Hidden headlamp

Hidden headlamps, also commonly known as pop-up headlamps, pop-up headlights, flip-eye headlamps, or hideaway headlights, are a form of automotive lighting and an automotive styling feature that conceals an automobile's headlamps 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 or Porsche 928, may retract into the hood and/or fenders as on the 1963–2004 Chevrolet Corvette, or may be concealed behind retractable or rotating grille panels as on the 1966-1970 Dodge Charger, 1970-1971 Mercury Cyclone, or the 1965 Buick Riviera.
History[edit]
Hidden headlamps first appeared on the Cord 810 in November 1935 at the New York Auto Show[1] and shortly after on a custom example of the Alfa Romeo 8C in 1936.[2] 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.[3] Powered hidden headlamps first appeared on GM's concept car in 1938, the Buick Y-Job,[4] and appeared on concept cars for several years after, including the 1951 General Motors Le Sabre.[5] However, power hidden headlamps would not appear on a production vehicle until 1962 with the Lotus Elan.[6] 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 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.[7] This prevented them from needing to raise the body height of the car, which would have affected handling.
Discontinuation[edit]
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 and Chevrolet Corvette (C5) ended production.[8][9] Development of both projector beam headlamps such as those on the 1990 Nissan 300ZX (Z32), and more efficient, bright LED headlamps 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.[10]
[edit]
Production cars[edit]
- AC 3000ME, 1979–1984
- Ares Design Project1, 2018 (redesign of the Lamborghini Huracán, 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
- Alfa Romeo 8C2900A Pininfarina Berlinetta, 1936
- Alfa Romeo Montreal, 1970–1977
- Alpine A610, 1991–1995
- Alpine GTA, 1987 (U.S. spec)
- Aston Martin Lagonda, 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, 1978–1981
- Buick Reatta, 1988–1991
- Buick Riviera, 1965–1969
- Buick SkyHawk, 1986–1989
- Burlington Centurion 1981-1982
- Cadillac Eldorado, 1967–1968
- Chevrolet Camaro, 1967–1969 (optional - usually with the Rally Sport model or the RS/SS package)
- Chevrolet Caprice, 1968–1969 (optional and very rare)
- Chevrolet Corvette, 1963–2004
- Chevrolet Kingswood Estate, 1969 (optional and very rare)
- Chrysler 300, 1968–1971
- Chrysler Imperial, 1969–1993
- Chrysler LeBaron, 1987–1992 (coupe & convertible only)
- Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue, 1990–1993
- Chrysler New Yorker, 1976–1981 and 1988–1993
- Cizeta-Moroder V16T, 1991–2003
- Clan Clover 1984-1988
- Continental Mark series, 1968–1983
- Cord 810/812, 1936–1937
- Covini B24, 1981
- DARE DZ, 1998-1999[11]
- DeSoto, 1942[12]
- De Tomaso Mangusta, 1970–1971 (US-spec)
- De Tomaso Pantera, 1971–1974
- De Tomaso Guarà, 1993–2004
- Dodge Charger, 1966–1970, (optional in 1971 & 1972)
- Dodge Charger Daytona, 1969–1970
- Dodge Daytona, 1987–1991
- Dodge Magnum, 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, 1975–1984
- Ferrari 328, 1985–1989
- Ferrari 348, 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, 1973–1984
- Ferrari F355, 1994–1999
- Ferrari F40, 1987–1992
- Ferrari Mondial, 1980–1995
- Ferrari Testarossa, 512TR, 1984–1994
- Fiat 125 Samantha, 1967 (a two-door coupé version of Fiat 125 built by Vignale and designed by Virginio Vairo)
- Fiat/Bertone X1/9, 1972–1989
- Ford/Mercury Capri, 1989–1994
- Ford Galaxie 500 XL, 1968–1970
- Ford LTD (Americas), 1968–1970; Landau, 1975–1978 (including Ford Country Squire wagon)
- Ford LTD (Australia), 1973–1976
- Ford Landau, 1973–1976
- Ford Probe, 1989–1997
- Ford Ranchero GT, 1970–1971
- Ford Thunderbird, 1967–1969, 1977–1982
- Ford Torino 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, 1989–1992
- Ginetta G33, 1991
- Grinnal TR8, 1990
- Hawk HF3000, 1988
- Hofstetter Turbo, 1986-1991
- Honda Accord, 1986–1989
- Honda Ballade, 1984–1987
- Honda/Acura Integra/Rover 416, 1986–1989
- Honda/Acura NSX, 1990–2001
- Honda Prelude, 1983–1991
- Honda Vigor, 1986–1989
- Imperial, 1969–1975 and 1981–1983
- “Irish” Clan 1982
- Isdera Imperator 108i, 1991–1993 (facelift model)
- Iso Lele, 1969–1974
- Iso Grifo, 1965–1974
- Isuzu Piazza, 1981–1987 (also Isuzu Impulse, Holden Piazza)
- Jaguar XJ220, 1992–1994
- Lamborghini Countach, 1974–1990
- Lamborghini Diablo, 1990–1998
- Lamborghini Islero, 1968–1969
- Lamborghini Jalpa, 1981–1988
- Lamborghini Jarama, 1970–1976
- Lamborghini Urraco, 1973–1979
- Lamborghini Miura, 1966–1973
- Lamborghini Silhouette, 1976–1979
- Lancia Montecarlo, 1975–1979 (for Scorpion, North American version)
- Lancia Stratos, 1972–1973
- Ledl AS , 1981-1987
- Lincoln Continental, 1970–1979
- Lister Storm, 1993–1999
- Lombardi Grand Prix, 1968–1972
- Lotus Eclat, 1974–1982
- Lotus Elan, 1962–1973, 1967–1975 (+2 model), 1989-1995 (M100)(Also sold as Kia Elan)
- Lotus Elite, 1974–1982
- Lotus Esprit, 1976–2004
- Lotus Excel, 1982–1992
- Manta Mirage, 1974–1986
- Maserati Bora, 1971–1980
- Maserati Ghibli, 1966–1973
- Maserati Indy, 1969–1974
- Maserati Khamsin, 1974–1982
- Maserati Merak, 1972–1982
- Matra 530, 1967–1973
- Matra Bagheera, 1973–1980
- Matra Murena, 1980–1983
- Mazda 626 (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, 1978–2002
- Mercury Capri, 1991-1994
- Mercury Cougar, 1967–1970
- Mercury Cyclone 1970–1971
- Mercury Marauder, 1969–1970
- Mercury Marquis, 1969–1978
- Mercury Montego MX, 1970–1971
- Mitsubishi GTO/3000GT, 1991–1993
- Mitsubishi Eclipse, 1990–1991
- Mitsubishi Starion, 1982–1990 (also Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler Conquest, captive imports)
- Monica 560, 1973–1974
- Monteverdi Hai 450 1970-1973
- Nissan 180SX/200SX/240SX, 1989–1998
- Nissan 300ZX Z31, 1984–1989
- Nissan EXA, 1983–1990
- Oldsmobile Toronado, 1966–1969 and 1986–1992
- Opel GT, 1968–1973
- Pangra, 1972–1973 (based on Ford Pinto)
- Panther Solo, 1989–1990
- Panther 6, 1976-1977
- Plymouth Fury, 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, 1970
- Pontiac Fiero, 1984–1988
- Pontiac Firebird (including the Trans Am and Formula), 1982–2002
- Pontiac Grand Prix, 1967–1968
- Pontiac GTO, 1968–1969
- Pontiac Sunbird SE/GT 1986–1993
- Pontiac Tojan 1985-1991
- Porsche 911 Turbo SE 'Slantnose', 1985–1989, 964 Turbo S 'Flatnose', 1994
- Porsche 914, 1969–1976
- Porsche 924, 1976–1988
- Porsche 928, 1978–1995
- Porsche 944, 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, 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, 1971
- Tatra MTX V8, 1991
- Toyota 2000GT, 1967–1970
- Toyota Celica, 1984–1993
- Toyota MR2, 1984–1999
- Toyota Sprinter Trueno/Corolla coupé, 1983–1991
- Toyota Supra, 1982–1992
- Toyota Tercel/Corolla II/Corsa SR/SV/SX/GP Turbo, 1986–1990
- Triumph TR7/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, 1986–1988
- TVR 450 SEAC, 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, 1986–1995
- Vector M12, 1995–1999
- Vector W8, 1989–1993
- Yulon Arex, 1993–1995
- Zimmer Quicksilver, 1986–1990[13]
Concept cars[edit]
- Alfa Romeo Caimano, 1971
- Alfa Romeo Carabo, 1968
- Alfa Romeo Delfino, 1983
- Alfa Romeo Iguana, 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, 2008
- Buick Y-Job, 1938
- Chevrolet Aerovette, 1969-1976
- Chevrolet CERVIII, 1990
- Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT, 1962
- Chevrolet Mako Shark, 1962
- Covini B24
- Dome Zero, 1976–1986
- Ferrari 408 4RM, 1987-1988
- Ferrari Rainbow, 1976
- Ford Cobra 230 M.E., 1986
- Ford Probe I, 1979
- Ford Maya, 1984
- General Motors Le Sabre, 1951
- General Motors XP-819
- Ginetta G25, 1983
- Holden Hurricane, 1969
- Jaguar XJ Spider Pininfarina, 1978
- Karmann Cheetah, 1971
- Lamborghini Athon, 1980
- Lamborghini Bravo, 1974
- Lamborghini Marco Polo, 1982
- Lamborghini P140, 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) Electric car, 1993
- Mazda P729, 1986
- Mazda V705, 1985
- Mazda MX-81 Aria, 1981
- Mazda RX-7 Concept Model (FD), 1993
- Mercedes-Benz C111, 1969–1970
- MG Boxer, 1978
- MG EX-E, 1985
- Nissan 126X, 1970
- Nissan MID4, 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, 1990
Race cars[edit]
[edit]
- Keisei Electric Railway AE100 (Skyliner), 1990–2016
Gallery[edit]
1937 Cord 812
1938 Buick Y-Job
1942 DeSoto convertible
1967 Ford Thunderbird
1968 Chevrolet Caprice sedan
1968 Dodge Charger RT
1970 Škoda 1100 GT
1972 Opel GT
1973 SAAB Sonett III
1978 BMW M1
1986 Toyota MR2
1989 Mazda 323F
1990 Plymouth Laser
1991 Tatra MTX V8
1992 Volvo 480
2004 Chevrolet Corvette
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "1936 Cord 810 Westchester". Heritage Museums and Gardens.
- ^ "Alfa Roméo Type 8C 2, 31". CITÉ DE L'AUTOMOBILE. Archived from the original on 2021-10-01. Retrieved 2021-10-01.
- ^ US Patent 2084120A, Harold T Ames, "Headlight structure", issued 1937-06-15
- ^ Mroz, Albert. "Why the 'Y-Job' -- Harley Earl and the Buick Dream Car". Pre War Buick.
- ^ "Pop-Up Headlights – Seventy Years of Hidden History". Heacock Classic. 29 January 2019.
- ^ Lotus Elan Owners Workshop Manual 1962-1974. Brooklands Books Ltd. 23 February 2005. p. 107. ISBN 9781855200227.
- ^ "Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49 - Transportation". Gov Info. Table II. 2004-10-01.
- ^ "Esprit Production Figures". Lotus Esprit World.
- ^ "2004 C5 Corvette Production". C5 Registry.
- ^ Perez, Jeff. "Ares Panther Is A Proper 641-HP Tribute To The Pantera". Motor1.
- ^ "Dare DZ Sports Convertible". Brightwells Classic Cars.
- ^ "The Car From Tomorrow: The 1942 DeSoto". Macs Motor City Garage. 13 May 2020.
- ^ Baruth, Jack (6 December 2016). "First Drive: 1988 Zimmer QuickSilver". Road and Track.
- ^ "First two-wheeled vehicle with retractable headlights". Honda Japan. 1983-03-07.
External links[edit]
Media related to Hidden headlamps at Wikimedia Commons