They exude modern, exotic style. Cars with pop-up headlights made their debut in 1936 and people have been hooked ever since. Until 2004, that is, when the last of them were manufactured.
Today, only those who are shopping for a used car
will have any luck finding this unique design. Pop-up headlights
were always synonymous with sports cars. Jerry
, the car ownership super app
, explores the models that best combine speed and design. A car enthusiast’s dream!Cars with pop-up headlights: A new age
As safety continues to become more of a priority among auto manufacturers and car owners alike, the demand for cars with pop-up headlights has dwindled. Although not illegal, as per HotCars
, building them to comply with current laws is next to impossible and costly. Beginning in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the U.S. required that cars have round or rectangular sealed-beam headlights. This led to restricted layout options for designers. When the rule expired in the ‘90s, the lack of nationwide mandates led to untrustworthy inconsistencies across companies.
A new bylaw was created in response, stating that lights must remain open if there were issues. This was a problem considering pop-up headlights were susceptible to malfunction. Faulty electrical issues meant one, or both, headlights would fail to pop up. This was especially of concern if water got into the battery, or the car was struck.
European legislation at this time also required that a car be able to contort in order to save pedestrians in accidents. This meant replacing pointed fronts with sponge-like fronts to prevent life-threatening injuries. American car companies followed suit and abandoned the pop-up headlight design altogether.
Shopping the used car market
The last mass-marketed model to sport pop-up headlights was the Chevrolet Corvette C5 in 2004. But if that isn’t classic enough for you, the Corvette C2 was the first to launch this feature at Chevrolet. Combined with the split rear window, this model was beautifully styled.
Not surprisingly, supercar superpower Ferrari has a few models to choose from. The F40 was the fastest car in the world in 1987. The Testarossa paired its pop-up headlights to a wide body and an engine that sings.
And Lamborghini, of course. The Countach is a rare find with its ultra-low seats and scissor doors. Or, you’d be fine settling for an early model Diablo instead. Even the BMW M1 was somewhat of a collaboration with Lamborghini.
There’s also the groundbreaking engineering of the De Tomaso Pantera, the James Bond famous Toyota 2000GT, the luxurious 1966 Maserati Ghibli, the Formula One-inspired Honda NSX, the quick-off-the-line BMW 8-Series, the futuristic Vector W8, and the aerodynamic Lancia Stratos race car.
Meanwhile, the 1974 Aston Martin Lagonda does not get HotCars
approval for looks. Even the pop-up headlights could not distract you from its long nose and short rear-end. MORE: What is the Best Miata Year?
Buying used on a budget
If you’re eager to get in the driver’s seat of cars with pop-up headlights but you’re on a shoestring budget, don’t worry. Even the Porsche 924 sportster that debuted in 1969 is an affordable option!
The Mazda Miata is a solid choice considering it’s a fun ride that’s been around for over 30 years now. Its design was slightly borrowed from the compact Lotus Elan. Mazda even collaborated on the Mustang-challenging Ford Probe.
Own the mid-engine Toyota MR2 for as little as $3,000, or act fast on the increasingly rare Nissan 300ZX. If quirky hatchbacks are more your thing, the front-wheel drive Volvo 480 was the first and last car with pop-up headlights for the company.
A second or third generation Honda Prelude will sport the pop-up headlights you desire. But the Opel GT’s headlamps swivel rather than spring up and are only available in left-hand drive, making the car that much more unique.
Although plagued with poor reliability and performance, the Pontiac Fiero is an economical choice. HotCars thinks it’s an amazing rallycross car and claims the reinforced composite plastic shell won’t corrode.
Used cars with pop-up headlights can come in many shapes and forms. You can choose between a low price tag, or classical styling.
Whatever your preference, Jerry
will find you the best coverage at the best price. Shop over 50 top carriers like Progressive, Allstate, and Nationwide. The average Jerry driver saves over $800 a year in car insurance. 
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