The Lamborghini Diablo and Nissan 300ZX Confusion Over the Iconic Pop-Up Headlights
Much has been discussed about the origin of the Lamborghini Diablo headlights, and I can confirm that it was confusing even for me. Did Lamborghini actually borrow the same car part from a Nissan? Let’s find out.
First, we need to acknowledge the versions and years of each car, since they play a key role in solving the mystery.
This is the Nissan 300ZX Third Generation (Z31):
The third-generation Nissan 300ZX was released in 1983 and sold until 1989 in American markets. It featured the pop-up headlights (a trend in the ’80s and early ’90s) and was equipped with a V6 N/A or turbo engine (depending on the version). A big step up from the inline-6 engines of its predecessors, the Z31 secured victory in the All Japan Rally Championships in 1985.
And this is the Nissan 300ZX Fourth Generation (Z32), aka Fairlady Z:
The Z32 launched in the USA in 1989 as a 1990 model year. The headlights switched from pop-ups to fixed units for two reasons: improved aerodynamics and the fading trend of pop-ups. Buyers could choose between a naturally aspirated 3.0L V6 (VG30DE) producing 222hp or the more obvious choice—a 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo (VG30DETT) with twin Garrett turbos, dual intercoolers, and 300hp. The Z32 claimed major endurance victories, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans (GTS-1 class) and 24 Hours of Daytona, both in 1994.
And finally, the Lamborghini:
The Lamborghini Diablo debuted in 1990, with around 2,903 units produced by 2001. Over its lifespan, Lamborghini offered everything from the “base model” (if such a term applies) to wilder variants like the GTR. From the ’90s to ’99, all Diablos featured the the iconic pop-up headlight, making allusion to its also famous predecessor, the Lamborghini Countach. And then, the facelift happens.
The Facelift
In 1999, Lamborghini gave the Diablo a significant facelift, which included a redesigned interior, mechanical refinements (like adding VVT to the V12), and the most controversial change: replacing pop-up headlights with fixed, exposed headlights. Some say it was for performance; others argue aesthetics. But one fact remains: Lamborghini used Nissan’s headlights. The Diablo VT 6.0 and Diablo GT were among the models that featured these fixed headlights.
Licensing vs. Off-the-Shelf Use
Reports conflict over whether Lamborghini licensed the Z32’s lights or simply bought them from supplier Hella. A Japanese article claims Lamborghini inquired about a parts deal with Nissan but ended up purchasing the lights “like ordinary buyers”. A Diablo owner’s Q&A notes the lamps were generic Hella assemblies, not exclusive to Nissan. Either way, the Diablo used identical Z32 units—Lamborghini just covered the Nissan logo on the lens with a carbon fiber “eyelid” to hide their origin.
