There’s something undeniably captivating about cars with circle tail lights. These unique rear designs, often reminiscent of classic styles, add a distinct charm and evoke a sense of nostalgia. 

Circle tail lights have been a popular design choice for decades, and while not every vehicle sports this look, some of the most iconic cars—especially within the sports car and muscle car categories—have embraced this feature. 

Whether you’re drawn to the timeless appeal of classic American muscle cars or the sleek curves of European sports cars, circle tail lights can enhance a car’s personality, giving it a memorable, signature appearance.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best cars, both modern and vintage, that showcase circle tail lights. From American legends to Japanese icons, each of these vehicles has a unique place in automotive history and culture. 

Dive in as we explore these cars’ distinctive qualities, performance specs, and how they continue to influence modern car design.

1. Chevrolet Corvette (C1, C2, C3)

The Chevrolet Corvette is one of the most iconic American sports cars, with many early models featuring striking circular tail lights that have become emblematic of the brand. The C1 (1953–1962), C2 (1963–1967), and C3 (1968–1982) generations are especially revered for their rounded rear light design, a signature look that became synonymous with American performance.

The C2 Corvette, particularly, with its “Sting Ray” branding, became a symbol of American engineering. The circle tail lights on these models were paired with a sleek, aggressive rear design that highlighted the car’s sporty nature. 

These tail lights remained a core design element in the Corvette’s lineage, making them instantly recognizable on the road. The circular tail lights continued to evolve with each generation, contributing to the car’s legacy and reinforcing its high-performance reputation.

2. Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34)

The Nissan Skyline GT-R models, especially the R32, R33, and R34 generations, are famous for their performance on the track and on the street. These cars gained a cult following, thanks largely to their circular tail lights, which helped create the GT-R’s distinct silhouette. 

The GT-R’s round tail lights not only offered a sporty aesthetic but also solidified the Skyline’s image in popular culture, particularly within the tuning and racing communities.

The R34, in particular, is renowned for its rear design, which includes four circular tail lights. This model has been celebrated in films, video games, and car shows around the world, and it continues to be an aspirational vehicle for enthusiasts. 

The Skyline GT-R’s circle tail lights have become an iconic symbol, distinguishing it as a true representation of Japanese engineering and design.

3. Ford Mustang (1960s Models)

The Ford Mustang, especially in its earliest models from the 1960s, also adopted a tail light design that captured attention. While some models featured three-segment vertical lights, several classic Mustangs showcased rounded lights that highlighted the muscle car’s powerful stance. This round or rounded-style lighting became synonymous with the Mustang’s rebellious and adventurous spirit.

In recent years, Ford has continued to honor this heritage by incorporating retro-inspired elements in their modern Mustang models. The Mustang’s tail lights have always been an essential part of its design, representing its unique place in American car culture and its lasting appeal to performance enthusiasts.

4. Mazda RX-7 (FD)

The Mazda RX-7, particularly the FD generation (1992–2002), is beloved for its sleek, lightweight design and the circle tail lights that add to its smooth, aerodynamic appearance. This model is especially notable for its rotary engine, which gives it a unique edge in performance. But its design, including the circular tail lights, is what really captures the eye.

The FD RX-7’s lights are a signature feature, lending it an aggressive yet refined look. These lights contributed to the RX-7’s lasting influence on sports car design and its widespread appeal among enthusiasts of Japanese cars. 

The RX-7 remains a popular choice in the tuning community, where its tail lights continue to make a strong aesthetic statement.

5. Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS

Ferrari has long been associated with luxury and performance, and the 308 GTB/GTS (1975–1985) is no exception. This model, known for its circular rear lights, helped establish Ferrari’s reputation in the 1970s and 1980s as a maker of some of the most desirable cars on the planet. 

The dual round lights on each side became a signature Ferrari feature, one that has been carried over into later models.

The 308 GTB/GTS’s rounded tail lights emphasize the car’s elegance and sporty character. The visual appeal of these lights adds to the car’s sculpted rear, making it look fast even when standing still. This timeless design element has influenced Ferrari’s rear lighting designs well into the present day, cementing its place as a hallmark of the brand.

6. Porsche 911 (Classic Models)

The Porsche 911, one of the most enduring and recognizable sports cars, has featured a variety of tail light designs over its long history. However, classic models of the 911 (such as the 930 and 964 generations) are known for their distinctive rounded rear lights, which enhance the car’s elegant, aerodynamic styling.

The circular tail lights on these classic Porsche models contribute to their sophisticated yet sporty aesthetic. Porsche has managed to balance tradition and innovation in their designs, and the round tail lights are a nod to the brand’s roots in sports car heritage. 

While the 911’s design has evolved, these early models are celebrated for their timeless style and the role they played in establishing Porsche as a leader in sports car manufacturing.

7. Honda S2000

The Honda S2000 is another car known for its striking rear design, which includes round tail lights that give the roadster a sporty, youthful appearance. Produced from 1999 to 2009, the S2000 became known for its high-revving engine and its ability to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. Its circular tail lights contribute to its balanced and streamlined look, emphasizing its compact, lightweight build.

The S2000’s tail lights are both functional and stylish, fitting perfectly with the car’s agile nature. This vehicle remains popular among car enthusiasts for its performance and distinct design, and its tail lights play a key role in its enduring appeal.

8. Chevrolet Camaro (1967-1969)

The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro, produced from 1967 to 1969, is a classic muscle car that embraced round tail lights in various models. The Camaro’s rear lights, particularly in the RS/SS trims, showcased a round or rounded-square design that gave it a powerful stance and made it one of the most recognized cars on the road.

The Camaro’s round tail lights added to its aggressive aesthetic, setting it apart from other muscle cars of the time. These lights became a hallmark of the model and contributed to its legacy as one of the quintessential American muscle cars. 

This classic look has been echoed in newer Camaro models, honoring the original design while incorporating modern elements.

9. Toyota Supra (A80)

The Toyota Supra, especially the A80 generation (1993–2002), is celebrated for its performance capabilities and its iconic round tail lights. This generation of the Supra became internationally famous, thanks to its appearances in movies and pop culture, as well as its massive appeal among car enthusiasts and tuners.

The A80 Supra’s circular tail lights give it a bold and assertive rear profile, complementing its muscular, aerodynamic shape. These lights have helped solidify the Supra’s status as one of the most legendary Japanese sports cars, and they remain a popular design feature in the car’s recent revival models.

10. Alfa Romeo 4C

The Alfa Romeo 4C, introduced in 2013, combines Italian styling with a lightweight, high-performance build. Its circular tail lights are a nod to classic Italian design, blending elegance with a sporty edge. The 4C’s rear design, featuring these round lights, enhances its streamlined appearance and makes it stand out among modern sports cars.

The 4C’s tail lights are as functional as they are stylish, adding to the car’s overall lightweight, performance-focused design. Alfa Romeo has a history of creating cars with unforgettable aesthetics, and the 4C’s tail lights contribute to its status as a modern classic.

Conclusion

Circle tail lights are more than just a design choice—they’re part of a car’s identity and help create an emotional connection for enthusiasts and collectors. From American muscle icons to Japanese performance legends, the cars with circle tail lights we’ve explored here represent some of the most cherished designs in automotive history. Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic feel of a classic car or the sleek style of a modern sports car, these round lights continue to captivate and inspire.