By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
Few classic car features stand out like pop-up headlights.
Unfortunately, cars with these ‘hidden’ headlights all but vanished in the 2000s, in part due to changing tastes but also in response to tougher safety regulations affecting manufacturers.
A further draw back was that these headlights were also prone to breakdown, and sometimes, costly repairs.
It’s a shame because many enthusiasts, myself included, rather liked these concealed lights. Flipped up they looked fun too!
The first car to feature pop-up headlights came in 1936 with the launch of the US-made Cord 810, a striking V8-powered luxury car. The design feature would replace the bulky round headlights of the time.
Fast forward 30 years and they made a bold entrance into the British car market.
Here is my pick of the best affordable examples still out there.
Lotus Elan
The timeless Elan came out in 1962, initially powered by a 1.5 litre engine fitted under a lightweight body shell. Look out for the SE and Sprint models and the later M100. This little roadster would heavily influence a later Japanese best-seller.
Mazda MX-5
The first generation MX-5 (1989-97) with its pop-ups was a winning feature of this classic sports car. Mazda sold over 430,000 Mk1s and today these early models are highly collectible.
Fiat X1-9
The retractable headlights on this compact Italian roadster, designed by Bertone, complemented its wedge-shaped profile. The X1-9s popularity was reflected in its longevity with production running for 17 years.
Ford Probe
The nineties gave us the underrated second generation Ford Probe, distinguished by its pop-up headlights. Based on a Mazda-inspired platform and using other bits from its Japanese partner, the car never really won over buyers. In three years, only 15,000 left UK showrooms.
Toyota MR2
The first and second generation MR2 was inspired by the European styling of the time and proved a big success. Debuting in 1984, this punchy two-seater can be picked up for less than £10,000.
Pop-up lights also became a staple on a host of super cars from the Aston Martin Lagonda to a Corvette and a string of Porsche models, but for classic buyers with more modest budgets there is still plenty of choice.
Why not share your pop-up favourite by leaving a comment to this story?
I owned an Opel GT in yellow in 1972-1976. Swopped it for a Scimitar GT because we became proud owners of our first Labrador puppy and he grew too big for the confines of the interior.