Accessories you never knew you wanted – Aerolight pop-up light bar
Did the automotive aftermarket peak in the 1990s?
The Aerolight pop-up light bar by US manufacturer Visitech seems to think so.
To be filed in the permanent category of 'why didn't we think of this?' the Aerolight was an aerodynamic roof spoiler with a pair of integrated pop-up headlamps.
Essentially the perfect solution to avoid the unfriendly wind resistance and associated noise of permanently affixed lights, the Aerolight included a rocker switch that would electrically flip open the round, halogen lights, like your own personal Mazda MX-5. On your roof.
Made from fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP), the unit seems to be a universal size and according to a couple of period advertisements, the Aerolight was designed to fit small pick-up trucks and minivans, like the D21 Nissan Navara. Although one ad notes, it was also available for a full-size pickup like a Ford F150.
Given the 1992 list price of US$305 (A$394), which is about US$580 (A$750) in today's money, the Aerolight was expensive, which is probably why we cannot find one single photo of the unit fitted to a car.
It's a bit of a pity, as despite the questionable aerodynamics and lack of flexibility in sizing, we're big fans and would love to see a reimagined unit today!
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