Archetypal of the 1970s and 1980s, retractable headlights gave relief to the lines of cars. When closed, they optimized aerodynamics. A look back at the cars which, like the Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari F40 or Mazda MX-5, knew how to play with their eyelids.
The headlights clearly symbolize the look of an automobile. Some of them even allow themselves to wink at us. A nice flicker of the eyelid at ignition with retractable, swivel or even partially hidden headlights, technological discoveries are not lacking.
Indispensable in the 1970s
Bitter CD (1974-1979)
In the 1970s, the angular line and aerodynamics were in vogue. Designers and engineers are tempted by pointed muzzles. The grilles disappear, the faces tilt, suddenly the headlights follow the movement and are hidden behind metal hatches. An equipment to discover for example on the unknown Bitter CD, a high-end coupe with a big GM V8 offered by Opel.
TO READ. The most amazing steering wheels crossed in our cars!
A supercar attribute!
An aesthetic trend which will continue in the 1980s and which will make the heyday, in Italy, of Ferraris as well as Lamborghinis. Some cars even more daring, like thea Cizeta Moroder, double the stake with four swivel spotlights. Others, more discreet, are satisfied with a variation of the inclination. Finally, there are those that play on unnecessary sophistication, like the Chrysler Le Baron whose pivoting function does not change the line. What then is the point? Quite simply to make speak about it and from this point of view it is successful. This search for formal purity is not new, however, let us quote the Cord 810/812 of 1935 which did not want to spoil the beauty of the curves of its wings with added projectors. Finally, let us cite a manufacturer resistant to retractable headlight technology, Peugeot. But the lion brand had in its own way attempted the adventure of aerodynamics with originality in the 1930s with the 202, 302 and 402 equipped with central headlights sheltered behind the radiator grille. A singularity that earned them the nickname of the Sochaux spindle.
TO HAVE. Mythical cars with four headlights
