Cibié Bi-Iodes: The Best Early Porsche 911 Headlights?
The Overlooked Cibie 190mm Diameter Bi-Iodes
Porsche used 170mm diameter Cibie Bi-Iodes for their early rally cars which were produced in low numbers (Ford used them on the Escort also). As a result they are very hard to to find (almost unobtainium) and therefore expensive.
France based Cibie also produced 190mm diameter Bi-Iodes that were used on Peugeot and other French cars. They were made in much greater numbers than the 170's and are thus easier to find and less expensive. When mounted, from the front they look identical to the 170's. So why not use the 190’s on our Porsches? The reason has always been that they don’t fit in the Hella sealed beam buckets used for the 170mm lamps.
Solution - An Audette Collection Exclusive
Problem solved. Audette Collection has designed a proprietary mounting system that enables the 190mm Cibié Bi-Iodes to be mo10unted in the Hella buckets, making for a plug n’ play assembly for all air-cooled Porsches. Always very limited quantities.
Restoration Process
The restoration process at Audette Collection starts with our high quality original Cibie 190mm Bi-Iode cores and finishes with concours level headlamps. Reflectors are restored using the vapor deposited process, superior to silver plating. Aluminum is almost as reflective as silver and it does not tarnish over time.
Reflectance Comparison
Silver: .95512 = 100%
Aluminum: .91320 = 95.6%
Chrome: .60604 = 63.5%
Next comes assembly using the highest quality parts. The end result is suitable for high level concours cars which have won at notable events, such as the Concours on the Avenue in Carmel, California.
Restoration Process
- Reflectors – stripped and plated with vapor deposited aluminum
- Housings – media blasted and VHT painted or powder coated
- Lenses – original Cibie lenses
- Lens Gaskets – new
- Chrome Trim Rings – new
- Adjustment Screws – stainless steel new with nyloc nuts for easy removal
- OEM Fender Mounting Screws
- Fender Mounting Gaskets – the good thin ones
- Bulbs – new high performance Tungsram H1 bulbs
- Bench Tested
Delivery is currently running 8-10 weeks.
