A Flash Of Retro Cool
Remember the thrill of watching those headlights flip up like something out of a sci-fi movie? It almost felt like the car was giving you a cheeky wink. Pop-up headlights weren’t just functional—they were a badge of cool. So, let’s check out 20 of the coolest rides to ever rock these iconic, unforgettable lights.
1. Mazda RX-7 (First Generation)
The 1978 Mazda RX-7 redefined sports cars with its lightweight design and the famous Wankel rotary engine. With pop-up headlights, it stood out in the sports car world. Known for its agility, it’s a symbol of '80s performance, even appearing in multiple racing games.
2. Toyota 2000GT
Designed to compete with European rivals, the Toyota 2000GT (1967-1970) was a rare gem with pop-up headlights. At the time, it was Japan's most expensive car, and its presence in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice only boosted its legendary status.
Gnsin~commonswiki on Wikimedia
3. Chevrolet Corvette (C4)
This one introduced a new, futuristic look with its pop-up headlights. It became synonymous with American performance, featuring improved aerodynamics and a powerful V8 engine. Fans still remember its advanced technology, which makes it one of the coolest Corvettes ever built.
4. Porsche 944
The Porsche 944, launched in 1982, was the blend of affordability and performance for a Porsche. Its pop-up headlights were a key feature that added to the car’s distinctive front profile. Loved for its balanced handling and solid build, it earned a dedicated following in both the U.S. and Europe.
5. Honda Prelude (Third And Fourth Generations)
The third-gen (1987–1991) and fourth-gen (1992–1996) Honda Preludes featured sleek pop-up headlights paired with innovative tech like four-wheel steering and refined double wishbone suspension. Their sharp handling, reliable engines, and aerodynamic styling helped define Honda’s sporty era.
6. Ferrari 512 TR
Ferrari’s 512 TR (1992–1994) mixed beauty and brute force. With its headlights, the 512 TR carried forward the legacy of the Testarossa. The car was powered by a 4.9L V12 engine, capable of reaching speeds up to 180 mph.
7. Lamborghini Countach
The Lamborghini Countach, manufactured from 1974 to 1990, is the poster child for exotic supercars. Its dramatic headlights contributed to its sharp, angular appearance. Known for its design and performance, the Countach became an unforgettable symbol of '80s luxury.
Brian Snelson from Hockley, Essex, England on Wikimedia
8. Dodge Stealth
Based on the Mitsubishi 3000GT, this one offered futuristic features like active aerodynamics and all-wheel drive. Though it’s now a rare sight, the Stealth was once a performance-oriented car for those who wanted something a little different from the mainstream.
9. Nissan 300ZX (Z31)
This standout from 1984, the 300ZX, came packed with a turbocharged engine and performance-focused features that made it more than just a pretty face. It wasn’t all show—it delivered on the road, too. Sleek, fast, and unforgettable, the 300ZX carved out its place as a true classic.
10. Chevrolet Camaro (Third Generation)
The 1982 Chevrolet Camaro brought a radical change with its pop-up headlights, marking a fresh chapter in muscle car design. Known for its sleek profile and powerful V8 engine, this generation of the Camaro stood out for both its performance and its bold, modern appearance.
Nick Ares from Auburn, CA, United States on Wikimedia
11. Lancia Beta Montecarlo
The Lancia Beta Montecarlo, a 1970s Italian sports car, featured pop-up headlights that made its already stunning design even more memorable. With its mid-mounted engine, it delivered excellent performance and agility, securing its place in the hearts of car collectors.
12. Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA)
Released in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is an affordable sports car that captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts. Its headlights added character, and its lightweight, agile handling made it an instant classic. It’s still regarded as one of the best-handling cars ever produced.
13. Lotus Esprit
What made the Esprit so special was its lightweight body and superior handling, which allowed it to hug tight corners with ease. Whether you remember it as the car from The Spy Who Loved Me or from its racing pedigree, the Esprit was pure driving pleasure.
14. Maserati Indy
The Maserati Indy was introduced at the 1969 Geneva Motor Show and produced until 1975. The pop-up headlights, in particular, were a perfect fit for the Indy’s dynamic design. When retracted, they kept the front end of the car smooth and streamlined. When raised, they provided a striking contrast to the car’s sharp lines.
15. Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
Pop-up headlights were just the beginning. The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 came loaded with twin turbos, all-wheel drive, and even active aerodynamics—a wild combo in the '90s. Add four-wheel steering and adaptive suspension, and you’ve got a tech-heavy powerhouse.
16. Buick Riviera (Fifth Generation)
The 1980s Buick Riviera featured pop-up headlights that gave it a futuristic look. It combined luxury with performance, thanks to its turbocharged V6 engine. While it didn’t achieve the same fame as some of its competitors, it’s still remembered as a standout in Buick’s history.
17. Saab Sonett III
With a fiberglass body that kept it lightweight, the Sonett III was a true representation of Saab's engineering innovation. Its combination of quirky design, lightweight body, and pop-up headlights made it a unique offering during the early 1970s, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciated Saab's unconventional approach to car design.
18. Matra Murena
Other than its pop-up headlights, one of Murena's defining characteristics was its three-seater configuration, a rarity in sports cars of the era. The seats were arranged in a 1+2 layout, with the main driver sitting in the center and two passengers flanking on either side.
Guillaume Vachey from Chalon sur Saone, France on Wikimedia
19. Ford Probe (Second Generation)
The 1989 Ford Probe was a car ahead of its time. It offered a solid driving experience, with handling that rivaled its European counterparts. Though often overlooked, the Probe remains a unique part of automotive history.
FPGT24 at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
20. Fiat X1/9
Designed by Bertone, the X1/9 was known for its sharp, angular lines that made it a visually striking car. The pop-up headlights of the X1/9 were iconic, in keeping with the car's sporty design. These headlights helped the X1/9 achieve a streamlined look while still offering adequate nighttime visibility when raised.
