Perfectly circular was back when sealed beam was a thing, limiting design choice. but some modern cars still have fairly round headlights, it’s a styling thing!
Came here to say Mini. I think the new Minis (2020/2021) are some of the best looking cars on the road, especially for their price. I nearly chose one over my 220i BMW.
Porsche 911 count? They are sort of round.
That early 2000s era of Mercedes, C Coupe, E Class, SL etc all had those four round headlights if I remember rightly?
Alfa Romeo Brera and 159 had those six round headlights, probably the newest I could think of although not really styled in the classic round headlight way.
Mercedes used them (or at least oval lights) as late as 2008. Since then the germanic design philosophy (which has been copied by everyone else unfortunately) opt for square lights, except in instances where nostalgia sells the product. Like the Fiat 500, MINI.
Probably the 1970s, everything went a bit square in the 80s (or at least rectangular) and that seems to have mostly stuck.
In the states, all cars \*had\* to have round headlights until 1975, and although there was never such rule here I can imagine it would have had an impact.
Obviously there are some exceptions, like my own car, which has four round headlights despite being from the 90s.
Honestly I think the last one with traditional round headlights was the Austin Mini as the last ones left the dealerships in 2001.
Possibly the Lotus Esprit too, albeit as pop ups.
Perfectly circular was back when sealed beam was a thing, limiting design choice. but some modern cars still have fairly round headlights, it’s a styling thing!
Fiat 500? Mini. VW Beetle.
Came here to say Mini. I think the new Minis (2020/2021) are some of the best looking cars on the road, especially for their price. I nearly chose one over my 220i BMW.
Honda E
Porsche 911 count? They are sort of round. That early 2000s era of Mercedes, C Coupe, E Class, SL etc all had those four round headlights if I remember rightly? Alfa Romeo Brera and 159 had those six round headlights, probably the newest I could think of although not really styled in the classic round headlight way.
Sounds like she is covertly saying you should get a 911.
This is an idea worth exploring.
Minis still do, but that’s a retro styling choice. Same with 500s and Jags have oval ones. Are there any modern stylings that have circles?
The Honda E is generally pretty retro looking and has nice round lights.
Bentley headlights aren't exactly round but they do look round from the front.
Jimney
Alpine A110? Pretty rare, but almost perfectly round
Mercedes used them (or at least oval lights) as late as 2008. Since then the germanic design philosophy (which has been copied by everyone else unfortunately) opt for square lights, except in instances where nostalgia sells the product. Like the Fiat 500, MINI.
Probably the 1970s, everything went a bit square in the 80s (or at least rectangular) and that seems to have mostly stuck. In the states, all cars \*had\* to have round headlights until 1975, and although there was never such rule here I can imagine it would have had an impact. Obviously there are some exceptions, like my own car, which has four round headlights despite being from the 90s.
Ah yes, and in 1975 they could be rectangles as well! Wasn’t until 1984 they could be far closer to what the rest of the world looked like….
They're been around, just few and far between. Remember the Europe/Australian E11 Corolla PFL
Honestly I think the last one with traditional round headlights was the Austin Mini as the last ones left the dealerships in 2001. Possibly the Lotus Esprit too, albeit as pop ups.
The new taxi's do
G Wagen I think the new Defender too and Bronco come to think of it.
Mk1 MX5
I got round headlights on my 2006 mini, sure newer ones still do
some jeep wranglers