Pop-up headlights may be a thing of the past, but they still hold a certain charm that many car enthusiasts can’t resist. Their sleek design, combined with the element of surprise, give these cars an irresistible appeal that’s both nostalgic and stylish. Not only do they add to the aesthetic appeal, but they also serve a practical purpose, improving aerodynamics when the lights are not in use. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the 15 best looking cars that were ever made with pop-up headlights.
1. Ferrari 308 GTB
The Ferrari 308 GTB is an Italian classic that’s best known for its role in the popular 80s TV show, ‘Magnum, P.I.’. With its striking red paint job, the 308 GTB is a symbol of cool 80s pop culture. The pop-up headlights are a defining feature of the car, adding a touch of mystery and excitement to its overall design. They perfectly complement the vehicle’s sleek lines and sporty look, making it one of the most stylish cars of its time.
Interestingly, the Ferrari 308 GTB was one of the last Ferraris to feature pop-up headlights. The design was eventually phased out as the company moved towards more modern and aerodynamic designs. However, the 308 GTB remains a beloved classic among car enthusiasts and pop-up headlight lovers.
2. Lotus Esprit
The Lotus Esprit is another iconic car that features pop-up headlights. It was made famous by James Bond in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’. The car’s futuristic design, paired with its sharp lines and low profile, make it a standout in any era.
The pop-up headlights were a key element of the Esprit’s design. They gave the car a sleek, streamlined look when not in use, and provided excellent visibility in low-light conditions. Despite the eventual discontinuation of pop-up headlights in newer models, the Esprit remains a beloved classic for its unique design and iconic headlights.
3. Chevrolet Corvette (C3)
The third-generation Chevrolet Corvette, also known as the C3, is one of the most recognizable American sports cars. Manufactured between 1968 and 1982, the C3 Corvette was the first of the line to feature pop-up headlights. This design element added a level of sophistication to the vehicle’s overall aesthetic.
The pop-up headlights on the C3 Corvette were not only stylish; they were also practical. When retracted, they improved aerodynamics, giving the car a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency. The Corvette’s pop-up headlights are a symbol of American automotive ingenuity and design.
4. Porsche 928
The Porsche 928 is a luxury grand tourer produced by Porsche AG of Germany from 1978 to 1995. It’s often regarded as one of the most futuristic looking cars of the ’80s and ’90s. The 928’s pop-up headlights are its most distinctive feature, giving it a sharp and aggressive look.
When retracted, the headlights blend seamlessly with the car’s smooth, curvy body, enhancing its aerodynamic properties. The Porsche 928’s pop-up headlights are a testament to the car’s innovative design and Porsche’s commitment to creating visually striking vehicles.
5. Lamborghini Countach
The Lamborghini Countach is renowned for its dramatic styling, which includes sharp angles, wide body, and of course, its pop-up headlights. Produced between 1974 and 1990, the Countach is one of the most iconic supercars of its era.
The Countach’s pop-up headlights are not just for show, they serve a practical purpose too. They improve the car’s aerodynamics when retracted, contributing to its impressive performance. The Countach’s pop-up headlights are a symbol of Lamborghini’s innovative design philosophy.
6. Mazda RX-7
The Mazda RX-7 is a sports car that was produced from 1978 to 2002. It’s known for its sleek design, rotary engine, and pop-up headlights. The RX-7’s pop-up headlights add a touch of retro charm to the car’s modern design.
The headlights contribute to the car’s aerodynamics when not in use, and provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The RX-7’s pop-up headlights are a beloved feature among car enthusiasts, making it one of the most memorable cars with pop-up headlights.
7. Toyota Supra (A70)
The third-generation Toyota Supra, also known as the A70, is a sports car produced by Toyota from 1986 to 1993. It’s known for its powerful performance, sleek design, and pop-up headlights. The A70’s pop-up headlights give the car an aggressive look and improve its aerodynamics.
The headlights are a significant design element of the A70, contributing to its iconic status among car enthusiasts. The Supra’s pop-up headlights are a symbol of Toyota’s innovative design and commitment to creating visually striking vehicles.
8. De Tomaso Pantera
The De Tomaso Pantera is a mid-engine sports car produced by Italian manufacturer De Tomaso from 1971 to 1991. It’s known for its powerful performance, sleek design, and distinctive pop-up headlights. The Pantera’s pop-up headlights add to the car’s aggressive look and enhance its aerodynamics.
The headlights are a key design element of the Pantera, contributing to its unique appeal among car enthusiasts. The Pantera’s pop-up headlights are a testament to De Tomaso’s innovative design and commitment to creating visually striking vehicles.
9. Nissan 300ZX
The Nissan 300ZX is a sports car that was produced in Japan from 1983 to 2000. It’s known for its powerful performance, sleek design, and pop-up headlights. The 300ZX’s pop-up headlights give the car an aggressive look and improve its aerodynamics.
The headlights are a significant design element of the 300ZX, contributing to its iconic status among car enthusiasts. The 300ZX’s pop-up headlights are a symbol of Nissan’s innovative design and commitment to creating visually striking vehicles.
10. Dodge Charger Daytona
The Dodge Charger Daytona is a high-performance, limited-edition version of the Dodge Charger produced in 1969. It’s known for its powerful performance, unique design, and pop-up headlights. The Daytona’s pop-up headlights give the car an aggressive look and improve its aerodynamics.
The headlights are a key design element of the Daytona, contributing to its distinctive appeal among car enthusiasts. The Charger Daytona’s pop-up headlights are a testament to Dodge’s innovative design and commitment to creating visually striking vehicles.
11. Opel GT
The Opel GT is a two-seat sports car first presented as a styling exercise in 1965 at the Paris and Frankfurt motor shows, and introduced as a production model late in 1968 by Opel, a German subsidiary of General Motors. It’s best known for its “coke bottle” styling and pop-up headlights.
The pop-up headlights give the GT a unique look, differentiating it from other cars of its era. They improve the car’s aerodynamics when retracted, contributing to its impressive performance. The GT’s pop-up headlights are a symbol of Opel’s innovative design philosophy.
12. Alfa Romeo Montreal
The Alfa Romeo Montreal is a 2+2 coupé sports car produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1970 to 1977. It’s known for its powerful performance, unique design, and pop-up headlights. The Montreal’s pop-up headlights give the car a distinctive look and improve its aerodynamics.
The headlights are a key design element of the Montreal, contributing to its distinctive appeal among car enthusiasts. The Montreal’s pop-up headlights are a testament to Alfa Romeo’s innovative design and commitment to creating visually striking vehicles.
13. Honda NSX
The Honda NSX is a mid-engine sports car produced by Honda from 1990 to 2005. It’s known for its powerful performance, aerodynamic design, and pop-up headlights. The NSX’s pop-up headlights give the car an aggressive look and improve its aerodynamics.
The headlights are a significant design element of the NSX, contributing to its iconic status among car enthusiasts. The NSX’s pop-up headlights are a symbol of Honda’s innovative design and commitment to creating visually striking vehicles.
14. Ford Probe
The Ford Probe is a liftback coupé produced by Ford, introduced in 1988 and produced until 1997. It’s best known for its aerodynamic design and pop-up headlights. The Probe’s pop-up headlights give the car a unique look and improve its aerodynamics.
The headlights are a key design element of the Probe, contributing to its distinctive appeal among car enthusiasts. The Probe’s pop-up headlights are a testament to Ford’s innovative design and commitment to creating visually striking vehicles.
15. TVR Griffith
The TVR Griffith is a sports car produced by UK manufacturer TVR between 1991 and 2002. It’s known for its powerful performance, sleek design, and pop-up headlights. The Griffith’s pop-up headlights give the car an aggressive look and improve its aerodynamics.
The headlights are a significant design element of the Griffith, contributing to its iconic status among car enthusiasts. The Griffith’s pop-up headlights are a symbol of TVR’s innovative design and commitment to creating visually striking vehicles.