the late ’60s, this powerhouse on wheels epitomized the thrill of the open road and the spirit of competition.
The Chevy Camaro @Google/Pinterest
With its bold design, powerful engine, and undeniable swagger, the Camaro was a declaration of freedom and power, capturing the essence of a generation eager to push the limits. An instant classic, it became a symbol of American muscle car culture, celebrated for its performance and immortalized in film, music, and the dreams of drivers everywhere.
197. The Birth Control Pill
Where It Was Sold: Pharmacies
Company: Various pharmaceutical companies
Original Price: $10 per month*
Embrace the revolution with the Birth Control Pill, the tiny tablet that sparked a monumental shift in society and women’s liberation. Approved in 1960, it offered women unprecedented control over their reproductive rights, altering the landscape of family planning and social norms.
The Birth Control Pill @Google/Pinterest
Its introduction was a watershed moment for gender equality, empowering women to pursue careers and education on their own terms. More than just a medical breakthrough, the Pill was a catalyst for social change, challenging traditional roles and enabling a redefinition of freedom and choice in the fabric of American life.
198. The Sony TC-50 Cassette Recorder
Where It Was Sold: Electronics stores, department stores
Company: Sony
Original Price: $40-$50*
Tune into history with the Sony TC-50 Cassette Recorder, the compact device that captured the sounds of humanity’s greatest adventures during the Apollo missions. Its use by NASA astronauts turned this portable audio device into a symbol of technological prowess and human curiosity.
The Sony TC-50 Cassette Recorder ©u/Hunor_Deak/Reddit
The TC-50 chronicled the spirit of exploration, from the quiet moments aboard spacecraft to the historic words spoken on the Moon. Its role in the space missions transcended its function, embedding it in the annals of history as a testament to the era’s innovation and the endless quest to explore the unknown.