12 Of The Weirdest and Most Unconventional Car Doors Ever Designed

In the world of automotive design, creativity knows no limits. Over the years, engineers and designers have dared to break tradition, introducing some of the strangest and most unconventional car doors ever seen.

These doors are bold statements that redefine how we interact with vehicles. Whether built for practicality, aerodynamics, or sheer visual impact, they stand as fascinating examples of automotive innovation.

Let’s take a closer look at twelve of the most unusual car door designs that have left an unforgettable mark on the industry.

1. Lamborghini Countach – Scissor Doors

The Lamborghini Countach’s scissor doors are a true icon of automotive design. These upward-opening doors not only look futuristic but also serve a practical purpose by making it easier to exit in tight spaces.

Introduced in the 1970s, they became synonymous with the Lamborghini brand. While other manufacturers have occasionally adopted similar designs, the Countach remains the most famous.

Despite their audacious appearance, the doors have stood the test of time. Practicality may be debatable, but the visual impact is undeniable, ensuring the Countach’s place in automotive history.

2. BMW Z1 – Slide Down Doors

The BMW Z1, introduced in the late 1980s, featured one of the most unique door mechanisms ever seen. Instead of swinging outward, the doors slid down into the car’s body, vanishing as if by magic.

This innovative design gave the Z1 an unmatched open-air experience, allowing drivers to enjoy the road like never before. However, despite its futuristic appeal, the complexity and high production cost meant that the Z1 remained a niche model.

Though short-lived, its disappearing doors remain one of the most fascinating experiments in automotive design.

3. Tesla Model X – Falcon Wing Doors

Tesla Model X’s falcon wing doors are a blend of style and functionality. Unlike traditional gullwing doors, these feature a double-hinge mechanism allowing them to open even in tight spaces.

Introduced in 2015, they were designed to improve rear seat access. This innovative approach to door design was met with mixed reactions, as some praised the ingenuity while others criticized the potential maintenance issues.

Despite the debate, the falcon wing doors have become a defining feature of the Model X, symbolizing Tesla’s commitment to innovation.

4. Koenigsegg Agera – Dihedral Synchro-Helix Doors

Koenigsegg is known for pushing boundaries, and its Agera hypercar features one of the most mesmerizing door mechanisms in existence.

Dubbed “Dihedral Synchro-Helix” doors, they rotate outward in a unique sweeping motion that resembles a helix in motion. More than just a visual spectacle, this design allows for easier entry and exit, even in confined spaces.

Koenigsegg’s commitment to engineering perfection has made these doors a signature feature across its lineup, proving that even something as simple as a door can be a masterpiece of design.

5. Mazda Autozam AZ-1 – Gullwing Doors

The Mazda Autozam AZ-1’s gullwing doors are as unexpected as they are captivating. This tiny sports car from the early 1990s featured doors typically reserved for high-end supercars.

The AZ-1’s compact design meant these doors were more about style than practicality, offering a dramatic flair to the small vehicle. Despite its limited production run, the gullwing doors have ensured the AZ-1 a cult following.

Nowadays, it stands as a quirky reminder of Mazda’s willingness to experiment with bold design choices, even in the subcompact segment.

6. McLaren F1 – Butterfly Doors

The McLaren F1 is often hailed as one of the greatest supercars ever made, and its innovative butterfly doors played a big part in its legendary status.

Unlike scissor doors that open straight up, butterfly doors pivot outward and upward, making them both visually striking and aerodynamically efficient. First introduced in the 1990s, this design wasn’t just for show—it improved accessibility while maintaining the car’s sleek silhouette.

The F1’s influence can still be seen today, as McLaren continues to use butterfly doors in its modern lineup.

7. Volkswagen XL1 – Dolphin Doors

The Volkswagen XL1 features a design that is as futuristic as it is efficient, and its dolphin doors are no exception. These doors open upwards and slightly forward, reminiscent of a dolphin’s flippers. This unique design not only adds to the car’s aerodynamics but also makes for a dramatic entrance.

The doors are hinged at the top and open in a sweeping motion. This allows for easier access into the compact vehicle, particularly useful for parking in tight urban spaces. The innovative design is a testament to Volkswagen’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design.

For those who appreciate form meeting function, the XL1’s dolphin doors offer both, making them a standout feature in the world of unconventional car design.

8. Fiat 600 Multipla – Suicide Doors

The Fiat 600 Multipla, a staple of 1950s European motoring, featured rear-hinged doors, commonly referred to as “suicide doors.”

These doors opened from the front, making it easier for passengers to enter and exit, particularly in the tight streets of European cities. However, this design also posed safety risks, as a door that accidentally opened while driving could be pulled away by oncoming wind.

Though this style has largely disappeared due to safety regulations, the Multipla’s doors are a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era in automotive history.

9. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren – Gullwing Doors

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren’s gullwing doors evoke a sense of speed and luxury. Inspired by the iconic 300SL, these doors were reimagined for the modern era.

Debuting in the mid-2000s, they offered both aesthetic appeal and functional access to the vehicle. While visually stunning, they require some space to open fully. The gullwing doors reinforce the SLR’s connection to Mercedes-Benz’s storied past, merging heritage with contemporary engineering.

They remain a symbol of elegance and performance, celebrated by both classic car lovers and modern enthusiasts alike.

10. Renault Avantime – Double-Hinged Doors

The Renault Avantime was a bold attempt at redefining luxury travel, and its unconventional double-hinged doors played a key role in its futuristic design.

Unlike standard car doors, these opened outward and slightly backward, maximizing the available entry space for passengers. Though the Avantime’s production run was short-lived, its innovative doors left a lasting impression.

They reflected Renault’s willingness to challenge conventional design norms, proving that even practical cars could embrace avant-garde engineering.

11. Rolls-Royce Phantom – Coach Doors

The Rolls-Royce Phantom’s coach doors are the epitome of luxury. Opening rearward, these doors offer a grand entry reminiscent of a bygone era.

Introduced with the modern Phantom in the early 2000s, they provide unmatched elegance and convenience. While some might see them as a nod to the past, they are equipped with modern safety features.

The coach doors are more than a stylistic choice; they embody the Rolls-Royce philosophy of effortless elegance. They continue to captivate, representing the pinnacle of automotive luxury and craftsmanship.

12. Lincoln Continental – Suicide Doors

The Lincoln Continental’s rear-hinged suicide doors became one of the most iconic features in American automotive history.

Popular in the 1960s, these doors allowed for easy access and a strikingly elegant profile. While concerns over safety led to their disappearance in later years, their distinctive charm remained unmatched.

The Continental’s doors became a symbol of luxury and prestige, solidifying its place in the golden age of American automobiles. Though rare today, they are still celebrated as a hallmark of classic car design.