Did you know that Mercedes-Benz pioneered the AFS technology in the E-Class back in 2006? They called it “Intelligent Light System.”

Did you know that the 1991 BMW 7 Series was the first car to sport a high-intensity discharge system that provides more light than halogen lights? This system is also known as xenon headlights.

Did you know that in 1962, the first halogen headlamp was officially unveiled in Europe? But it was only until 1978 that the United States used non-halogen sealed lamps.

The first low beam headlights was introduced in 1915 by the Guide Lamp Company. Drivers had to step out of their cars and manually turn on the lights. Eventually Cadillac improved this system by creating an interior-mounted lever to operate the exterior lights.

Did you know that the first modern electric headlamp system was seen in 1912? It was Cadillac that rolled out its cars with this kind of system. This can be operated even during rain or snow without getting burned.

Did you know that the Electric Vehicle Company based in Hartford, Connecticut produced the first electric headlamp back in 1898? But they were not very successful for they encountered a lot of problems with the system. One of which is that during difficult conditions the filaments inside the headlamp burned quickly. With such disadvantage of the system, the company did not get any investments that would have improved the system.

The first time vehicles ever got headlamps were in the 1880s. And they resemble gas lamps than what headlamps look today. The headlamps were fueled by acetylene and oil. This was actually a good combination because it can resist the currents of air and tough weather conditions like snow and rain. But it had to be discontinued because acetylene and oil were expensive.

Did you know that the downfall of the hidden headlights was caused by the same car that popularized it? Yes, it was all because of the 1965 Buick Riviera.

Motorists encountered numerous problems with the hidden headlights; usually the cover or assembly failed to expose the lights when the headlights were turned on. This became a safety issue for some and it wasn’t long before the Federal Government noticed the problem and enacted regulations about it. Thus, the idea of concealed headlights became less appealing both for car manufacturers and drivers.

Not all car companies completely dropped the hidden headlights design by 1970. In fact, there were a lot of car models with hidden headlights that came out. There’s the 1988-1993 Chrysler New Yorker, 1990-1993 Chrysler Fifth Avenue, and the last car to sport hidden headlight, the 1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial.

Hidden headlights were popularized in the mid-sixties by the 1965 Buick Riviera. They were popular design elements then. In 1965 Buick Riviera, the headlights were of clamshell design; where the top raises and the bottom lowers. Meanwhile in the 1966-1969 models, the assembly rotates downward. Other car manufacturers were also quick to follow the trend as they produced cars with hidden headlights. For example, in the 1967-1969 Ford Thunderbird, its hidden headlights had covers that rotate upward. While the 1967-1969 Chevrolet Camaro had a cover that slides inboard, behind grille.

But the hidden headlights didn’t stay on top of the automotive design for long. Why? Well, that’s a topic for another post. Stay tuned.

Did you know that the first powered hidden headlamps were concealed in GM’s 1938 Buick Y-Job concept car?

Did you also know that this is the first ever concept car? And it was made under the direction of Harley J. Earl, GM’s first design chief. Many firsts for just one car!

Want to know more about other hidden headlamps designs? Then better come back for the next posts.