The Mitsubishi 3000GT never had factory glass headlights in any production year. All factory headlight assemblies used plastic/polycarbonate lenses.
The 3000GT, also known as the GTO in some markets, was produced from 1990 through 1999. Throughout that decade, Mitsubishi updated the headlamp designs, but the lenses remained plastic/polycarbonate rather than traditional glass.
Headlight materials across the 3000GT production run
Below are the key points to understand about the headlights and how they relate to model years and markets.
- Production years: 1990–1999 for most markets; the GTO name was used in several regions, but factory headlights remained consistent in material.
- Lens material: factory headlight lenses were plastic/polycarbonate in all production years.
- Aftermarket notes: if you see headlights claiming to be “glass” or resembling glass, they are typically aftermarket replacements or cosmetic covers, not factory components.
In practice, there is no specific year to point to as having glass headlights. If you encounter glass-like optics on a 3000GT, verify whether aftermarket parts were installed or if restoration work used non-factory components.
Summary
Short take: The Mitsubishi 3000GT did not come with glass headlights in any year. Factory headlights used plastic/polycarbonate lenses from 1990 through 1999, with various design updates but no production option for glass lenses. When evaluating a vehicle, rely on original specifications and watch for aftermarket modifications that mimic a glass appearance.
What is the rarest 3000GT?
Rarest VR4, only 231 for 1998. Rarest TT is the 1996 Stealth RT/TT. Favorite is the 1999 though, the front end and spoiler are unique to that year.
Did the Mitsubishi 3000GT have pop-up headlights?
Active aerodynamics called "Active Aero Control System" enhanced the coke bottle silhouette body styling, achieving a drag coefficient of Cd=0.33, with automatically deploying front and rear spoilers, sport/tour exhaust modes called "Active Exhaust System", pop-up headlights and articulated blister caps on the hood to ...
What year did they stop making glass headlights?
Up to the early 1990s, headlights were typically sealed beam assemblies with glass lenses.
What was special about the 1999 3000GT?
Available in three trim levels (Base, SL and VR-4), the 1999 3000GT sports a new style with its redesigned greenhouse and all-new front and rear styling appointments. Additionally, the VR-4 gets a spiffy rear spoiler, enhancing its grand touring sports car image.