Kyle's Corner (FYI) Porsche headlights - part of a trademark look

November 5, 10:38 AMAutomotive ExaminerKyle Busch

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The Porsche 911 headlights have stood the test of time
Concept Car Z.com

You picture a Porsche 911
in your mind and what is very
likely to come to mind? Those
two round 911 headlights!
Headlights that have had about
30 years to make an impression
in the mind.

What now seems like a
distinctive design feature
did not really start out that
way. In the 50s’ and 60s’,
the Porsche 356 and then the
911 had those round headlights.
However, so did most all other

cars. Decades would pass before vehicle designers used the shape of headlights
to add to a vehicle’s visual appeal. However, while others changed, Porsche
headlights essentially remain the same!

From the 911’s birth in 1963 until the 993 in 1993, the headlights were
upright. Fitted in the front wings, and combined with the 911’s low hood, the
two headlights formed a very pleasing visual structure. Such is one of the most
signifying visual elements of a 911!

In 1993, with the 993, the round headlights were tilted back as the front wings
of the 911 were flattened a bit. For the 996 launched in 1998, Porsche had a
more radical design in which the automaker seemed to forget the headlight’s
DNA. Critics named the design the ‘fried egg’ shaped headlights. Additionally,
the situation was not helped by the fact that the Porsche Boxter has very similar
looking headlights. It was correctly reasoned that a 911 costing about $30,000
more than a Boxter should look different. With 911 purists frowning upon the
headlight change, Porsche tactfully admitted that the new headlights had not
been one of its better ideas. Thus, in 2001, the company lifted the headlights
of the 996.

In 2004, with the launch of the 997, Porsche had come full circle to use a
round headlight in an integrated light unit.

Over the years, although the headlights remained round, Porsche updated
the quality of light emitted from the 911’s headlights. Thus, the 911 provided
some of the best driving light. One thing can be said for sure. Good automotive
design never goes out of style!

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site:
www.DriveTheBestBook.com.