The rear window design prevalent in many automobiles during the 1980s, characterized by a series of horizontal or vertical louvers, is generally referred to as a rear window louver or rear window shade. These aftermarket accessories were typically made of plastic or metal and attached to the exterior of the rear windshield. An example would be the dark, slatted cover seen on numerous sports cars and hatchbacks of that era.
These louvers offered several perceived benefits, including enhanced privacy for vehicle occupants and a reduction in solar heat gain within the cabin. This could potentially alleviate the strain on the vehicle’s air conditioning system, leading to increased fuel efficiency. Furthermore, they were often considered a stylish aesthetic modification, contributing to the overall sporty or aggressive appearance of the vehicle. The prevalence of these accessories reflected a design trend of the period.
