Cars with pop-up headlights

Pop-up headlights, also known as hidden headlights, are a distinctive design feature found on some of the most popular classic cars in history. Cars with pop-up headlights were introduced in the mid-1930s, with the first car being the 1936 Cord 810. However, it wasn’t until between the 1960s and 1990s that hidden headlights gained popularity in the automotive industry.

Seeing as these vehicles featured retractable headlights, the design element enabled cars to remain aerodynamic while making an iconic aesthetic statement, which is something car enthusiasts today still appreciate. Although cars with pop-up headlights were soon phased out of production, vehicles can still be found on the used market for sale.

The evolution of pop-up lights

The rise of pop-up headlights is often attributed to an increase in technological advancements during the mid-1900s. As we mentioned, the first vehicle featuring a pop-up headlight was in November of 1936 with the Cord 810.

In these original cars, the headlamps had to be manually operated. For instance, in the Cord 810, the driver had to turn a pair of cranks on either side of the dashboard to bring out and then conceal the headlamps.

This original design was then further refined and massively implemented in the 1960s as automakers began to experiment with various mechanical systems and designs to hide the headlights when they weren’t in use. It wasn’t until 1938 that powered pop-up headlights first appeared in a car, it was GM’s Buick Y-Job.

Leading American car manufacturers like Ford and Chevrolet began introducing hidden headlights on the popular Chevrolet Corvette and the Ford Probe and Thunderbird. Car makers in Japan and Europe soon adopted this trend. By the 1970s and 1980s, pop-up headlights became a sleek styling characteristic in many cars, including Lamborghini models, Porsche, and other sports cars. Sadly, as time went on, their popularity waned, and by the 2000s, pop-up headlamps had fallen out of vogue.

Safety and regulatory changes

Although hidden headlamps on vehicles were loved by enthusiasts across the globe, road safety standards and changes in vehicle priorities made it more difficult for manufacturers to create cars with pop-up headlights without changing other vital aspects of the car.

Another primary reason why vehicles that feature pop-up headlights began to decline was due to more robust pedestrian safety regulations. For example, in 2004, the United States implemented Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108.

This standard ultimately imposed strict guidelines that were intended to protect pedestrians from suffering severe injuries should a collision occur. Due to the hidden headlamps protruding from the vehicle, it was a safety risk that did not comply with this subsequent legislation.

Aerodynamics and fuel efficiency ratings were also factors that contributed to the elimination of cars with pop-up headlights from the automotive market. Certain studies indicated that when flip-up lights were engaged, they increased the drag coefficient by 10-20%, which directly impacted a sports car’s performance levels and, ultimately, its efficiency ratings. And, as global initiatives to champion environmental standards became the norm, pop-up headlights became impractical.

Lastly, due to their unique design, cars that feature pop-up headlights experience maintenance challenges, with 20 to 30% failure rates due to wear and tear. At the same time, repairing pop-up lights completely can cost classic car enthusiasts up to $1000.

Are pop-up headlights illegal in Canada?

Some people assume that pop-up headlights are illegal in Canada, which is why you no longer see them on the road anymore. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

In reality, pop-up headlamps are perfectly legal, whether you are driving a classic car or want to modify a newer model. Note, however, that if you do decide to modify your vehicle to add pop-up headlights, you will have to buy modified car insurance, which can be more expensive due to higher repair costs.

Most iconic sports cars and other cars with pop-up lights

Looking back on the history of pop-up headlights, it’s safe to say that this design trend was featured on some of the most iconic vehicles in the automotive industry. Here’s a closer look at some of the models you may recognize:

1970s

Here is a comprehensive list of vehicles from the 1970s with pop-up headlights:

Lamborghini Countach (1974-1990)

We all know Lamborghini. But have you ever heard of the Lamborghini Countach? With only 1,983 units sold, this vehicle model is a rarity of its kind, even today. Featuring sharp edges, a wide front bumper, and, of course, pop-up lights, these exotic, two-door coupe sports cars are not like the rest. You may be able to find one on the used market today. But like all classic sports cars, you can expect to pay a hefty price tag for it.

Porsche 924 (1976-1988)

Make way for the Porsche 924. Back in the day, the 924 was actually an entry-level model for the brand and was considered a relatively cheap car compared to all the cars available at the time. Again, it featured a modern, sleek design and pop-up headlights, making it a fun car to drive at an affordable price.

1980s

Below is a list of vehicles from the 1980s that featured pop-up headlights:

Ferrari F40 (1987-1992)

Similar to the Lamborghini Countach, only a small number of the Ferrari F40S were manufactured during this time, 1,315 units. Fun fact: This was the last-generation car approved by Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the car brand. Nonetheless, the Ferrari F40 remains an iconic supercar today.

Mazda RX-7 FB & FC (1978-1992)

These two Mazda RX-7 models were a type of rotary-powered sports car known for their speed. These sold over 500,000 during this time and featured a turbocharged engine and pop-up headlights.

1990s

The following is a list of 1990s vehicles equipped with pop-up headlights:

Toyota Supra MK3 (1986-1992)

With over 241,471 units produced, the Supra MK3 blended turbocharged power with a famous 80s style, featuring collapsible headlights on its front hood. While the model was out of production for years, Toyota recently began producing modern Supras for car enthusiasts today, unfortunately, without pop-up lights.

Mazda MX-5 (1989-1997)

The first-generation Mazda Miata, also known as the Mazda MX-5, is a classic car that features retractable headlamps. The car was originally introduced in 1989 and remained in production until 1997, when it was phased out.

Unfortunately, all second-generation models of the Mazda Miata do not feature pop-up headlamps, as sufficient laws had changed by that point to make pop-up headlamps no longer cost-effective. Still, over 431,506 units were sold in the U.S. alone, making it a popular roadster among car enthusiasts.

Nissan 300ZX

The Nissan 300ZX is one of only a few Nissan models that have retractable headlights. Of the few models that do, the first-generation Nissan 300ZX is by far the most popular.

It was sold between 1984 and 1996, and its pop-up headlights were particularly unique in that when they were closed, the lamps were not completely concealed like most automotive lights of this kind. This allowed them to sit lower in the front of the car.

1990s-2000s

Here’s a list of every vehicle with pop-up lights from the 1990s-2000s:

C5 Generation Corvette (1997-2004)

The C5 Generation Corvette, produced between 1997 and 2004, is a popular choice among classic car enthusiasts looking for a vehicle that has pop-up headlights. This was the last Corvette model to feature pop-up headlights, though it was far from the first.

Both the second-generation C2 Corvette and the third-generation C3 Corvette also feature retractable lights. That said, the C5 Generation Corvette is light years ahead of the C2 and C3 in terms of performance.

Honda NSX (1990-2005/2016-2022)

Finally, the Honda NSX is another vintage car with pop-up headlights worth knowing about. Although Honda has several models that feature hidden headlamps, one of the best, most popular options is the NSX.

It shares several similarities with the Ferrari F40, as it’s also a supercar. That said, the NSX was much less expensive to produce and even made a reappearance from 2016 to 2022 after being out of production since 2005.

Pop-up headlights in modern culture

There’s no debating that pop-up headlights continue to hold a special place in modern pop culture. From features in video games like Grand Theft Auto to movies like Back to the Future, although only a handful of classic vehicles feature pop-up lights, you’ll likely find them on-screen and trending online.

For example, Google Trends has seen a 35% increase in searches related to pop-up headlights in the last five years, while hashtags like #PopUpHeadlights and #HiddenHeadlights have gained millions of views on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. And get this: although vehicles with pop-up headlights have depreciated over time, those featuring this design are still sought after in the used market and auctions, with some models like the Mazda RX-7 and Toyota MR2 appreciating between 15-40% over time. Thinking of buying a used classic? Check out our guide on things to check when buying a used vehicle!

Are pop-up headlights making a comeback?

Given the direction of modern vehicles, safety regulations, and other factors, such as the introduction of LED systems, it’s unlikely that automakers will revive pop-up lights.

However, if you’re building a vehicle from scratch or have the financial means to work with a custom car builder, it is possible to add these cool lights to your car, as long as they meet safety and other traffic regulations in your area.

Classic car maintenance tips

If you’ve purchased a classic car, ensuring that it is properly maintained is essential to preserving its integrity over time. Here are some quick maintenance tips and tricks to keep in mind throughout the year:

Lubricate moving parts

Frequently lubricate moving engine components and other mechanical parts in your vehicle to ensure damage does not occur over time.

Motor inspections

As your vehicle engine is older, routine inspections and oil replacements are essential to keeping your classic car in good condition.

Proper storage

To prevent rusting and other damage, store your classic in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.

Insurance for cars with pop-up headlights

If you’re thinking about buying a classic car in the future, ensuring you have a valid car insurance plan in place is a must. Depending on which province in Canada you live in, when you insure your classic car, you’ll need to double-check the insurance regulations in your province, as the mandatory coverages and coverage limits will vary. We will discuss each in detail below:

Mandatory car insurance

Potential mandatory coverage includes:

• Third-party liability insurance
• Uninsured motorist insurance
• Direct compensation-property damage (DCPD)
• Accident benefits

Optional car insurance policies

Optional car insurance you can choose to further protect your car includes:

• Comprehensive car coverage
• Collision car coverage
• Accident forgiveness

Types of cars that are likely to be covered by classic car insurance

Here’s a look at the vehicle types that classic car insurance is most likely to cover:

Collector and classic cars manufactured in 1979 or before

Here is a list of collector and classic cars built in 1979 or earlier that are eligible for classic car insurance:

• Antiques – cars built between 1896 and 1948
• Classics – built between 1924 and 1948, featuring custom coachwork
• Post-War – popular cars manufactured in the years following World War II
• Muscle Cars – American-made, V-8 engine cars made between 1968 and 1972
• Collector trucks and SUVs that are 25 years or older (stock), or 15 years or older (modified)
• Military vehicles – retired, demilitarized vehicles from 1985 and older
• Classic and antique tractors – restored vintage models 30 years of age and older
• Car trailers for vehicles and street rods
• Retired commercial vehicles that are 25 years or older
• Classic vehicles under construction for active restoration projects

Types of cars that may not be covered by classic car insurance

This is a list of vehicles that won't qualify for classic car coverage:

• Commercial-use vehicles
• Motorcycles or scooters
• Vehicles used for off-roading, camping, or utility purposes
• Vehicles with 700 horsepower or greater (no matter whether they’ve been manufactured or modified)
• Dune buggies
• Motorhomes or recreational homes
• Vehicles used for racing or autocross events
• Vehicles that are highly customized for appearance and suspension

Contact BrokerLink for affordable auto coverage today

At BrokerLink, we help Canadians find affordable auto insurance, regardless of what type of car they drive. Whether you’re looking to insure a classic car with classic car insurance or sports car insurance, our brokers are ready and willing to work with you. With access to numerous policies from some of Canada’s top providers, our brokers can shop around on your behalf, compare coverage options, and help you qualify for discounts.

To work with us, contact BrokerLink over the phone to speak with a broker directly. You can also get free car insurance quotes using our online quote tool at any time!