10 iconic cars with twin headlights

The use of round rather than rectangular or more complex headlights in the early automotive industry was associated with the technology that was in use at the time. It is easier to make such optics, and it is easier to focus light with a cone-shaped reflector.

Sometimes the headlights are double, so manufacturers separate their more expensive and therefore better equipped models. Nowadays, however, round optics have become the hallmark of retro cars, although some companies still use them for luxury or charismatic cars. For example, Mini, Fiat 500, Porsche 911, Bentley, Jeep Wrangler, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the recently discontinued Volkswagen Beertle. However, let's remember another iconic car, which had 4 eyes, but is no longer produced.

Honda Integra (1993-1995)

In two decades of production, only one in 4 generations of Integra is available with twin round headlights. This is the third generation of the model that debuted in Japan in 1993. Due to the visual similarity, fans refer to these optics as "beetle eyes."

However, sales of the "four-eyed" Integra are significantly lower than those of its predecessor. That is why, two years after restyling, the model will receive narrow headlights.

Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow (1965-1980)

The current Rolls-Royce models produced under the wing of BMW are popular precisely because of their narrow main optics. However, in the past, luxury British limousines have long had 4 round headlights. They first appeared on 60s models, including the Silver Shadow. They were updated until 2002, but the 2003 Phantom now has traditional optics.

BMW 5-series (1972-1981)

It seems to us that 4-eye optics have always been a hallmark of Munich cars, but for the first time it appeared in BMW production models only in the late 1960s. However, soon these headlights began to be installed on the entire model range of the Bavarian manufacturer - from the 3rd to the 7th series.

In the 1990s, the troika (E36) hid four round headlights under a common glass, followed by the seven (E38) and five (E39). However, even in this form, the Bavarians emphasize family traits by introducing a new LED technology called "Angel Eyes".

Mitsubishi 3000GT (1994-2000)

Initially, the Japanese coupe with 4 seats, pivoting rear axle and active aerodynamics was equipped with "hidden" optics (retractable headlights), but in its second generation models, also known as Mitsubishi GTO and Dodge Stealth, received 4 round headlights. They are housed under a common transparent drop-shaped lid.

Pontiac GTO (1965-1967)

The American GTO predates the Japanese, and this Pontiac is considered one of the first muscle cars in America. It came out in the 60s, and from the very beginning, its distinguishing feature was the double round headlights. They become vertical only a year after the debut of the car.

By the way, the name of the fastest Pontiac was proposed by the notorious John DeLorean, who at that time worked at General Motors. The abbreviation GTO was previously used in the Ferrari 250 GTO, and in the Italian car it is associated with the homologation of the car so that it can race (this name stands for Gran Turismo Omologato). However, the name of the American coupe - Grand Tempest Option - has nothing to do with motorsport.

Chevrolet Corvette (1958-1962)

If we talk about American muscle cars, one cannot but recall the iconic Corvette with rear-wheel drive and a powerful V8 engine. This car remains America's most famous sports car to this day, and its first generation features 4 round headlights amid a massive 1958 refurbishment.

Then the two-door will receive not only a new look with many cluttered details, but also a modernized interior. In the same year, the tachometer first appeared, and the seat belts were already installed at the factory (previously they were installed by dealers).

Ferrari Testaro (1984 – 1996)

Getting this legendary car into this group will surely surprise someone, because the Italian sports car is very rare. It is known for its "blind" optics, in which the headlights are retracted into the front cover. But when the two-door opens its eyes, it becomes clear that its place is on this list.

Alfa Romeo GTV / Spider (1993-2004)

Both the already mentioned Ferrari Testarossa and the duo - the Alfa Romeo GTV coupe and the Spider roadster - were developed by Pininfarina. The design of both cars is the work of Enrico Fumia, who is also the author of the more famous Alfa Romeo 164 and Lancia Y.

For 10 years, the GTV and Spider were produced with 4 round headlights hidden behind holes in a long streamlined hood. During this period, the cars underwent 3 major modernizations, but none of them touched the optics.

Ford Capri (1978-1986)

Designed for the European market, this fastback was designed as an alternative to the legendary Mustang. Quad headlight optics are fitted to all third generation Capri machines, but twin headlights can also be seen in the first 1972 series. However, they are intended only for the top versions of the model - 3000 GXL and RS 3100.

Vauxhall Manta (1970 – 1975)

Another European coupe of the 70s, which Opel wants to answer the Ford Capri. The German sports car with rear-wheel drive and powerful engine even competes in rallies, receiving round headlights from its first generation.

In the second generation of the legendary Opel model, the optics are already rectangular, but 4 headlights are also available. They are put on special versions of the body - for example, on the Manta 400.