Greatest Taillights

Now here’s a subject you don’t see every day; the greatest car taillights of all time. And yes, I am killing time (waiting for a phone call).

Heading the list are the 1967-70 Mercury Cougar sequential taillights. They’re the first I know of that created movement (in the direction of the turn). That would be child’s play to pull off today. But, back then, it caused quite the stir.

What elicited this thought was a 1970 Chrysler I pass by frequently. The “boomerang” taillight was artfully integrated with the tail fin (see photo).

In 1959, Chevy set the world on its ear with the catseye taillights that were the centerpiece of the rear view design. This included horizontal fins (brow-like) that fomented the rumor that the rear end of the car would lift at speed.

Another good example of design integration was the 1959 Cadillac bullet lights that blended well with the fin theme. Ensuing versions were similar, but this was the cleanest.

Finally, I’ll nominate the 1956-7 Chevy lights. It’s not because of their particular appearance, which was somewhat mundane. But, one side was hinged and concealed the gas cap. This eliminated the fuel door, making the whole car look better. Other GM marques employed this type of light at various times, but this was the best-known.

If that call doesn’t come in soon, I may be back with my favorite windshield wipers.