Butterfly doors, a design characterized by doors that ascend upwards and outwards like a butterfly’s wings, represent a striking and somewhat less common alternative to conventional car doors. While perhaps not as instantly recognizable as the gullwing doors of the classic Mercedes-Benz 300SL or the scissor doors famously associated with Lamborghini, butterfly doors have carved their own niche in automotive design, particularly within the Mercedes-Benz lineage.
The origin of upward-swinging doors can be traced back to the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing of the 1950s. However, the butterfly door mechanism, with its distinct outward and upward motion, appeared later in various models across different manufacturers.
Interestingly, for a significant period after the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, upward-swinging door designs were explored by a diverse range of manufacturers, sometimes appearing in rather unconventional vehicles. Beyond Mercedes-Benz, butterfly doors have been featured on production cars such as the Autozam AZ-1, Bricklin SV-1, DeLorean DMC-12, and even the Tesla Model X. This eclectic mix demonstrates the broad appeal and functional considerations that butterfly doors can offer in different automotive contexts.
However, within the Mercedes-Benz family, the butterfly door design experienced a resurgence in more recent times with the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in 2010. This model marked a significant point in Mercedes-Benz’s modern interpretation of upward-swinging doors, moving beyond the historical context of gullwing doors and embracing the butterfly mechanism for its flagship sports car.
It’s worth noting the distinction between butterfly doors and scissor doors, the latter famously popularized by Lamborghini starting with the Countach in the 1970s. Scissor doors ascend vertically, pivoting straight upwards from the front hinge, whereas butterfly doors move outwards as they swing upwards, creating a slightly different visual and spatial dynamic. While both are undeniably eye-catching, butterfly doors can sometimes be mistakenly perceived as a variation of scissor doors by casual observers.
Even some cars employing butterfly doors, like the SSC Aero, might be superficially compared to the scissor door aesthetic due to the upward swinging motion.
In conclusion, Mercedes-Benz butterfly doors, exemplified by the SLS AMG, represent a distinctive design choice that balances visual drama with functional considerations. While perhaps not as historically dominant in the public consciousness as gullwing or scissor doors, butterfly doors offer a unique and stylish way to enter and exit a vehicle, and continue to be a fascinating element in automotive design evolution. Beyond these dramatic door styles, other innovative approaches like sliding doors, as seen on the BMW Z1, demonstrate the continuous exploration of vehicle access and egress.
