Pop-up (or "pop-up") headlights are one of the most memorable features of cars from the 1980s and 1990s. They not only gave the cars a futuristic look, but also improved aerodynamics by hiding the optics in the body. Nissan did not stay away from this trend and released several cult models with this feature. However, today many car enthusiasts confuse them with other Japanese brands or do not know how to accurately identify the original versions.

In this article we will look at all Nissan models with pop-up headlights, their technical features, years of production and key differences. You'll also learn why these cars became collector's items, what are the most common headlight problems, and how to avoid them when purchasing. If you're looking for a retroNissan with pop-up optics - this guide will help you make the right choice.

Which Nissan models were equipped with pop-up headlights?

Concern Nissan installed pop-up headlights on a limited number of models, all of which belonged to the sports or premium segment. Here's the full list:

  • 🚗 Nissan Silvia (S12, S13) - an iconic sports car, famous for drifting and tuning.
  • 🚗 Nissan 180SX (RPS13) — “sister” of Silvia, but with a hatchback body.
  • 🚗 Nissan 240SX (S13, S14) — American version of Silvia/180SX.
  • 🚗 Nissan 300ZX (Z31, Z32) - a flagship sports car with turbo engines.
  • 🚗 Nissan Leopard (F31) - a rare premium sedan.
  • 🚗 Nissan Pulsar (N14, N15) — compact hatchback with pop-up optics (only some versions).

Important: not all generations of these models had pop-up headlights. For example, Silvia S14 And S15 have already switched to stationary optics, and 300ZX Z32 in some markets it was sold with regular headlights. Read more about each car in the following sections.

📊Which Nissan model with pop-up headlights do you like best?
  • Silvia S12
  • 180SX
  • 300ZX Z31
  • Leopard F31
  • Other

Nissan Silvia (S12) and 180SX: drift legends with pop-up headlights

Nissan Silvia S12 (1983–1988) and her "sister" 180SX RPS13 (1988–1996) - the most famous models with pop-up headlights. They became the symbol of Japanese tuning culture thanks to:

  • 🔧 Lightweight and a rear-wheel drive platform, ideal for drifting.
  • 🔥Motors CA18DET (1.8 l, turbo) and SR20DET (2.0 l, turbo), which are easily tuned to 300+ hp.
  • 🎨 Unique design: Silvia S12 the headlights rose vertically, and 180SX - at an angle.

Please note: Silvia S13 (1988–1994) also had retractable headlights, but with a different mechanism - they moved forward and slightly upward. But S14 And S15 (1994–2002) switched to stationary optics.

How to distinguish Silvia S12 from 180SX?

U Silvia S12 coupe body, and 180SX - hatchback. Also, the 180SX has vertical taillights, while the Silvia has horizontal ones.

⚠️ Attention: Often found on the secondary market Silvia And 180SX with non-functioning headlight mechanisms. Before purchasing, be sure to check whether they rise smoothly and synchronously - repairs can cost 50,000+ rubles.

Nissan 300ZX (Z31, Z32): flagship with turbo and pop-up optics

Nissan 300ZX is not just a sports car, but a real icon of the 1980s–1990s. Model Z31 (1983–1989) was the first in the line with pop-up headlights, and Z32 (1989–2000) - the last. Differences:

Model Years of production Headlight type Engines
300ZX Z31 1983–1989 Retractable (vertical) VG30E (3.0 atmo), VG30ET (turbo)
300ZX Z32 1989–2000 Retractable (angled) or fixed (for some markets) VG30DE (atmo), VG30DETT (twin turbo)

Interesting fact: Z32 with twin-turbo engine VG30DETT accelerated to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds - a record for Japanese cars of that time! However In the US and Europe, some Z32s were sold with conventional headlights due to stricter safety regulations.

If you are looking 300ZX with pop-up optics, pay attention to:

  • 📌 VIN code: for Z31 it starts with JN1HZ, for Z32 - with JN1RZ.
  • 📌 Headlight control lever: there must be a separate switch on the panel (do not confuse it with the light corrector!).

Rare models: Leopard F31 and Pulsar with pop-up headlights

In addition to sports models, Nissan installed pop-up headlights on two lesser-known cars:

  1. Nissan Leopard F31 (1986–1992) - a premium sedan that competed with Toyota Chaser And Mazda Luce. His headlights rose at an angle, like 180SX, but the mechanism was less reliable. Today Leopard - very rare, especially in good condition.
  2. Nissan Pulsar (N14, N15) (1990–1995) - compact hatchback, where pop-up headlights were an option on top trims. Unlike sports models, here the mechanism was simplified and broke more often.

Why are these cars so rare? Firstly, Leopard F31 sold only in the Japanese domestic market (JDM) and in limited quantities. Secondly, Pulsar with pop-up headlights was an expensive option, and most buyers chose standard optics.

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If you found Leopard F31 with working headlights - this is a great success! The mechanism here is fragile, and original spare parts are almost never found.

Problems with pop-up headlights: what to look out for?

Pop-up headlights are not only style, but also a potential headache. Here main problemsproblems that owners face:

  • ⚙️ Wear of plastic gears in the lifting mechanism - over time they crack and the headlights stop lifting.
  • 💡 Oxidation of contacts in the electrical wiring, due to which the headlights may turn on spontaneously or not respond to the command.
  • 🔧 Bent guides (often after an accident or careless repair).
  • 🌧️ Seal leaks — water enters the mechanism, causing corrosion.

How to check headlights before purchasing?

Turn on the ignition and check that the headlights rise smoothly and synchronously|

Listen to the mechanism - creaks or knocks indicate wear |

Try manually lifting the headlight (with the ignition off) - if it sticks, the mechanism requires repair |

Inspect the seals for cracks or signs of moisture-->

⚠️ Warning: If the headlights do not go up, do not try to force them by hand! This may break the plastic parts of the mechanism. It is better to immediately contact a specialist in retro electrics.

How to repair pop-up headlights on a Nissan?

Repair of pop-up headlights depends on the nature of the breakdown. Here are typical scenarios and their solutions:

Problem Reason Solution Cost (approx.)
Headlights don't go up Blown fuse or relay Replacing the fuse (10A), relay check 200–1 000 ₽
Headlights rise crookedly Worn gears or guides Replacing plastic parts or the entire mechanism 15 000–40 000 ₽
Headlights do not lock in raised position The springs are weakened or the latch is broken Adjusting the springs or replacing the retainer 5 000–15 000 ₽

For self-repair you will need:

  • 🔧 Set of screwdrivers and wrenches (including Torx T20 And T25).
  • 🔌 Multimeter for checking electrical wiring.
  • 🛠️ Lubricant for mechanisms (for example, WD-40 Specialist).

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to turn to masters specializing in retroNissan. For example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg there are services that deal exclusively Silvia, 180SX And 300ZX.

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The most common breakdown is wear of plastic gears. They can be replaced with metal analogues (for example, from Upgarage), which last longer.

Where to buy a Nissan with pop-up headlights? Tips for choosing

Buy Nissan It’s not easy with pop-up headlights today - most examples are either in poor condition or are valued as collector’s items. Here's where to look and what to pay attention to:

  • 🌍 Japan (USS, Goo-net auctions) - the largest selection, but we need the help of an importer.
  • 🇷🇺 Russian message boards (Avto.ru, Drome, Avito) - cars that have already been cleared through customs are often sold here.
  • 🇪🇺 Europe (Mobile.de, Autoscout24) - prices are higher, but the cars are often in better condition.

When choosing, pay attention to:

  1. Body safety (rust on arches and sills is a common problem).
  2. The performance of the headlights (ask for a video with a demonstration of lifting!).
  3. Availability of original electrical wiring (many owners “collectively farm” circuits after repairs).
  4. Documents (if the car is imported, check customs clearance and ownership history).
⚠️ Attention: Be careful with cars whose headlights are “stuck” in the raised position. This may indicate serious mechanical or electrical problems, and the seller simply left them open to hide the breakdown.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan with pop-up headlights

Is it possible to install pop-up headlights on a Nissan without them (like an S14)?

Technically this is possible, but extremely difficult and expensive. You will need:

  • Complete replacement of the front part of the body (since the S14 has a different geometry).
  • Reworking the electrical wiring and installing additional relays.
  • Setting up the lifting mechanism (often you have to make adapters).

The cost of such tuning can exceed the price of the car itself. It's much easier to buy the original one S13 or 180SX.

Why don't some 300ZX Z32s have pop-up headlights?

In the United States and Europe, new safety regulations were in effect since 1993, requiring a lower hood to protect pedestrians. Therefore Nissan released a version 300ZX with stationary headlights. Such machines can be easily distinguished by:

  • The absence of a headlight control lever on the panel.
  • A smoother hood with no protrusions for the mechanism.
What oils and fluids should I use for the headlight mechanism?

The following are suitable for lubricating the headlight lifting mechanism:

  • Silicone grease (does not attract dust, does not thicken in the cold).
  • WD-40 Specialist (for cleaning and temporary protection).
  • Lithium grease (for gears, but apply in a thin layer).

Do not use under any circumstances graphite lubricant or regular motor oil - they quickly collect dirt and accelerate wear.

How much do original pop-up headlights cost on a Nissan?

Prices vary greatly depending on the model:

  • Silvia S12 / 180SX: 20,000–50,000 ₽ per pair (used, depending on condition).
  • 300ZX Z31/Z32: 30,000–80,000 ₽ (new reproductions may cost less).
  • Leopard F31: 50,000–100,000 ₽ (due to rarity).

Tip: before purchasing, check compatibility using the VIN code - headlights from different years of manufacture may have different connectors.

Is it possible to drive with the headlights always on?

Technically yes, but this:

  • 🚫 Disrupts aerodynamics (increases fuel consumption by 5–10%).
  • 🚫 Accelerates wear of the mechanism (constant load on springs and gears).
  • 🚫 May be prohibited by traffic rules (In some countries, driving with headlights up during the day is equivalent to using high beams).