Why Did Cars Have 'Suicide Doors' and Do They Still Exist?

The suicide door isn't the only type of vehicle doors to operate with a surprising hinge. Gullwing doors, like the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL of the 1950s, have the hinges at the top, so the doors lift upward and look like the wings of a seagull. There are also "scissor doors" like those of the Lamborghini that have a hinge at the front, but rather than opening out like usual, the door slides upward and out of the way. They were designed to let the driver see behind the Lamborghini Countach while reversing. That's how horrible the rear visibility was in that car.

But back before World War II, there was a fad in the United States for putting the hinges of the rear doors near the rear tires, so the doors opened "backward." These rear-hinged doors (called "coach doors" in the auto business) had the advantage of making it easier for the passenger to enter and exit the vehicle. So, how did they wind up getting called suicide doors?

In order to explain how rear suicide doors got their name, it's important to remember that safety standards were much more lax back in the day. At the time, cars didn’t have seat belts, and doors often lacked safety latches. This meant that if a suicide door wasn’t properly shut, it could fly open during a drive.

The term "suicide doors" may seem extreme, but it refers to the significant safety risks involved. Imagine traveling at high speed and the door accidentally opening. With the wind pushing against it, the door would fly wide open, making it difficult to close again while the car was moving. If a passenger leaned too far out or tried to exit the vehicle, the chances of injury or even being thrown from the moving car were high.

This danger was amplified before the widespread use of seat belts and advanced safety features. Passengers could be ejected from the car if they weren’t careful, leading to accidents and fatalities. The association between the doors and these dangerous situations is what gave them their dark name.

Despite this clear explanation, suicide doors continue to inspire strange theories. For example, some people think that gangsters could more easily push enemies out of these doors, which again, is not really a person visiting violence on himself.

Another theory says that anyone getting out of the back seat on the street side when parked at the curb could be crushed by an oncoming car hitting the door. It's not a very convincing explanation.

Suicide doors were design features of midcentury Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars. The Lincoln Continental of the 1960s was quite famous for its center-opening doors. In 2019 and 2020, the Continental was again available in a limited edition with suicide doors. It was a swan song for the Continental, as the nameplate was retired for 2021.

As car designs evolved and safety standards improved, suicide doors became less common. Manufacturers focused more on creating cars that protected passengers, especially during accidents. The risks posed by rear-hinged doors were seen as too high, and many brands started phasing them out in favor of the safer, front-hinged alternative.

By the mid-20th century, suicide doors were largely a thing of the past. The introduction of seat belts, safety latches, and stronger car frames made front-hinged doors the norm. Consumers wanted vehicles that were both stylish and safe, and manufacturers responded to these demands. The convenience of suicide doors no longer outweighed the potential risks.

Do Suicide Doors Still Exist Today?

Although they fell out of mainstream use, suicide doors haven’t disappeared completely. In recent years, some carmakers have reintroduced this classic feature, often as a way to add a touch of vintage style to modern vehicles. For example, the Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Lincoln Continental both feature rear-hinged doors, though with modern safety measures that reduce the risks.

Unlike the early days of motoring, today’s cars with suicide doors are equipped with advanced safety features. These include automatic locks, electronic sensors, and high-tech door latches. These additions help prevent accidents and make the doors much safer than they were in the past. However, the unique style of suicide doors often appeals to car enthusiasts and buyers looking for something distinctive.

Are Rear-Hinged Backseat Doors Safer Now?

Today’s version of suicide doors is far safer than their predecessors. Modern engineering and technology have addressed many of the risks that once came with rear-hinged doors. For example, cars now come with strong door latches that prevent accidental openings while the car is moving. Additionally, advanced safety features like airbags and automatic locking mechanisms make these doors less hazardous.

Another factor is that many cars with doors hinged at the back are now part of luxury or limited-edition models. These cars usually come with the latest safety technologies, making them much safer for drivers and passengers alike. While the risks haven’t been entirely eliminated, they are much lower than they were in the early days of motoring.

If you're fascinated by rear access doors, clamshell doors, or any freestyle doors that deviate from the norm, the concept car market might be the place to geek out. As for mainstream car buyers, getting your hands on a vehicle with rear suicide doors will cost you!

This article was updated in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.