Three Unique Car Doors That Steal the Show

The doors of the typical cars we know open by pulling.
However, in some vehicles, the doors open vertically or in the opposite direction, like the doors of old carriages, depending on the car’s body design and shape. These car doors are not commonly seen on the road but are widely seen in high-end sports cars or chauffeur-driven vehicles.

As unique as the car door designs are, they have clear advantages and disadvantages compared to regular cars. This time, let’s find out which car manufacturers mainly use these unique doors, what famous models have used them, and what stories are behind them.

Gullwing doors shaped like seagull wings on the Benz 300SL

Benz wanted a sturdy body to withstand harsh driving conditions in racing. Using a particular frame, they developed gullwing doors that open like a seagull’s wings. Because the door mounted on the ceiling opens upwards, it is easy for tall people to get in and out of the car. However, if the car flips over due to a traffic accident, you can’t open the door, which is extremely dangerous.

The design did not receive a positive response during its launch due to its unconventional appearance. However, the unique aura of the gullwing door significantly contributed to the Benz 300SL becoming a historic vehicle. Although Benz was the first to use this design, many other manufacturers have since adopted gullwing doors.

Butterfly doors that resemble butterfly wings

Another type of door that’s hard to see in ordinary vehicles is the butterfly door. The hinges are slanted, so the door opens by rotating upwards, similar to gullwing doors but with a different characteristic. However, like gullwing doors, you can’t easily see them in everyday life because they are mainly applied to high-end sports cars and supercars.

Lamborghini is famous for its models with butterfly doors. Everyone praises the sight of the door opening, which blends well with the low body. However, as with gullwing doors, butterfly doors have a significant safety flaw in the event of a traffic accident.

Coach doors of Rolls-Royce, a state car for dignitaries

One unique car door shape we can see without too much difficulty is the coach door, which operates similarly to how the back seat door of a carriage opens. The coach door, designed for a driver to open for a dignitary since ancient times, has a clear purpose and use. The paths do not overlap when opening the door, and the door naturally acts as a shield, making it suitable for security and state occasions.

The sense of openness of coach doors without a B-pillar is extraordinary. On the other hand, the stability of the car body is less than expected, and it is also weak against impact, which is the majority opinion. Rolls-Royce is the most famous brand for coach doors, and most of their vehicles are coach door style. The American luxury sedan Lincoln Continental also has a coach door. We have examined several cars with unique door designs and technologies that make a lasting impression.