Back when headlights were fixed round or rectangular bulbs the pop-ups could improve aerodynamics. Now that headlights can be shaped into the body lines there is no aerodynamic benefit and with worldwide pedestrian safety regulations the pop-up headlight is dead.
People really like those pop-ups. The first generation Miata had pop-ups and those are really starting to appreciate in value now. A few years ago you could pick nice examples up for less than $2000 all day long, now a decent one will run $5000, even riced out, beat up cars will fetch over $2000 and on BaT really nice, low mileage examples are going over$20,000, considerably more than they cost new. People really like those pop-ups.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm1J42mnKho
Yeah, I think pop up headlights are cool, with the coolest being the vacuum powered ones like on the old Corvettes.