[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/rise-fall-popup-headlights\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/rise-fall-popup-headlights\/","headline":"The Rise and Fall of Popup Headlights","name":"The Rise and Fall of Popup Headlights","description":"Gone are the days of pop-up headlights, a feature missed by many, but why exactly did they die out? There were so many amazing cars fitted with them and we\u2019ll gather a few of the best together here whilst exploring the history of the hidden headlight Corvette Stingray Coupe (1963-67) From the rare Cord 810 of 1936 right through to the Chevrolette Corvette C5 in 2004, pop-up headlights have appeared on all kinds of cars. They gave drivers the option […]","datePublished":"2016-11-04","dateModified":"2017-01-26","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/feature-6.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/feature-6.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/rise-fall-popup-headlights\/","about":["BLOG"],"wordCount":353,"keywords":["BMW M1","Corvette Stingray Coupe","Dodge Charger Daytona","Jaguar XJ220","lotus esprit","Popup headlights","Saab Sonnet III"],"articleBody":"Gone are the days of pop-up headlights, a feature missed by many, but why exactly did they die out? There were so many amazing cars fitted with them and we\u2019ll gather a few of the best together here whilst exploring the history of the hidden headlightCorvette Stingray Coupe (1963-67)From the rare Cord 810 of 1936 right through to the Chevrolette Corvette C5 in 2004, pop-up headlights have appeared on all kinds of cars. They gave drivers the option of closing their car\u2019s eye-like lights during the day when they weren\u2019t needed, before flipping them open to light the way at night.Dodge Charger Daytona (1969-70)The aerodynamic, fuel-saving advantages were questionable but you can\u2019t deny that by hiding headlights away, a car immediately has a sleeker, smoother profile and this made them very popular especially during the 80\u2019s.BMW M1 (1978-81)Manufacturers used pop-up headlights to get around the 1970\u2019s height requirement to suit low-slung sports cars, however regulations soon came into effect that prioritised the safety of pedestrians in the event of a crash. The costs involved in following the rules whilst still manufacturing cars with hidden headlights become too steep so they were soon phased out, much to the dismay of car lovers around the world.Jaguar XJ220 (1992-94)Of course, nothing is ever perfect and there were inevitably a few problems that developed with the motors and electric components. You may have heard about the famous \u2018winking car\u2019 issue where one light would remain closed; in some cases, both would stick open or even freeze shut in cold weather.Saab Sonnet IIIBy the 1990\u2019s sports cars had claimed the majority of pop-up lights until they all but disappeared in the early noughties with the Lotus Esprit V8.Lotus Esprit V8 (2002-04)Sadly, it seems there is unlikely to ever be a reappearance of this feature so we have to look to the classics to appreciate their unique styling. To some they may seem gimmicky, to others they are the perfect addition, either way their invention has lead to some pretty impressive looking cars over the decades."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"The Rise and Fall of Popup Headlights","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/rise-fall-popup-headlights\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]