Suicide Door Models...

I've always that suicide doors were cool.  I wonder how many legs have been lost to opening those doors into traffic? 

Here's what Ai said about how they got the name.  

It sounds like a name straight out of a noir film, doesn’t it? The term "suicide doors" refers to car doors that are hinged at the rear rather than the front, opening backward.

While car manufacturers prefer more elegant terms like "coach doors" (Rolls-Royce) or "freestyle doors" (Mazda), the morbid nickname stuck for a few very practical—and slightly terrifying—reasons.

Why the Grim Name?

The term gained popularity in the mid-20th century due to three main safety flaws inherent in the design of that era:

• The Airflow Factor: If a rear-hinged door wasn't latched perfectly, the wind resistance at high speeds would catch the edge and yank the door wide open. In the days before seatbelts, a passenger leaning against the door (or trying to pull it shut) could easily be pulled right out of the car.

• The "Ejection" Risk: If you fell out of a front-hinged door, the door would likely hit you or stay out of the way. With a suicide door, the door would effectively "sweep" you out and then potentially crush you as it swung back.

• Parking Hazards: If a passenger was exiting the car on the street side and a passing vehicle hit the door, the door would be slammed shut onto the passenger rather than being ripped away from the car.

A History of Style vs. Safety

Despite the scary name, these doors weren't designed to be dangerous; they were designed for luxury and convenience.