Hidden headlamps, also commonly known as pop-up headlamps, pop-up headlights, flip-eye headlamps, or hideaway headlights, are a form of

automotive lighting The lighting system of a motor vehicle consists of lighting and signalling devices mounted to or integrated into the front, rear, sides, and in some cases the top of a motor vehicle. They illuminate the road ahead for the driver and increase th ...

and an automotive styling feature that conceals an

automobile A car or automobile is a motor vehicle with wheels. Most definitions of ''cars'' say that they run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport people instead of goods. The year 1886 is regarded ...

headlamp A headlamp is a lamp attached to the front of a vehicle to illuminate the road ahead. Headlamps are also often called headlights, but in the most precise usage, ''headlamp'' is the term for the device itself and ''headlight'' is the term f ...

s when they are not in use. Depending on the design, the headlamps may be mounted in a housing that rotates so as to sit flush with the front end as on the

Lamborghini Miura The Lamborghini Miura is a sports car produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini between 1966 and 1973. The car was the first supercar with a rear mid-engined two-seat layout, although the concept was first seen in a production road car with Ren ...

Porsche 928 The Porsche 928 is a luxury grand tourer produced by Porsche AG of Germany from 1978 until 1995. Originally intended to replace the company's iconic 911, the 928 combined the power, poise, and handling of a sports car with the refinement, comfo ...

, may retract into the hood and/or fenders as on the 1963–2004

Chevrolet Corvette The Chevrolet Corvette is a two-door, two-passenger luxury sports car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet since 1953. With eight design generations, noted sequentially from C1 to C8, the Corvette is noted for its performance and distinctive ...

, or may be concealed behind retractable or rotating grille panels as on the 1966-1970

Dodge Charger The Dodge Charger is a model of automobile marketed by Dodge in various forms over seven generations since 1966. The first Charger was a show car in 1964. A 1965 Charger II concept car resembled the 1966 production version. The Charger ha ...

, 1970-1971

Mercury Cyclone The Mercury Cyclone is an automobile that was marketed by the Mercury division of Ford from 1964 to 1971. Introduced in 1964 as the Mercury Comet Cyclone, the Cyclone replaced the S-22 as the performance-oriented version of the Mercury Comet mode ...

, or the 1965

Buick Riviera The Buick Riviera is a personal luxury car that was marketed by Buick from 1963 to 1999, with the exception of the 1994 model year. As General Motors' first entry into the personal luxury car market segment, the Riviera was highly praised by a ...

History

Hidden headlamps first appeared on the Cord 810 in November 1935 at the New York Auto Show and shortly after on a custom example of the

Alfa Romeo 8C The Alfa Romeo 8C was originally a range of Alfa Romeo road, race and sports cars of the 1930s. In 2004 Alfa Romeo revived the 8C name for a V8-engined concept car which made it into production for 2007, the 8C Competizione. The 8C designates 8 ...

in 1936. In the Cord, a pair of cranks on either side of the dashboard could be turned by hand to bring out the headlamps when needed. Powered hidden headlamps first appeared on GM's

concept car A concept car (also known as a concept vehicle, show vehicle or prototype) is a car made to showcase new styling and/or new technology. They are often exhibited at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or ...

in 1938, the Buick Y-Job, and appeared on concept cars for several years after, including the 1951

General Motors Le Sabre The General Motors Le Sabre is a 1951 concept car. Possibly the most important show car of the 1950s, it introduced aircraft-inspired design elements such as the wrap-around windshield and tail fins, which became common on automotive designs duri ...

. However, power hidden headlamps would not appear on a production vehicle until 1962 with the

Lotus Elan Lotus Elan is the name of two separate ranges of automobiles produced by Lotus Cars. The first series of cars was produced between 1962 and 1975 as a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The second series was produced between 1989 and 1995 as a front-wheel ...

. The popularity of this feature has waxed and waned over time. Hidden headlamps regained popularity in the mid-to-late 1960s, first in Europe but particularly in the US where aerodynamic headlamps were not permitted. A relatively large variety of cars incorporated hidden headlamps in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and up to the early 2000s. Subsequent legislation led to hidden headlamps falling increasingly out of favor. In the past, manufacturers often used hidden headlamps to circumvent headlight height regulations in the United States. For instance, in 1983,

Toyota is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan. It was founded by Kiichiro Toyoda and incorporated on . Toyota is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, producing about 10 ...

exported their retractable headlight version of the AE86 (known domestically as the Sprinter Trueno) instead of the Corolla Levin, as the former had a higher headlamp height, enough to satisfy US regulations. This prevents them from raising the body height of the car, which would have affected handling.

Discontinuation

US laws now permit aerodynamic headlamps, relative to which hidden headlamps represent added cost, weight, and complexity as well as reliability concerns as cars age. Internationalized ECE auto safety regulations have also recently incorporated pedestrian-protection provisions restricting protuberances from car bodies, making it more difficult and expensive to design compliant pop-up headlamps. The last time pop-up headlamps appeared on a volume-production car was in 2004, when both the

Lotus Esprit The Lotus Esprit is a British sports car that was built by Lotus Cars at their Hethel#Lotus Cars, Hethel factory in England between 1976 and 2004. It was among the first of designer Giorgetto Giugiaro's polygonal "folded paper" designs. Backgr ...

and Chevrolet Corvette (C5) ended production. Development of both projector beam headlamps such as those on the 1990 Nissan 300ZX (Z32), and more efficient, bright

LED A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The color of the light (cor ...

headlamps A headlamp is a lamp attached to the front of a vehicle to illuminate the road ahead. Headlamps are also often called headlights, but in the most precise usage, ''headlamp'' is the term for the device itself and ''headlight'' is the term fo ...

has in practice, eliminated the need for hidden headlamps altogether. Despite new cars no longer offering hidden headlamps since 2004, hidden headlamps are not outright banned, and as such, they can be still be installed on vehicles today such as the Ares Design Project1.

List of cars with hidden headlamps

Production cars

* AC 3000ME, 1979–1984 * Ares Design Project1, 2018 (redesign of the

Lamborghini Huracán The Lamborghini Huracán (Spanish for "hurricane"; ) is a sports car manufactured by Italian automotive manufacturer Lamborghini replacing the previous V10 offering, the Gallardo. The Huracán was revealed online in December 2013, making its wo ...

, also known as the Ares Panther; inspired by the De Tomaso Pantera) * Adams Brothers Probe 15, 1969 * Adams Brothers Probe 16, 1969–1970 * Adams Brothers Probe 2001, 1970–1972 *

2900A

Pininfarina Pininfarina S.p.A. (short for Carrozzeria Pininfarina) is an Italian car design firm and coachbuilder, with headquarters in Cambiano, Turin, Italy. The company was founded by Battista "Pinin" Farina in 1930. On 14 December 2015, the Indian ...

Berlinetta, 1936 *

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. Concept car The Alfa Romeo Montreal was introduced as a concept car in 1967 at Expo 67, held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Orig ...

, 1970–1977 * Alpine A610, 1991–1995 * Alpine GTA, 1987 (U.S. spec) *

Aston Martin Lagonda The Aston Martin Lagonda is a full-size luxury four-door saloon manufactured by British manufacturer Aston Martin between 1974 and 1990. A total of 645 were produced. The name was derived from the Lagonda marque that Aston Martin had purchas ...

, 1976–1989 * Aston Martin Vantage Zagato Volante, 1986–1989 * Asüna Sunfire, 1993 * Bitter CD & SC, 1973–1979 * Bricklin SV-1, 1974–1976 * BMW 8 Series (E31), 1989–1999 *

BMW M1 The BMW M1 (model code E26) is a mid-engined sports car produced by German automotive manufacturer BMW from 1978 until 1981. In the late 1970s, Italian automobile manufacturer Lamborghini entered into an agreement with BMW to build a productio ...

, 1978–1981 * Buick Reatta, 1988–1991 *

, 1965–1969 * Buick SkyHawk, 1986–1989 * Burlington Centurion 1981-1982 *

Cadillac Eldorado The Cadillac Eldorado is a luxury car manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 1952 until 2002 over twelve generations. The Eldorado was at or near the top of the Cadillac line. The original 1953 Eldorado convertible and the Eldorado Brougham ...

, 1967–1968 *

Chevrolet Camaro The Chevrolet Camaro is a mid-size American automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, classified as a pony car. It first went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang. The Camaro sh ...

, 1967–1969 (optional - usually with the Rally Sport model or the RS/SS package) *

Chevrolet Caprice The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-sized automobile produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 to 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold. It was the most popular car in the U.S. in the 1960s ...

, 1968–1969 (optional and very rare) *

, 1963–2004 * Chevrolet Kingswood Estate, 1969 (optional and very rare) *

Chrysler 300 The Chrysler 300 is a full-size luxury car manufactured and marketed by Stellantis North America (and its predecessor companies) as a four-door sedan and station wagon in its first generation (model years 2005–2010) and solely as a four- ...

, 1968–1971 *

Chrysler Imperial The Chrysler Imperial, introduced in 1926, was Chrysler's top-of-the-line vehicle for much of its history. Models were produced with the Chrysler name until 1954, after which it became a standalone brand; and again from 1990 to 1993. The compan ...

, 1969–1993 * Chrysler LeBaron, 1987–1992 (coupe & convertible only) * Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue, 1990–1993 *

Chrysler New Yorker The Chrysler New Yorker is an automobile model that was produced by Chrysler from 1940 until 1996, serving for several decades as the brand's flagship model, or as a junior sedan to the Chrysler Imperial luxury brand. A trim level named the "New Y ...

, 1976–1981 and 1988–1993 * Cizeta-Moroder V16T, 1991–2003 * Clan Clover 1984-1988 * Continental Mark series, 1968–1983 *

Cord 810/812 The Cord 810, and later Cord 812, was a luxury automobile produced by the Cord Automobile division of the Auburn Automobile Company in 1936 and 1937. It was the first American-designed and built front wheel drive car with independent front suspen ...

, 1936–1937 * Covini B24, 1981 *'' DARE'' DZ, 1998-1999 * DeSoto, 1942 *

De Tomaso Mangusta The De Tomaso Mangusta is a sports car produced by Italian automobile manufacturer De Tomaso between 1967 and 1971. It was succeeded by the De Tomaso Pantera. History The Mangusta replaced the Vallelunga model, on which its chassis was base ...

, 1970–1971 (US-spec) *

De Tomaso Pantera The De Tomaso Pantera is a mid-engine sports car produced by Italian automobile manufacturer De Tomaso from 1971 to 1992. Italian for "Panther", the Pantera was the automaker's most popular model, with over 7,000 manufactured over its twenty-year ...

, 1971–1974 * De Tomaso Guarà, 1993–2004 *

, 1966–1970, (optional in 1971 & 1972) *

Dodge Charger Daytona Dodge produced three separate models with the name Dodge Charger Daytona, all of which were modified Dodge Chargers. The name was taken from Daytona Beach, Florida, which was an early center for auto racing and still hosts the Daytona 500, NAS ...

, 1969–1970 *

Dodge Daytona The Dodge Daytona is an automobile which was produced by the Chrysler Corporation under their Dodge division from 1984 until 1993. It was a front-wheel drive hatchback based on the Chrysler G platform, which was derived from the Chrysler K platf ...

, 1987–1991 *

Dodge Magnum The Dodge Magnum is a nameplate used by several Dodge vehicles, at different times and on various markets. The name was first applied to a large Chrysler B platform-based 2-door coupe marketed from 1978 to 1979 sold in the United States and Cana ...

, 1978–1979 (clear covers) * Dodge Monaco, 1972–1973 * Dodge Royal Monaco, 1976–1978 * Dodge Stealth, 1991–1993 * Dodge St. Regis, 1979–1981 (clear covers) * Eagle Talon, 1990–1991 * Evante Sports 1600 Mk.2 1985-1994 * Ferrari/Dino 208/308 GT4, 1974–1980 * Ferrari 288 GTO, 1984–1985 *

Ferrari 308 GTB The Ferrari 308 GTB berlinetta and targa topped 308 GTS are V8 mid-engined, two-seater sports cars manufactured by the Italian company Ferrari from 1975 until 1985. The 308 replaced the Dino 246 GT and GTS in 1975 and was updated as the 328 G ...

, 1975–1984 *

Ferrari 328 The Ferrari 328 GTB and GTS (Type F106) are mid-engine V8, two seat sports cars created by Italian automobile manufacturer Ferrari. It was the successor to the Ferrari 308 GTB and GTS. While mechanically still based on the 308, modifications w ...

, 1985–1989 *

Ferrari 348 The Ferrari 348 (Type F119) is a mid-engine V8-powered 2-seat sports car produced by Italian automaker Ferrari, replacing the 328 in 1989 and remaining in production until 1995. It was the final V8 model developed under the direction of Enzo F ...

, 1989–1995 * Ferrari 365 California Spyder, 1966–1967 * Ferrari 365 GTB/4 & GTS/4 "Daytona", 365 GTC/4, 365 GT4 2+2, 1970–1976 * Ferrari Daytona SP3, 2022 * Ferrari 400/412, 1976–1989 * Ferrari 456/456M, 1992–2003 *

Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer The Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer (BB) is series of sports cars produced by Ferrari in Italy between 1973 and 1984. The BB was designed by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina. The first BB model, the 365 GT4 BB, replaced the front engined Daytona and ...

, 1973–1984 *

Ferrari F355 The Ferrari F355 (Type F129) is a sports car manufactured by Italian car manufacturer Ferrari produced from May 1994 until 1999. The car is a heavily revised Ferrari 348 with notable exterior and performance changes. The F355 was succeeded by t ...

, 1994–1999 *

Ferrari F40 The Ferrari F40 (''tipo'' F120) is a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car engineered by Nicola Materazzi with styling by Pininfarina. It was built from 1987 until 1992, with the LM and GTE race car versions continuing production until 1994 ...

, 1987–1992 *

Ferrari Mondial The Ferrari Mondial (Type F108) is a mid-engined, V8, grand tourer manufactured and marketed by Ferrari between 1980 and 1993 – with styling by Pininfarina and bodywork by Carrozzeria Scaglietti. Offered as either a 2+2 coupé or cabriolet, ...

, 1980–1995 * Ferrari Testarossa, 512TR, 1984–1994 * Fiat 125 Samantha, 1967 (a two-door coupé version of Fiat 125 built by

Vignale Vignale is the luxury car sub-brand of Ford Motor Company used in automobiles sold in Europe.Virginio Vairo) * Fiat/Bertone X1/9, 1972–1989 * Ford/Mercury Capri, 1989–1994 * Ford Galaxie 500 XL, 1968–1970 *

Ford LTD (Americas) The Ford LTD (pronounced ) is a range of automobiles manufactured by Ford Motor Company for the 1965 to 1986 model years. Introduced as the highest trim level of the full-size Ford model range, then the Galaxie, the LTD offered options and fea ...

, 1968–1970; Landau, 1975–1978 (including

Ford Country Squire The Ford Country Squire is a series of full-size station wagons that were assembled by American automaker Ford. Positioned as the top-level station wagon of the Ford division, the Country Squire was distinguished by woodgrain bodyside trim. From ...

wagon) *

Ford LTD (Australia) Ford commonly refers to: * Ford Motor Company, an automobile manufacturer founded by Henry Ford * Ford (crossing), a shallow crossing on a river Ford may also refer to: Ford Motor Company * Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company * Ford F ...

, 1973–1976 * Ford Landau, 1973–1976 *

Ford Probe The Ford Probe is a hatchback#liftback, liftback coupé produced by Ford Motor Company, Ford, introduced in 1988 and produced until 1997. The Probe was the result of Ford's collaboration with its longtime Japanese partner Mazda, and both generati ...

, 1989–1997 *

Ford Ranchero The Ford Ranchero is a coupe utility that was produced by Ford between 1957 and 1979. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the Ranchero was adapted from a two-door station wagon platform that integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body. A total ...

GT, 1970–1971 *

Ford Thunderbird The Ford Thunderbird (colloquially called the T-Bird) is a personal luxury car produced by Ford from model years 1955 until 1997 and 2002 until 2005 across 11 distinct generations. Introduced as a two-seat convertible, the Thunderbird was p ...

, 1967–1969, 1977–1982 *

Ford Torino The Ford Torino is an automobile that was produced by Ford for the North American market between 1968 and 1976. It was a competitor in the intermediate market segment. The car was named after the city of Turin (''Torino'', in Italian), consid ...

Brougham, Cobra, GT 1970–1971 * Geo Storm, 1990–1991 * Ginetta G4 Series IV (some models), 1981–1986 * Ginetta G23/24, 1981 * Ginetta G26/31, 1984–1986 * Ginetta G27 (updated version of G4 Series IV), 1986-1990 *

Ginetta G32 The Ginetta G32 is a Mid-engine design, mid-engined sports car built by British car manufacturer Ginetta Cars from 1989 to 1992. Specification The G32 is a two seater mid-engined coupe and convertible, designed by Ivor Walklett. The car incorpor ...

, 1989–1992 * Ginetta G33, 1991 * Grinnal TR8, 1990 * Hawk HF3000, 1988 *

Hofstetter Turbo The Hofstetter Turbo is a Brazilian car created in the 1980s by Mario Richard Hofstetter. In 1980 Hofstetter pulled out his drawing paper and started to draw a prototype of the car. Mario Hofstetter made this car at this time because the Brazilia ...

, 1986-1991 *

Honda Accord The , also known as the in Japan and China for certain generations, is a series of cars manufactured by Honda since 1976, best known for its four-door sedan variant, which has been one of the best-selling cars in the United States since 1989. ...

, 1986–1989 * Honda Ballade, 1984–1987 * Honda/Acura Integra/Rover 416, 1986–1989 * Honda/Acura NSX, 1990–2001 *

Honda Prelude The Honda Prelude is a car produced by Japanese car manufacturer Honda from 1978 until 2001. The two-door coupe was loosely derived from the Honda Accord, and spanned five generations. The Prelude was used by Honda to introduce the Japanese Honda ...

, 1983–1991 *

Honda Vigor The is a premium sedan that was derived from the Honda Accord. It was sold in Japan through the '' Honda Verno'' dealer network from 1981 until 1995, and sold in North America from June 1991 (model year 1992) until 1994 as the Acura Vigor. Early ...

, 1986–1989 *

Imperial Imperial is that which relates to an empire, emperor, or imperialism. Imperial or The Imperial may also refer to: Places United States * Imperial, California * Imperial, Missouri * Imperial, Nebraska * Imperial, Pennsylvania * Imperial, Texas ...

, 1969–1975 and 1981–1983 * “Irish” Clan 1982 * Isdera Imperator 108i, 1991–1993 (facelift model) *

Iso Lele The Iso Lele (or Iso Rivolta Lele) is a grand tourer that was produced by the Italian automobile manufacturer Iso Automoveicoli S.p.A. between 1969 and 1974. The Lele, being a 2+2-seater, filled the gap between the Grifo and the Fidia while shar ...

, 1969–1974 *

Iso Grifo ISO is the most common abbreviation for the International Organization for Standardization. ISO or Iso may also refer to: Business and finance * Iso (supermarket), a chain of Danish supermarkets incorporated into the SuperBest chain in 2007 * Is ...

, 1965–1974 *

Isuzu Piazza The Isuzu Piazza is a small, sporty 3-door liftback coupé which was manufactured by Isuzu from 1981 until 1992 in two generations. The Isuzu Piazza was marketed as the Isuzu Impulse in North America and as the Holden Piazza in Australia. T ...

, 1981–1987 (also Isuzu Impulse, Holden Piazza) *

Jaguar XJ220 The Jaguar XJ220 is a two-seat sports car produced by British luxury car manufacturer Jaguar from 1992 until 1994, in collaboration with the specialist automotive and race engineering company Tom Walkinshaw Racing. The XJ220 recorded a top s ...

, 1992–1994 * Kia Elan, 1989–1995 (also sold as Lotus Elan) *

Lamborghini Countach The Lamborghini Countach () is a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car produced by the Italian automobile manufacturer Lamborghini from 1974 until 1990. It is one of the many exotic designs developed by Italian design house Bertone, w ...

, 1974–1990 *

Lamborghini Diablo The Lamborghini Diablo is a high-performance mid-engine sports car built by Italian automobile manufacturer Lamborghini between 1990 and 2001. It is the first production Lamborghini capable of attaining a top speed in excess of . After the end ...

, 1990–1998 *

Lamborghini Islero The Lamborghini Islero (, ) is a grand tourer produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini between 1968 and 1969. It was the replacement for the 400 GT and featured the Lamborghini V12 engine. The car debuted at the 1968 Geneva Auto Show. Histor ...

, 1968–1969 *

Lamborghini Jalpa The Lamborghini Jalpa () is a sports car produced by the Italian automotive manufacturer Lamborghini from 1981 until 1988. It debuted at the 1981 Geneva Motor Show alongside the Lamborghini LM001 concept off-road vehicle. The Jalpa was the last ...

, 1981–1988 *

Lamborghini Jarama The Lamborghini Jarama () is a 2+2 grand tourer manufactured and marketed by Italian car manufacturer Lamborghini between 1970 and 1976. It was styled by Bertone designer Marcello Gandini. Ferruccio Lamborghini intended the name to recall the ...

, 1970–1976 *

Lamborghini Urraco The Lamborghini Urraco is a 2+2 sports car manufactured by Italian automaker Lamborghini, introduced at the Turin Auto Show in 1970, marketed for model years 1972-1979, and named after a line of Miura-bred fighting bulls; the name translates ...

, 1973–1979 *

, 1966–1973 *

Lamborghini Silhouette The Lamborghini Silhouette P300 is a two-door two-seat mid-engined rear-wheel drive sports car, that was made in small numbers by Lamborghini between 1976 and 1979. Officially presented at the 1976 Geneva Auto Show, the Silhouette began as a st ...

, 1976–1979 * Lancia Montecarlo, 1975–1979 (for Scorpion, North American version) *

Lancia Stratos The Lancia Stratos HF (''Tipo 829''), widely and more simply known as Lancia Stratos, is a rear mid-engined sports car designed for rally racing, made by Italian car manufacturer Lancia. The HF stands for ''High Fidelity''. It was a very success ...

, 1972–1973 *, 1981-1987 *

Lincoln Continental The Lincoln Continental is a series of mid-sized and full-sized luxury cars produced by Lincoln, a division of the American automaker Ford Motor Company. The model line was introduced following the construction of a personal vehicle for Eds ...

, 1970–1979 *

Lister Storm The Lister Storm was a homologated GT racing car manufactured by British low volume automobile manufacturer Lister Cars with production beginning in 1993. The Storm used the largest V12 engine fitted to a production road car since World War I ...

, 1993–1999 * Lombardi Grand Prix, 1968–1972 *

Lotus Eclat Lotus may refer to: Plants * Lotus (plant), various botanical taxa commonly known as lotus, particularly: ** ''Lotus'' (genus), a genus of terrestrial plants in the family Fabaceae **Lotus flower, a symbolically important aquatic Asian plant als ...

, 1974–1982 *

, 1962–1973 +2 model, 1967–1975 * Lotus Elan M100 1989–1995 (also sold as Kia Elan) *

Lotus Elite The Lotus Elite name has been used for two production vehicles and one concept vehicle developed and manufactured by British automobile manufacturer Lotus Cars. The first generation Elite Type 14 was produced from 1957 until 1963 and the second ...

, 1974–1982 *

, 1976–2004 *

Lotus Excel The Lotus Excel (Type 89) is a sports car designed and built by British automobile manufacturer Lotus Cars from 1982 to 1992. It is based on the design of the earlier Lotus Eclat, which itself was based on the earlier Lotus Type 75 Elite. ...

, 1982–1992 * Manta Mirage, 1974–1986 *

Maserati Bora The Maserati Bora (Tipo AM117) is a mid-engine two-seat coupe manufactured by Maserati from 1971 to 1978. In common with other Maserati cars of the era, it is named after a wind, Bora being the wind of Trieste. The Bora ended Maserati's reputa ...

, 1971–1980 *

Maserati Ghibli Maserati Ghibli is the name of three different cars produced by Italian automobile manufacturer Maserati: the AM115, a V8 grand tourer from 1967 to 1973; the AM336, a V6 twin-turbocharged coupé from 1992 to 1998; and the M157, an executive ...

, 1966–1973 * Maserati Indy, 1969–1974 *

Maserati Khamsin The Maserati Khamsin (''Tipo AM120'') is a grand tourer produced by Italian automobile manufacturer Maserati between 1974 and 1982. The Khamsin was sold alongside the DeTomaso-based Maserati Kyalami — also a V8 2+2 GT car - between 1976 and ...

, 1974–1982 *

Maserati Merak The Maserati Merak (''Tipo AM122'') is a mid-engined 2+2 sports car produced by Maserati between 1972 and 1983. The Merak was closely related to the Maserati Bora, sharing part of its structure and body panels, but was powered by a 3.0 L V6 in ...

, 1972–1982 *

Matra 530 The Matra M530 is a sports car created and built by the French engineering group Matra. Development In 1965 Matra's CEO Jean-Luc Lagardère decided to develop a successor to the Matra Djet that was more appealing to the non-racing public - a ''v ...

, 1967–1973 * Matra Bagheera, 1973–1980 * Matra Murena, 1980–1983 *

Mazda 626 __NOTOC__ Year 626 ( DCXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. The denomination 626 for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar e ...

(dealer optional with Mazda Cosmo HB front-end for Indonesian market), 1987 * Mazda Cosmo/929 HB coupé, 1981–1989 * Mazda Familia Astina, marketed in Europe as the original 323F, 1989–1994 * Mazda MX-5/Miata NA, 1989–1997 *

Mazda RX-7 The Mazda RX-7 is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, rotary engine-powered sports car that was manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 1978 until 2002 across three generations, all of which made use of a compact, lightweight Wankel rotary engine. ...

, 1978–2002 *

Mercury Capri Capri (later Mercury Capri) is a nameplate marketed by the Lincoln-Mercury division of Ford Motor Company on three distinct series of automobiles between 1970 and 1994. From 1970 to 1978, the Capri was a sport compact marketed in North Americ ...

, 1991-1994 *

Mercury Cougar Mercury Cougar is a nameplate applied to a diverse series of automobiles sold by the Mercury (automobile), Mercury division of Ford Motor Company, Ford from 1967 to 1997 and from 1999 to 2002. While the nameplate is most commonly associated wit ...

, 1967–1970 *

1970–1971 *

Mercury Marauder The Mercury Marauder is an automobile nameplate that was used by three distinct full-size cars produced by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company. Deriving its name from the most powerful engines available to the Mercury line, the Marauder was ...

, 1969–1970 *

Mercury Marquis The Mercury Marquis is a model line of automobiles that was marketed by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company from the 1967 to 1986 model years. Deriving its name from a French nobility title, the Marquis was introduced as a rebadged coun ...

, 1969–1978 *

Mercury Montego The Mercury Montego is a nameplate that was applied to three separate generations of vehicles marketed by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company. Taking its name from Montego Bay, Jamaica, the nameplate made its first appearance for 1967 ...

MX, 1970–1971 * Mitsubishi GTO/3000GT, 1991–1993 *

Mitsubishi Eclipse The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sport compact car that was produced by Mitsubishi in four generations from 1989 until 2011. A convertible body style was added during the 1996 model year. The first two generations share the automobile platform and ...

, 1990–1991 *

Mitsubishi Starion The Mitsubishi Starion is a two-door, turbocharged four-cylinder rear-wheel drive four-seat hatchback sports car manufactured and marketed by Mitsubishi from 1982-1989 — with badge engineered variants marketed in North America as the Conqu ...

, 1982–1990 (also Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler Conquest,

captive import Captive import is a marketing term and a strategy for a vehicle that is foreign-built and sold under the name of an importer or by a domestic automaker through its own dealer distribution system. The foreign vehicle may be produced by a subsidia ...

s) * Monica 560, 1973–1974 * Monteverdi Hai 450 1970-1973 *

Nissan 180SX The Nissan 180SX is a fastback automobile that was produced by Nissan Motors between 1988 and 1998. It is based on the S13 chassis from the Nissan S platform with the variants receiving an R designation (ex. PS13 and RPS13), and was sold exclus ...

/ 200SX/ 240SX, 1989–1998 *

Nissan 300ZX The Nissan 300ZX is a sports car that was produced across two different generations. As with all other versions of the Z, the 300ZX was sold within the Japanese domestic market under the name Fairlady Z. It was sold in Japan from 1983 to 2000 a ...

Z31, 1984–1989 * Nissan EXA, 1983–1990 *

Oldsmobile Toronado The Oldsmobile Toronado is a personal luxury car manufactured and marketed by the Oldsmobile division of General Motors from 1966 to 1992 over four generations. The Toronado was noted for its transaxle version of GM's Turbo-Hydramatic transmissio ...

, 1966–1969 and 1986–1992 *

Opel GT The Opel GT is a front-engine, rear-drive two-seat sports car manufactured and marketed by Opel in two generations — separated by a 34-year hiatus. The first generation Opel GT (1968 –1973) debuted as a styling exercise in 1965 at the Pa ...

, 1968–1973 * Pangra, 1972–1973 (based on Ford Pinto) *

Panther Solo The Panther Solo is a mid-engined sports car that was made by the British company Panther Car Company. It was available as a two-seat coupé, with the option of additional rear seats to make it a 2+2. SsangYong Motor Company, which had become ...

, 1989–1990 * Panther 6, 1976-1977 *

Plymouth Fury The Plymouth Fury is a model of automobile that was produced by Plymouth from 1955 until 1989. It was introduced for the 1956 model year as a sub-series of the Plymouth Belvedere, becoming a separate series one level above the contemporary Belve ...

, 1970–1971 (Gran Coupe & Sport Fury, Sport Suburban wagon for 1971) * Plymouth Fury III, 1972 (optional), Gran Coupe & Sport Fury * Plymouth Laser, 1990–1991 *

Plymouth Superbird The Plymouth Superbird is a highly modified, short-lived version of the Plymouth Road Runner with applied graphic images as well as a distinctive horn sound both referencing the popular ''Looney Tunes'' cartoon character the Road Runner. It was ...

, 1970 *

Pontiac Fiero The Pontiac Fiero is a mid-engine sports car manufactured and marketed by Pontiac for model years 1984-1988. Designed by George Milidrag and Hulki Aldikacti as a sports car, it was the first two-seater Pontiac since the 1926 to 1938 coupes, and ...

, 1984–1988 *

Pontiac Firebird The Pontiac Firebird is an American automobile that was built and produced by Pontiac from the 1967 to 2002 model years. Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang, it was introduced on February 23, 1967, five months after GM's ...

(including the Trans Am and Formula), 1982–2002 *

Pontiac Grand Prix The Grand Prix is a line of automobiles produced by the Pontiac Division of General Motors from 1962 until 2002 for coupes and 1989–2008 for sedans. First introduced as a full-size performance coupe for the 1962 model year, the model varie ...

, 1967–1968 *

Pontiac GTO The Pontiac GTO is an automobile that was manufactured by American automaker Pontiac from 1963 to 1974 for the 1964 to 1974 model years, and by GM's subsidiary Holden in Australia for the 2004 to 2006 model years. The first generation of the ...

, 1968–1969 * Pontiac Sunbird SE/GT 1986–1993 * Pontiac Tojan 1985-1991 *

Porsche 911 The Porsche 911 (pronounced ''Nine Eleven'' or in german: Neunelfer) is a two-door 2+2 high performance rear-engined sports car introduced in September 1964 by Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany. It has a rear-mounted flat-six engine and ori ...

Turbo SE 'Slantnose', 1985–1989, 964 Turbo S 'Flatnose', 1994 *

Porsche 914 The Porsche 914 or VW-Porsche 914 is a mid-engined sports car designed, manufactured and marketed collaboratively by Volkswagen and Porsche from 1969 until 1976. It was only available as a targa-topped two-seat roadster powered by either a f ...

, 1969–1976 *

Porsche 924 The Porsche 924 is a sports car produced by Porsche in Neckarsulm, Germany,from 1976 until 1988. A two-door, 2+2 coupé, the 924 replaced the 912E and 914 as the company's entry-level model. Although the 928 was designed first, the 924 was the ...

, 1976–1988 *

, 1978–1995 *

Porsche 944 The Porsche 944 is a sports car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Porsche from 1982 until 1991. A front-engine, rear-wheel drive mid-level model based on the 924 platform, the 944 was available in coupé or cabriolet body styles, ...

, 1982–1991 * Porsche 968, 1991–1994 * Quantum Sports Cars 2+2, 1993 * Reliant Scimitar SS1/SST/Sabre, 1984–1995 * Saab Sonett III, 1970–1974 * Saturn SC2, 1991–1996 *

Subaru XT The Subaru XT was a four-passenger, 2-door coupé manufactured and marketed by Subaru for model years 1985-1991, with a facelift in 1987. Assembly took place at Subaru's Yajima Plant in Ota, Japan and during its single generation, production re ...

, 1985–1991 * Siata 208 CS, 1952-1954 (also known as 200 CS) * Siva S160 Spyder, 1971-1973 * Spectre R42, 1995-1998 * Škoda 1100 GT, 1970 *

Škoda 110 Super Sport Škoda means ''pity'' in the Czech and Slovak languages. It may also refer to: Czech brands and enterprises * Škoda Auto, automobile and previously bicycle manufacturer in Mladá Boleslav ** Škoda Motorsport, the division of Škoda Auto res ...

, 1971 * Tatra MTX V8, 1991 *

Toyota 2000GT The Toyota 2000GT is a limited-production front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, two-door, two-seat sports car/grand tourer designed by Toyota in collaboration with Yamaha. First displayed to the public at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1965, the 2000GT w ...

, 1967–1970 *

Toyota Celica The is an automobile produced by Toyota from 1970 until 2006. The Celica name derives from the Latin word '' coelica'' meaning 'heavenly' or 'celestial'. In Japan, the Celica was exclusive to the '' Toyota Corolla Store'' dealer chain. Produ ...

, 1984–1993 *

Toyota MR2 The Toyota MR2 is a line of two-seat, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports cars manufactured in Japan and marketed globally by Toyota from 1984 until 2007 over three generations: W10 (1984–1989), W20 (1989–1999) and W30 (2000–2007). It is ...

, 1984–1999 * Toyota Sprinter Trueno/Corolla coupé, 1983–1991 *

Toyota Supra is a sports car and grand tourer manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation beginning in 1978. The name " supra" is derived from the Latin prefix, meaning "above", "to surpass" or "go beyond". The initial four generations of the Supra were p ...

, 1982–1992 * Toyota Tercel/Corolla II/Corsa SR/SV/SX/GP Turbo, 1986–1990 *

Triumph TR7 The Triumph TR7 is a sports car manufactured in the United Kingdom from September 1974 to October 1981 by British Leyland Motor Corporation (BLMC), which changed its name to British Leyland (BL) in 1975. The car was launched in the United State ...

/ TR8, 1975–1982 * TVR 350i, 350SX, 1983–1989 * TVR 350SE, 1990–1991 * TVR 390SE, 420SE, 1984–1989 * TVR 400SE, 400SX, 430SE, 450SE, 1988–1991 *

TVR 420 SEAC The TVR 420 SEAC is a sports car designed and built by TVR between 1986 and 1988. and is the top of the TVR Tasmin "wedge" family. The SEAC models can be distinguished by the large rear spoiler and the rounder nose. The 420 SEAC was developed ...

, 1986–1988 *

TVR 450 SEAC The TVR 450 SEAC is a sports car designed and built by TVR in a one-year only run. It used the same body style as the 420 SEAC but was fibreglass compared with the Aramid Composite (Glassfibre and Kevlar) body of the 420 and the same chassis ...

, 1988–1989 * TVR Tasmin, 280i, Tasmin 200, 1980–1988 * Venturi 400 GT 1994–1997 * Venturi Atlantique, 1987–1999 * Venturi Coupé series/Transcup, 1987–1996 *

Volvo 480 The Volvo 480 is a sporty compact car that was produced in Born, Netherlands, by Volvo from 1986 to 1995. It was the first front-wheel drive car made by Volvo and the only Volvo featuring pop-up headlights. The 480 was available in only one body ...

, 1986–1995 *

Vector M12 The Vector M12 is a sports car manufactured by Vector Aeromotive under parent company Megatech, and was the first car produced after the hostile takeover of the company from Jerry Wiegert by the Indonesian company Megatech. The model was pr ...

, 1995–1999 * Vector W8, 1989–1993 * Yulon Arex, 1993–1995 * Zimmer Quicksilver, 1986–1990

Concept cars

Alfa Romeo Caimano The Alfa Romeo Caimano is a concept car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign and presented at the Turin Motor Show The Turin Motor Show ( it, Salone dell'Automobile di Torino) was an auto show held annually in Turin, Italy. The first of ...

, 1971 * Alfa Romeo Carabo, 1968 * Alfa Romeo Delfino, 1983 *

Alfa Romeo Iguana The Alfa Romeo Iguana is a concept car produced by Alfa Romeo in 1969. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign. Background The car was previewed at the Sport Car Show in Monza and presented officially at the Turin Auto Show in 1969. ...

, 1969 * AMC AMX/3, 1970 * Aston Martin Bulldog, 1980 * Autozam AZ-550 Type A, 1989 * Avion 1984 * BMW 830i/850i Cabrio/M8 (E31) *

BMW GINA The GINA Light Visionary Model is a fabric-skinned shape-shifting sports car concept built by BMW. GINA stands for "Geometry and functions In 'N' Adaptions".

, 2008 * Buick Y-Job, 1938 * Chevrolet Aerovette, 1969-1976 * Chevrolet CERVIII, 1990 *

Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT The Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT (XP-777) was a mid-engined experimental prototype automobile built in 1962 and based on the early model Chevrolet Corvair series. As it was essentially a concept car, the Monza GT did not enter production. Design ...

, 1962 *

Chevrolet Mako Shark Mako Shark I (XP-755) History The XP-755 concept car, also known as the Mako Shark, was designed by Larry Shinoda under the direction of General Motors Styling and Design head Bill Mitchell. With the 1963 Corvette C2 design locked down, in 19 ...

, 1962 * Covini B24 * Dome Zero, 1976–1986 *

Ferrari 408 4RM The Ferrari 408 4RM is a prototype car built by Ferrari in 1987. It was the first Ferrari to feature 4-wheel drive. History The 408 4RM featured a hydraulic four-wheel-drive system developed by Ferrari, and was the first Ferrari to feature 4 ...

, 1987-1988 *Ferrari Rainbow, 1976 *Ford Cobra 230 M.E., 1986 *Ford Probe I, 1979 * Ford Maya, 1984 *

, 1951 * General Motors XP-819 * Ginetta G25, 1983 * Holden Hurricane, 1969 *Jaguar XJ Spider Pininfarina, 1978 *Karmann Cheetah, 1971 *

Lamborghini Athon The Lamborghini Athon is a concept car designed by Bertone for Lamborghini. Performance capabilities and features The Lamborghini Athon is capable of being driven and is a fully functional production concept car. Under the hood of the Lamborgh ...

, 1980 *

Lamborghini Bravo The Lamborghini Bravo is a concept car designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone for Lamborghini. It was first presented in 1974 at the Turin Auto Show. The Bravo was designed to showcase ideas for a replacement to the Urraco. The completely w ...

, 1974 * Lamborghini Marco Polo, 1982 *

Lamborghini P140 The Lamborghini P140 is a code name given to a series of prototype cars built by Lamborghini starting in 1987. It was intended as a replacement for the outgoing Jalpa but never went into production, despite being close to production ready due t ...

, 1987 * Lancia Medusa, 1980 *Lancia Mizar, 1974 * Lancia Sibilo, 1978 *Lincoln Quicksilver Ghia concept, 1983 * Lotus Etna, 1984 * Lotus M90, 1984 * Mako Shark * Maserati Boomerang, 1972 * MVS Ventury, 1984–1986 * Mazda Miata M Coupe/Roadster, 1997 *

Mazda MX-5 (NA) The Mazda MX-5 (NA) (sold in Japan as the and in North America as the Mazda MX-5 Miata) is the first generation of the Mazda MX-5 manufactured from 1989 to 1997. Inspired by the post-war era British sports cars, the MX-5 rejuvenated intere ...

Electric car, 1993 * Mazda P729, 1986 * Mazda V705, 1985 *Mazda MX-81 Aria, 1981 *

Concept Model (FD), 1993 *

Mercedes-Benz C111 The Mercedes-Benz C111 was a series of experimental automobiles produced by Mercedes-Benz in the 1960s and 1970s. The company was experimenting with new engine technologies, including Wankel engines, diesel engines, and turbochargers, and u ...

, 1969–1970 *MG Boxer, 1978 * MG EX-E, 1985 * Nissan 126X, 1970 *

Nissan MID4 The MID4 was an experimental sports car produced by Nissan. History First unveiled at the 1985 International Motor Show Germany, the MID4 was a concept car designed by Nissan to originally go on sale in the mid-late 1980s. Nissan had aimed the MI ...

, 1985–1987 * Toyota FXV, 1985 * Toyota SA-X, 1981 * Toyota SV-2, 1981 * Toyota SV-3, 1983 *Tracer TXC, 1985 * Vauxhall XVR, 1966 * Vector WX-3, 1993 * Volvo Tundra, 1979 *Zender Vision 1S, 1983 *Zender Vision 2, 1985 *Zender Vision 3, 1987 *Zender Vision 3C, 1986 *Dacia MD87, 1988 *

Dacia MD87 Evo Dacia (, ; ) was the land inhabited by the Dacians, its core in Transylvania, stretching to the Danube in the south, the Black Sea in the east, and the Tisza in the west. The Carpathian Mountains were located in the middle of Dacia. It thus r ...

, 1990

Race cars

* Rover-BRM

Other vehicles with hidden headlamps

;

Motorcycle A motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or trike (if three-wheeled)) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting, cruisin ...

s *

Honda is a Japanese public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, reaching a producti ...

Spacy 125 Striker, 1983–1986 *

Suzuki is a Japan, Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Minami-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan. Suzuki manufactures automobiles, motorcycles, All-terrain vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), outboard motor, outboard marine engines, wheelchairs ...

GSX750S (

Katana A is a Japanese sword characterized by a curved, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands. Developed later than the ''tachi'', it was used by samurai in feudal Japan and worn with the edge fa ...

), 1984–1985 ;

Train In rail transport, a train (from Old French , from Latin , "to pull, to draw") is a series of connected vehicles that run along a railway track and transport people or freight. Trains are typically pulled or pushed by locomotives (often k ...

s *

Keisei Electric Railway The (stylized as K'SEI since 2001) is a major private railway in Chiba Prefecture and Tokyo, Japan. The name ''Keisei'' is the combination of the kanji 京 from and 成 from , which the railway's main line connects. The combination uses diffe ...

AE100 ( Skyliner), 1990–2016

Gallery

File:Cord Front Drive Model 812 (1937).jpg, 1937 Cord 812 File:Buick Y.jpg, 1938 Buick Y-Job File:1942 DeSoto Custom (4148147080).jpg, 1942 DeSoto convertible File:1967 Green Ford Thunderbird Fordor.jpg, 1967

File:'68 Chevrolet (Auto classique A&W Châteauguay '12).JPG, 1968

sedan File:Dodge Charger RT 1968.Front.jpg, 1968

RT File:Skoda1100gt.jpg, 1970 Škoda 1100 GT File:Opel GT 2012-09-01 14-23-06.JPG, 1972

File:Sonett-popups.jpg, 1973 SAAB Sonett III File:BMWM-M1.jpg, 1978

File:1986 Toyota MR2 1.6 Twin Cam 16V.jpg, 1986

File:Mazda 323 F BG GT 1989.jpg, 1989 Mazda 323F File:1990 Plymouth Laser RS Turbo headlights.jpg, 1990 Plymouth Laser File:Tatra MTX front.JPG, 1991 Tatra MTX V8 File:Volvo480 TwoTone.JPG, 1992

File:Chevrolet Corvette C5 5.7 '04 (14275476700).jpg, 2004

References

External links

* {{Artificial light sources Auto parts Automotive lamps Automotive styling features

History

Discontinuation

List of cars with hidden headlamps

Production cars

Concept cars

Race cars

Other vehicles with hidden headlamps

Gallery

See also

References

External links