Pop-up headlights are some of the most dearly missed styling cues of modern-day cars. This novelty has garnered a cult following since its departure from the international market.
As of 2004, there have been no new cars that utilise pop-up headlights due to a mixture of cost and regulation issues, yet people still love the look of most distinctive headlight designs such as the NA Mazda MX-5, Mazda RX-7, and Chevrolet Corvette.
Besides those mentioned above, one of the most popular pop-up headlight model codes was revived in 2012 – The Toyota Trueno AE86, which is now simply called the Toyota 86.
Technically part of the Corolla family, the AE86 gained international stardom through popular culture such as drifting and a long-running Japanese Animation series.
The distinctive feature of the Trueno front, the pop-up headlights, didn’t make it onto the revived nameplate – however, a company has set out to change that, and it could spark the resurgence of these quirky headlights.
Pop-up headlights in 2025
A tuning company by the name of ResultJapan has constructed a body kit that turns the Toyota 86 into a Toyota Trueno with a new bonnet, headlights, front guards and front bumper.
The headlights do appear to be the same as the original AE86, which can currently be purchased as reproductions so you’re not using near 40-year-old parts, but the front bumper, bonnet and guards are all made by the company.
Though pricing has yet to be announced, the completed kit will go on display at Tokyo Auto Salon, one of the most significant annual aftermarket parts and car shows of the Asia-Pacific region, on 9 January 2026 – which is when pre-orders will start.
The body kit will reportedly be offered to the international market, not just Japan, but the question of road legality will depend on where you live.
The kit will likely be made out of fibreglass, which will require engineering approval to be perceived as a roadworthy modification in Australia, and the same goes for the change of headlight positioning.
Are pop-up headlights illegal?
Contrary to popular belief, pop-up headlights are not illegal in Australia, so if this were to be a factory fit, you would have no problem registering it here. Because it is a modification of an existing car, it will need to be approved by an engineer.
Many believed that the demise of the design stemmed from the sharp edges that protrude out when the headlights are active; however, Australia has no laws regarding pedestrian roll-over safety in its Australian Design Rules (ADR). International markets do have said laws, and that’s enough for Australia to never again take delivery of a pop-up headlight car.
The reason they don’t tend to exist anymore is that the aerodynamic properties of cars have drastically improved, meaning that a system of small electric motors to lift and retract headlights just adds unnecessary complexity and cost to something that can be fixed in place.
While laws don’t directly outlaw pop-ups, the cost involved with designing a pedestrian-safe alternative to the pop-up headlight will outweigh any chance of a factory-fit return of the pop-ups.
Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
