In vehicle design, few features captivate the imagination as profoundly as gullwing doors. These upward-opening mechanisms transform a routine vehicle entry into a striking visual experience, reminiscent of a bird spreading its wings before takeoff (hence their name).
Let’s explore some of the most renowned cars with gullwing doors throughout automotive history.
List of cars with gullwing doors
The following are some cars with gull wings doors:
1. Apollo IE
The Apollo Intensa Emozione (IE) represents the pinnacle of modern hypercar design with its aggressive, track-focused aesthetics. Powered by an aspirated 6.3-liter V12 engine, it delivers raw performance and an unfiltered driving experience. Its carbon-fiber monocoque frame and striking gullwing doors embody a design philosophy centered on driving purity rather than mere performance figures. When these doors open, they reveal a race-inspired cockpit, ensuring that every entry and exit feels just as exhilarating as the drive itself.
2. Aston Martin Valkyrie
The Valkyrie is Aston Martin's most extreme design, developed in collaboration with Red Bull Racing's Adrian Newey. While the original 1979 Aston Martin Bulldog featured gullwing doors, the Valkyrie brings this concept into the future. Its naturally aspirated V12 and Formula 1-inspired aerodynamics create a hypercar that pushes the limits of road-legal performance. The Valkyrie's gullwing doors seamlessly complement its aerodynamic body, delivering a striking visual impact.
3. DMC DeLorean
Few gullwing-door cars have made as significant a mark on pop culture as the DeLorean DMC-12. Its iconic role in the Back to the Future films solidified its legendary status. However, even without its cinematic fame, the stainless steel-bodied sports car would have remained unforgettable due to its distinctive design. Created by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the DMC-12 features an unfinished, stainless steel exterior that further enhances its appeal.
4. Mercedes-Benz 300SL
No discussion of gullwing doors is complete without acknowledging the pioneer: the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Debuting in 1954, this legendary sports car introduced gullwing doors not as a stylistic choice but as an engineering necessity. Its tubular space frame required high sides, making conventional doors impractical. The resulting gullwing design transformed a technical constraint into the car’s most iconic feature.
5. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Mercedes pays tribute to its gullwing heritage with the SLS AMG, a modern interpretation of the 300SL’s spirit. Introduced in 2010, the SLS AMG features a hand-built 6.2-liter V8 engine positioned behind the front axle for optimal weight distribution. Unlike its predecessor, the SLS AMG’s gullwing doors were designed purely for their dramatic impact rather than structural necessity.
6. Pagani Huayra
The Pagani Huayra symbolises Italian hypercar craftsmanship with its fine attention to detail and artistic approach to automotive design. This exclusive car, limited to 100 pieces, boasts twin-turbocharged AMG V12 power and active aerodynamics. The Huayra's gullwing doors suit its flowing lines and aircraft-inspired design elements.
7. Porsche 906
Also known as the Carrera 6, the Porsche 906 represents the German manufacturer's mid-1960s race program. This lightweight race car featured a fibreglass body and a mid-mounted flat-six engine. The 906 gullwing doors served functional and artistic goals, allowing better entry in tight pit lane situations while improving the car's racing capability.
8. Tesla Model X
Tesla brought gullwing doors—which they sell as "Falcon Wing" doors—into the electric car era with the Model X. Unlike traditional gullwing designs, the Model X features a double-hinged system allowing open doors in smaller areas. These highly complicated doors are equipped with sensors to avoid accidents and add a modern touch to a family car. The Model X shows that gullwing doors aren't limited to sports cars and can improve the usability of everyday vehicles.
Conclusion
While gullwing doors may require a bigger garage and add complexity to a vehicle's design, they turn the simple act of entering and leaving into a unique experience. Whether born from engineering necessity or included purely for dramatic effect, these unique doors continue to captivate automobile fans worldwide.
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