Pop-Up Headlights History: Iconic Car Design from 1936 to the 90s

The First Pop-Up Headlights: Cord 810 and Alfa Romeo 8C

Pop-up headlights were a defining feature of sports and supercars in the late 1970s, '80s, and '90s, but this iconic design actually dates back to 1936. The first production car to feature hidden headlamps was the Cord 810, later rebranded as the 812.

Around the same time, Alfa Romeo unveiled the 8C 2900A, featuring its own hidden headlight design, displayed at the Musée National de l’Automobile in Mulhouse, France.

Cars That Made Pop-Up Headlights Iconic

From the '70s through the '90s, pop-up headlights became a symbol of performance and futuristic design. The list of cars with pop-up headlights is surprisingly long and includes everything from lightweight roadsters to exotic supercars.

Some of the most iconic examples include:

• Mazda MX-5 (Mk1) – A lightweight roadster where the pop-up lights became a defining design feature.

• Porsche 944 – A sleek, everyday sports car with unmistakable pop-up flair.

• Honda NSX – A Japanese supercar that blended performance and design innovation.

• Ferrari Testarossa – A bold and brash icon of the ‘80s.

• Lamborghini Countach – The ultimate poster car, made even more dramatic by its hidden headlights.

• BMW 8 Series (E31) – One of the last mainstream vehicles to feature the design in the early ‘90s.

👉 Want to see a full list of cars with pop-up or hidden headlights? Click here — you might be surprised!

Why Did Pop-Up Headlights Disappear?

While many assume pop-up headlights were banned, that’s not entirely accurate. The decline was mainly due to evolving European safety regulations, particularly pedestrian safety laws introduced in the late ‘90s and 2000s.

Pop-up headlights often had low, sharp edges that didn’t comply with new front-end impact absorption standards. As automakers prioritized aerodynamics, crash safety, and cost-efficiency, pop-up designs simply became impractical.

Are Pop-Up Headlights Illegal Today?

No, pop-up headlights are not technically illegal. However, meeting modern design and safety regulations while incorporating them is challenging, especially for mass-market manufacturers. That's why even concept cars rarely feature them now.

Could Pop-Up Headlights Make a Comeback?

It’s hard to imagine a modern supercar with pop-up headlights today, but the emotional connection to the design remains strong. Many enthusiasts still associate them with an era of innovation, creativity, and rebellious design.

Whether we’ll see them return remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: pop-up headlights remain one of the most beloved and recognizable car features of all time.

Until then, we’ll hold onto the classics and keep hoping for a comeback.

Conclusion: Pop Up Headlights Were More Than Just a Design Gimmick

Pop-up headlights weren’t just about looks, they represented an era of bold automotive design and creative engineering. From the 1936 Cord to the Ferrari Testarossa, this feature has left a lasting legacy on car culture.