Cars with retractable headlights are a rarity these days. For good reason too – they aren’t as reliable, lighting technology has evolved, and safety regulations. But one thing they’ll always be is retro cool! Let’s get into this list of 30 beautiful cars with retractable headlights we’d love to own, and 5 we wouldn’t dare.
1. Lamborghini Countach
The Lamborghini Countach, a poster child of excess and flamboyance, with design cues so outrageous they’d make a peacock blush. It’s the automotive equivalent of a rock star’s leather jacket, loud, impractical, and utterly irresistible. Behind the wheel, the Countach delivers an unapologetic symphony of V12 power, wrapped in a body that shouts, “I’m here to break the rules, darling.”
2. BMW M1
The BMW M1, a Teutonic masterpiece that blends the precision of German engineering with the soul of a thoroughbred racer. It’s a rare breed, this M1, with its mid-engine layout and crisp lines that cut through the air like a precision blade. Behind the wheel, the M1 dances between corners with a balance that’s the automotive equivalent of a perfectly executed waltz, and with a six-cylinder engine that delivers a soundtrack harmonizing performance and melody.
3. Chevrolet Corvette
The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, an American classic that laid the foundation for the ‘Vette legend we know today. With its split-window design, it’s a piece of automotive history that looks as iconic as it drives. From its growling V8 to the raw, analog driving experience, the ’63 Corvette is a time capsule of when muscle met style in the heart of the American road.
4. Nissan 300ZX
The 1984 Nissan 300ZX, a Japanese gem from an era when turbochargers were as fashionable as neon leg warmers. With its sharp lines and technological wizardry, it’s like driving the future, circa 1984. Behind the wheel, the 300ZX offers a blend of turbocharged thrills and electronic sophistication, capturing the essence of a time when the automotive industry was pushing boundaries and experimenting with newfound performance technologies.
5. Porsche 944
The Porsche 944, a Teutonic delight that brought accessibility to the Porsche driving experience without sacrificing performance. With its front-engine balance and timeless design, it’s the kind of Porsche that proves you don’t need a rear-engine setup to have a thrilling time. Behind the wheel, the 944 delivers a tactile and engaging driving experience, with a chassis that communicates every nuance of the road and a four-cylinder engine that punches above its weight, making it a classic among Porsches.
6. Toyota 2000GT
The Toyota 2000GT, a Japanese icon that not only defied expectations but rewrote the sports car rulebook in the 1960s. Its design is a blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and European sports car flair, making it a rolling work of art. Behind the wheel, the 2000GT offers a driving experience that’s a harmonious balance of agility and sophistication, showcasing Toyota’s capability to create a sports car that resonates with enthusiasts across the globe.
7. Vector W8
The Vector W8, an American hypercar that emerged from the 1990s like a spaceship from a parallel universe. With its fighter jet-inspired design and massive rear wing, it’s a flamboyant statement that’s as subtle as a sledgehammer. Behind the wheel, the W8 delivers a raw and unapologetic experience, with a twin-turbo V8 soundtrack that’s as loud as its presence on the road, reminding us that sometimes, in the pursuit of automotive excess, subtlety takes a back seat.
8. Pontiac Trans Am
The Pontiac Trans Am WS6, a muscle car from the turn of the millennium that refuses to go quietly into the night. With its aggressive styling and that iconic ram air hood, it’s a throwback to a time when American muscle was alive and kicking. Behind the wheel, the WS6 is all about big V8 power and rear-wheel-drive theatrics, reminding us that sometimes, the best way to move forward is with a heavy foot on the gas pedal.
9. Lamborghini Diablo
The Lamborghini Diablo, a raging bull that burst onto the supercar scene in the ’90s with the subtlety of a fireworks display in a library. With its sharp edges, scissor doors, and an engine note that could wake the dead, it’s a flamboyant expression of excess. Behind the wheel, the Diablo is a visceral experience, a symphony of Italian madness and power that demands respect and a firm grip on the steering wheel.
10. Jaguar XJ220
The Jaguar XJ220, a British bruiser that promised the moon and stars in the early ’90s supercar extravaganza. With its sleek silhouette and a V12 engine, it was supposed to be the ultimate Jaguar. Behind the wheel, the XJ220 delivers a blend of power and grace, a reminder of an ambitious era in the automotive world when Jaguar aimed for the supercar stratosphere.
11. Acura NSX
The Acura NSX, a Japanese gem that didn’t just chase the supercar dream but redefined it. With its mid-engine layout and aluminum chassis, it wasn’t just an exotic; it was a technological tour de force. Behind the wheel, the NSX delivers a harmonious dance between driver and machine, a perfect balance of precision engineering and driving purity that continues to set it apart in the pantheon of sports car legends.
12. Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger, an American muscle car that defines the golden era of tire-shredding excess. With its iconic fastback design and menacing front grille, it’s a brute force statement that declares, “I’m here to dominate the drag strip.” Behind the wheel, the Charger delivers a visceral experience, with a big-block V8 that roars like a lion and a chassis that challenges even the bravest souls to keep it in check.
13. De Tomaso Pantera
The De Tomaso Pantera, an Italian-American collaboration that embodies the spirit of a bygone era when supercars had an unapologetic blend of European style and American muscle. With its mid-engine layout and seductive curves, it’s a wedge of automotive history that oozes sex appeal. Behind the wheel, the Pantera serves up a feast of power and drama, a reminder that sometimes the most intriguing stories happen when different automotive cultures collide.
14. Ferrari Testarossa
The Ferrari Testarossa, an ’80s icon that screams excess louder than a hair metal band on stage. With its wide haunches and side strakes that could double as air intakes for a small village, it’s an automotive poster child of the era. Behind the wheel, the Testarossa is more than just a styling statement; it’s a mid-engined powerhouse that demands attention, delivering a symphony of flat-12 fury and performance that makes you feel like a South Beach kingpin cruising in the twilight of the ’80s.
15. Mazda RX-7
The Mazda RX-7, a rotary-powered masterpiece that proves that sometimes unconventional engineering leads to extraordinary results. With its sleek lines and a twin-rotor engine that sings a unique wail, it’s a Japanese sports car that dances to its own beat. Behind the wheel, the RX-7 delivers a driving experience that’s as distinct as its rotary engine, a delicate balance of agility and power that remains a testament to Mazda’s commitment to driving enthusiasts.
16. Toyota MR2
The Toyota MR2, a small mid-engined wonder that often gets overlooked but has a distinct charm of its own. With its lightweight chassis and a rear-wheel-drive layout, it’s the kind of car that punches above its weight in the fun-to-drive department. Behind the wheel, the MR2 delivers a go-kart-like experience, proving that you don’t need a monstrous engine to have a good time on twisty roads.
17. Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro RS, an American muscle car that embodies the tire-smoking spirit of the late ’60s. With its aggressive stance, hidden headlights, and a snarling V8 under the hood, it’s a quintessential example of Detroit’s golden era. Behind the wheel, the Camaro RS is a raw and unapologetic experience, a four-wheeled time machine that transports you to an era when the open road was an invitation to unleash the thunderous roar of American horsepower.
18. Bricklin SV-1
The Bricklin SV-1, a quirky Canadian creation that’s as unconventional as a moose in a maple syrup factory. With its distinctive gull-wing doors and safety-first design philosophy, it’s a testament to the ambition of the 1970s. Behind the wheel, the SV-1 offers a driving experience that’s more disco than racetrack, but its unique charm and rarity make it a conversation starter for those who appreciate automotive oddities.
19. Eagle Talon
The Eagle Talon TSi, a sporty collaboration that sprouted from the fertile grounds of the Diamond Star Motors venture. With its turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel-drive setup, it’s a pocket rocket from the golden era of Japanese performance. Behind the wheel, the Talon TSi delivers a dose of ’90s nostalgia, offering a blend of spooling turbos and nimble handling that, despite its age, still manages to put a smile on the face of anyone willing to give it a go.
20. Ferrari 308
The Ferrari 308, a classic Italian stallion that defined the poster car era of the ’70s and ’80s. With its wedge-shaped profile and that iconic mid-mounted V8, it’s a timeless design that still turns heads today. Behind the wheel, the 308 offers a pure analog experience, a celebration of simplicity and the joy of driving that reminds us of Ferrari’s knack for creating emotional connections between man and machine.
21. Lamborghini Jalpa
The Lamborghini Jalpa, a bull that roared into the supercar scene with a more subdued yet equally captivating presence. With its angular design and that unmistakable V8 soundtrack, it’s a slice of the Lamborghini magic from the ’80s. Behind the wheel, the Jalpa may not have the flamboyance of its big brothers, but it’s a more approachable and engaging Lambo, offering a taste of Italian flair without the intimidation factor.
22. Lotus Esprit
The Lotus Esprit, a British marvel that’s been evolving since the ’70s, embodying the essence of Colin Chapman’s philosophy—simplify, then add lightness. With its wedge-shaped design and a penchant for handling finesse, it’s a classic that continues to inspire. Behind the wheel, the Esprit is a dance partner on the road, showcasing Lotus’ dedication to precision and lightweight performance, making every curve an invitation to experience the joy of driving.
23. Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra, a Japanese sports car that emerged from the era of boxy design with a hint of performance swagger. With its pop-up headlights and a turbocharged inline-six engine, it’s a classic example of ’80s sports car charm. Behind the wheel, the Supra delivers a driving experience that’s both engaging and comfortable, showcasing Toyota’s knack for blending performance and everyday usability in a sleek package.
24. Venturi Atlantique
The Venturi Atlantique, a French rarity that quietly entered the sports car arena with an understated elegance and a touch of avant-garde design. With its distinctive styling and a mid-mounted V6 engine, it’s a reminder that performance can come from unexpected corners of the automotive world. Behind the wheel, the Atlantique is a harmonious blend of Gallic flair and spirited driving dynamics, offering a unique alternative in a sea of more mainstream sports cars.
25. TVR 420 SEAC
The TVR 420 SEAC, a British brute that roared onto the scene with a devilish charm and a power-to-weight ratio that could put a grin on anyone’s face. With its V8 engine and an ethos that dismisses niceties for raw performance, it’s a quintessential TVR creation. Behind the wheel, the 420 SEAC is a raucous experience, a reminder that in the world of sports cars, sometimes the most thrilling rides come from the manufacturers who aren’t afraid to break a few rules.
26. Pontiac GTO
The 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge, an American muscle car with a name that promises both authority and a sense of humor. With its vibrant Carousel Red paint and a 400-cubic-inch Ram Air V8, it’s a flamboyant declaration that muscle cars weren’t just about power; they were about making a statement. Behind the wheel, the GTO Judge is a symphony of V8 thunder and tire-shredding delight, embodying an era when muscle cars were as much about showmanship as they were about performance.
27. Maserati Bora
The Maserati Bora, an Italian exotic that emerged from the ’70s with a wedge-shaped silhouette and an unmistakable trident badge. With its mid-mounted V8 and distinctive gull-wing doors, it’s a statement of Maserati’s attempt to conquer the supercar realm. Behind the wheel, the Bora is a unique blend of elegance and performance, a Maserati that dances through the curves with a certain flair, making it a timeless gem in the automotive landscape.
28. Lister Storm
The Lister Storm, a British beast that crashed the supercar party with an uncompromising V12 roar and a no-nonsense approach to performance. With its menacing presence and enough horsepower to rearrange your internal organs, it’s a clear message from Lister that they don’t do subtlety. Behind the wheel, the Storm delivers a relentless surge of power, reminding us that sometimes, in the pursuit of speed, refinement takes a back seat to raw, unadulterated performance.
29. Porsche 911 Turbo
The 1988 Porsche 911 Turbo Slantnose, a Teutonic missile that took the iconic 911 silhouette and turned the aggression up to eleven with its distinctive slantnose front end. With its wide hips and the unmistakable whistle of the turbocharger, it’s a German brute that demands attention. Behind the wheel, the Slantnose is a turbocharged symphony of power and precision, a reminder that the 911 Turbo has always been at the forefront of automotive performance and design.
30. Plymouth Superbird
The 1970 Plymouth Superbird, an American racing icon that hit the streets with an aerodynamic flamboyance that screamed NASCAR dominance. With its towering rear wing and a beak-like nosecone, it’s a muscle car that blends brute force with a touch of avian elegance. Behind the wheel, the Superbird is a nostalgic trip back to an era when speed was everything, a time capsule of high-banked ovals and quarter-mile showdowns that defined American muscle.
…And the 5 we wouldn’t dare to own
1. Mercury Capri XR2
The Mercury Capri XR2, a car that struggles to find its identity, lost in a sea of mediocrity. With its lackluster performance and forgettable design, it’s a reminder that not every attempt to inject excitement into a car succeeds. Behind the wheel, the XR2 delivers a driving experience that fails to ignite any enthusiasm, offering neither the thrill of a sports car nor the comfort of a practical hatchback.
2. Geo Storm
The Geo Storm, a forgettable automotive footnote that brings disappointment in every aspect. With its uninspiring design and anemic engine, it’s a stark reminder that not every attempt at creating an affordable sports coupe hits the mark. Behind the wheel, the Storm offers a driving experience that’s more yawn-inducing than exhilarating, leaving you questioning why anyone would choose this lackluster offering in a market full of more compelling options.
3. Ford Probe
The Ford Probe, a car that seems to have taken inspiration from a random assortment of geometric shapes with no coherent design vision. With its uninspiring performance and a chassis that lacks any semblance of enthusiasm, it’s a prime example of Ford’s missteps in the ’90s. Behind the wheel, the Probe delivers a driving experience that leaves you wondering if you accidentally stumbled into a time warp that transported you to an era when blandness was a sought-after quality in a car.
4. Subaru XT
The Subaru XT, a car that seems to have been designed by someone with a penchant for polygons and a love for impracticality. With its oddball styling and a turbocharged engine that struggles to deliver any real excitement, it’s a testament to the fact that quirky design doesn’t always translate into a memorable driving experience. Behind the wheel, the XT offers a combination of awkward handling and lackluster performance, leaving you with the feeling that Subaru might have been better off sticking to more conventional designs.
5. Pontiac Sunbird
The Pontiac Sunbird, a car that seems to have taken inspiration from a forgotten chapter in the automotive design manual. With its lackluster engine options and a chassis that feels as uninspired as a Monday morning, it’s a reminder of the era when American automakers were churning out forgettable econoboxes. Behind the wheel, the Sunbird delivers a driving experience that falls short in every department, leaving you questioning why anyone thought this was a good idea in the first place.
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed this list of 30 beautiful cars with retractable headlights that we’d love to own (and 5 we wouldn’t dare). Please feel free to share this list with your social media.
If you like to read more about a classic car that’s making a comeback, it’s the Subaru SVX. Cheers!
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