Pop-up headlights are a distinctive feature that was popular in many Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars from the 1980s and 1990s. These unique headlights were not only functional but also added to the aesthetic appeal of the cars. While pop-up headlights are less common in modern cars due to changing design trends and safety regulations, they were a hallmark of JDM cars during a certain era. Here are some JDM imports that featured pop-up headlights:
1. Mazda RX-7 (FC and FD generations): The Mazda RX-7, particularly the FC and FD generations, is renowned for its sleek design and iconic pop-up headlights. These sports cars are celebrated for their rotary engines and exceptional handling.
2. Toyota Supra (A70 and A80 generations): The Toyota Supra, especially the A70 and A80 generations, featured pop-up headlights that became synonymous with the model. These generations of the Supra are celebrated for their performance, turbocharged engines, and rear-wheel-drive layout.
3. Nissan 300ZX (Z31 and Z32 generations): The Nissan 300ZX, both the Z31 and Z32 generations, sported pop-up headlights as part of their distinct design. These models are known for their powerful engines and advanced technology.
4. Honda Prelude (Third and Fourth generations): The Honda Prelude’s third and fourth generations showcased pop-up headlights that contributed to the car’s sporty and aerodynamic appearance. These generations of the Prelude are appreciated for their handling and engineering.
5. Mitsubishi 3000GT (GTO in Japan): The Mitsubishi 3000GT, known as the GTO in Japan, featured pop-up headlights and a twin-turbo V6 engine. This model offered performance and advanced features.
6. Mazda MX-5 Miata (First generation): The first-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, while not exclusively a JDM model, had pop-up headlights that added to its classic roadster design.
7. Nissan Silvia (S13 and S14 generations): Certain versions of the Nissan Silvia, specifically the S13 and S14 generations, sported pop-up headlights along with their sporty appearance and rear-wheel-drive layout.
It’s important to note that regulations and design trends have evolved over the years. As a result, pop-up headlights are less common in modern car designs, and some JDM models might not have featured this unique design element. If you’re specifically interested in JDM cars with pop-up headlights, cars from the 1980s and 1990s are likely to have this feature.