The automotive industry has taken a bold turn, pushing the boundaries of design and performance. From elongated hoods and robust engines to extraordinary performance capabilities, cars have evolved into truly remarkable machines.
This article delves into a unique aspect of car design – suicide doors, also known as coach doors. The term “suicide doors” is derived from their unconventional opening mechanism and potential safety concerns for passengers, as they are hinged at the rear, posing a risk to both occupants and bystanders.
One notable risk is the potential for passengers to fall out if the doors fail to close properly. Despite this drawback, these doors offer the advantage of facilitating easier access to the cabin, contributing to a more spacious interior due to their innovative construction.
In the contemporary automotive landscape, Rolls-Royce stands out as a brand that consistently incorporates suicide doors into their designs. However, it’s worth noting that several other car manufacturers have embraced this distinctive feature, bringing a cool and unique flair to their models.
In the year 2024, let’s explore the top cars with suicide doors that you can consider adding to your collection.
How Suicide Doors Cars Are Unique?
Suicide doors, also known as rear-hinged doors, are a unique automotive feature that sets certain cars apart from the rest due to their distinctive design and historical significance. These doors are hinged at the rear rather than the front, which means they open in the opposite direction of conventional car doors. Here are some reasons why suicide doors are unique:
Historical Significance
- Early Popularity: Suicide doors were a popular feature in cars from the early 20th century through the 1930s. They were initially favored for their ease of access, especially for rear passengers. Cars such as the Lincoln Continental and various Rolls-Royce models prominently featured these doors during this period .
- Association with Luxury and Prestige: Historically, suicide doors have been associated with luxury vehicles. The design allowed for a more graceful and elegant way of entering and exiting the vehicle, particularly when attended by a chauffeur. This association with high-end cars has given suicide doors an air of prestige and exclusivity .
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
- Unique Appearance: Suicide doors provide a distinctive and stylish look that stands out in the automotive market. When opened, they offer a wide, unobstructed entryway that enhances the visual appeal of the car. This unique design can make a significant statement, emphasizing the vehicle’s elegance and innovation .
- Symmetry and Clean Lines: Rear-hinged doors can contribute to a car’s overall symmetry and aesthetic, especially when all doors are open simultaneously. This creates a balanced and harmonious appearance, enhancing the car’s overall design language .
Practicality and Functionality
- Ease of Access: One of the practical benefits of suicide doors is the ease of access they provide to the rear seats. The wide opening angle makes it easier for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle, which can be particularly useful in tight parking spaces or for individuals with mobility issues .
- Improved Passenger Experience: For luxury sedans and limousines, suicide doors can improve the passenger experience by making it easier to step in and out of the vehicle. This is especially important for chauffeur-driven cars, where the door configuration allows for more elegant entries and exits .
Safety Considerations
- Safety Improvements: Modern cars with suicide doors are equipped with advanced safety mechanisms to prevent accidents. These include interlocking systems that ensure the doors can only be opened when the car is stationary, thus addressing one of the primary safety concerns from earlier models .
- Structural Integrity: Advances in automotive engineering have improved the structural integrity of cars with suicide doors. Reinforced door frames and hinges, combined with modern materials, ensure that these doors do not compromise the safety of the vehicle in the event of a collision .
So check out the diverse range of vehicles with rear-hinged doors, including both new and used cars and SUVs equipped with fully functional suicide doors that you can consider for purchase.
1. Honda Element
Twenty years ago, the Honda Element made a distinctive entrance into the compact SUV scene. Unlike any other in its class, its space-efficient box shape was engineered to accommodate sizable loads, and its accessibility was enhanced by the presence of suicide doors, endearing it to dog owners.
While this setup might appear unconventional, it results in a broader opening compared to standard doors, facilitating easier access to the Element’s ample cargo space.
Aligned with its utilitarian character, this Honda SUV boasted scratch-resistant body panels, an interior adorned with washable materials, and rear seats that folded to the side – an ideal configuration for transporting mountain bikes, camping gear, surfboards, and beloved four-legged companions.
2. Lincoln Continental
In celebration of the 80th anniversary of the original 1939 Lincoln Continental, Lincoln introduced a limited-production Coach Door Edition for the 2019 and 2020 model years.
This special edition was based on the 10th-generation Continental luxury sedan, which made its debut in 2017. Marking the return of rear-hinged “coach” doors for Lincoln, a feature not seen since the 1969 Continental, only 80 units were crafted for the 2019 edition, and 150 for 2020. These exclusive models were available for purchase solely in the United States.
3. BMW i3
BMW’s i3 embodies its “i” for “innovation” badge with distinctive features. Occupying a garage space comparable to a standard small hatchback, the four-passenger i3 diverges significantly from the norm.
It boasts rear-wheel drive, a structure enveloped in plastic panels, crafted from carbon fiber and aluminum, and provides the choice between all-electric or gas-electric power.
The i3 stands out as the most stylish electric vehicle in the market, owing to its unique, boxy shape and suicide doors. With its agile, edgy design, the i3 exudes effortless style, reminiscent of an electric skateboard.
4. Ford Mustang Mach-E
Who said an SUV can’t be cool? The Ford Mustang Mach-E defies expectations as an electric SUV that channels the spirit of a classic pony car. Infused with a touch of muscle car coolness, its distinctive suicide doors and sharp aesthetics set it apart.
The Mustang Mach-E appears to have traded tradition for the electric runway, showcasing a bold departure from the conventional Mustang design. This electric SUV seamlessly blends the iconic Mustang legacy with modern innovation, making a statement that coolness knows no bounds, even in the world of SUVs.
With its unique features and electric prowess, the Mustang Mach-E carves out a niche that challenges preconceived notions about what makes a vehicle truly cool.
5. Ford Thunderbird
In its earlier iterations, the Ford Thunderbird was characterized by smaller, two-seater models. However, a significant shift occurred in 1968 when Ford, taking cues from industry trends, incorporated two suicide doors into the redesigned Thunderbird, shifting its focus from sportiness to luxury.
The four-door Thunderbird, with rear suicide doors facilitating entry into its spacious cabin, accommodates five passengers comfortably. Powered by a standard 390 cubic-inch V8 engine, the convertible variant was discontinued due to declining sales.
In 1968, Ford introduced the Landau top, giving the illusion of a convertible without the actual convertible functionality. While the transition from a sporty, two-seat vehicle to a larger four-door raised concerns for some enthusiasts, Ford aimed to compete with the luxury offerings of brands like Lincoln and Buick.
This iteration of the Thunderbird, featuring suicide doors, remained in production until 1971, when the model underwent another redesign.
6. Mazda MX-30
Derived from the RX-8, Mazda’s inaugural mass-produced battery-electric vehicle showcases the same elegant and upscale styling, featuring distinctive suicide doors. The MX-30, with its self-branded “Freestyle” doors, not only pays homage to Mazda’s design legacy but also offers convenient access to its chic cabin.
Emphasizing sustainability, the interior incorporates natural and eco-friendly materials like cork and breathable fabric upholstery crafted from recycled plastic bottles. This commitment to environmentally conscious design aligns with Mazda’s reputation for innovation, blending aesthetic appeal with a conscientious approach to materials.
The MX-30 stands as a testament to Mazda’s dedication to both style and sustainability in the realm of electric vehicles, setting a new standard for the brand’s commitment to a harmonious fusion of form and function.
7. Rolls-Royce Phantom
The Rolls-Royce Phantom, and other Rolls-Royce models, have what they call “coach doors,” which open like the doors on old stagecoaches. This makes a lot of sense for a fancy and expensive car, especially ones that are often driven by a chauffeur.
These doors make it easy for the chauffeur to quickly open the back door without getting out of the car. The Phantom Series II is the fanciest and most luxurious of them all, and it costs more than $450,000.
It has a really powerful 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine that can make 563 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. It’s a top-of-the-line luxury car for people who want the best of the best.
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