What Are 'Suicide Doors' In Cars? How Are They Making A Comeback As A Luxury Icon?

Suicide doors are making a stylish comeback in modern cars, blending retro charm with luxury and innovation. Discover why this vintage design is capturing attention again.

Rolls-Royce has changed the perception regarding rear-hinged doors on cars from 'suicide doors' to a luxury symbol.

Source : Rolls Royce

In the ever-evolving world of automotive design, one feature has resurfaced from the past with a bold, unmistakable statement — 'suicide doors'. Known for their rear-hinged design, suicide doors open in the opposite direction of traditional car doors, swinging out from the rear rather than the front. While this design is far from new, it's gaining fresh attention as automakers revisit retro styling with modern flair.

What Were 'Suicide Doors' Called So

Suicide doors were once a common sight in cars of the 1930s and 1940s, lending an air of elegance and ease of access to luxury sedans and limousines. The Lincoln Continental of the 1960s famously flaunted them, turning heads and sparking envy wherever it went. But despite their charm, these doors slowly disappeared from mainstream models, primarily due to safety concerns.

In early designs, the absence of seatbelts and central locking mechanisms made it possible for the doors to fling open while the vehicle was in motion, posing a deadly risk. The term "suicide doors" was born out of this danger.

If a rear-hinged door accidentally opened while the vehicle was moving, especially at high speeds, the onrushing air could rip the door wide open, potentially pulling the passenger out of the vehicle. This was especially true in the days before seatbelts became standard.

Moreover, Passengers exiting the vehicle into oncoming traffic were at greater risk, especially since the doors opened into the path of passing vehicles. If struck, the door could slam shut or cause injury to the person exiting.

Why They're Making A Comeback

So why bring them back?

The answer lies in a blend of nostalgia, luxury, and innovation. Modern engineering has addressed the safety concerns of the past with advanced locking systems and reinforced hinges. Today's suicide doors are far from dangerous; they're a symbol of exclusivity and high-end design.

Brands like Rolls-Royce and extended-wheelbase luxury vehicles have embraced this feature to create an experience that's as dramatic as it is sophisticated. When those rear-hinged doors open outward, they invite passengers to step in—not climb in—offering a sense of ceremony that standard doors simply can't match.

More Than Just a Design Gimmick

But these doors are not just about looks. There's also a functional advantage. Suicide doors allow for easier ingress and egress, especially in tight parking spaces or when assisting someone into the back seat. The design provides a wider opening, making it particularly convenient for chauffeured rides, elderly passengers, or parents helping children in and out of the vehicle.

It's no wonder carmakers are experimenting again, bringing this vintage hallmark to concept cars and limited-edition models.

Modern Cars With 'Suicide Doors'

With rear-hinged doors now becoming a symbol of luxury, high-end cars are giving these doors a new identity, shedding the 'suicide' tag.

Some of the modern cars that use these doors are limousines, such as Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost, SUVs like Rolls-Royce Cullinan, sedans like Lincoln Continental Coach Door Edition, sports cars and Mazda RX-8.