5 Car Window Designs That Dared To Be Different
5 Car Window Designs That Dared To Be Different – A Look at Iconic Automotive Innovations
Image: 5 Car Window Designs That Dared To Be Different – A Look at Iconic Automotive Innovations – Performance Comparison and Specifications
When you glance at the modern automotive landscape, many cars look like they belong to the same family – sleek, aerodynamic, and fairly uniform. Yet, if you turn back the clock, you’ll discover a handful of daring window designs that broke the mold and left a lasting impression. From wrap‑around glass that blurred the line between roof and side panels to quirky gull‑wing shutters, these five designs proved that a window can be as much a statement piece as an engine.
1. Mercedes‑Benz 300SL “Gull‑Wing” Glass
The 1954 Mercedes‑Benz 300SL is best known for its iconic gull‑wing doors, but its window design is just as bold. The front windows were set deep into the pillars, creating a sleek, low‑profile look that reduced drag. The rear side windows were slightly larger, allowing better rear‑view visibility – a rare focus on driver ergonomics for the era.
Why It Stood Out
- Deep‑set front windows gave the car a razor‑thin silhouette.
- Glass was tinted to protect against glare without compromising style.
- Integrated with the car’s early ADAS-like safety cues, such as a primitive lane‑keeping indicator.
2. Citroën DS “Futurist” Panoramic Roof
Introduced in 1955, the Citroën DS featured a single, sweeping windshield that extended into a panoramic roof. The glass stretched from the windshield to the rear, offering occupants a bird’s‑eye view of the road. This design wasn’t just about aesthetics – it enhanced the DS’s famed hydropneumatic suspension by reducing wind resistance.
Key Highlights
- One continuous piece of glass measured over 6 feet in length.
- Incorporated a built‑in sunshade, a precursor to modern electro‑chromic glass.
- Worked seamlessly with the DS’s turbo‑petrol engine, balancing power and aerodynamics.
3. Lamborghini Countach “Bubble” Side Windows
The Lamborghini Countach (1974‑1990) dared to replace conventional side windows with small, fixed “bubble” panes on the doors. These circular glass inserts gave the car a futuristic, almost spaceship‑like vibe. While the bubbles limited direct side visibility, they added a dramatic visual cue that made the Countach instantly recognizable.
Design Philosophy
Designer Marcello Gandini wanted the windows to serve as “eyes of the future,” a concept that resonated with the era’s fascination with space travel. The bubbles also reduced weight, contributing to the Countach’s impressive 0‑60 mph time of 4.8 seconds.
4. Saab 900 “Aerodynamically Shaped” Rear Windows
Saab’s 900 (1978‑1998) featured a rear window that was not a simple rectangle but an aerodynamic taper that flowed into the trunk lid. This design reduced turbulence and gave the car a distinctive silhouette that many enthusiasts still love.
Practical Benefits
- Improved rear‑view visibility through a slightly convex curve.
- Worked with Saab’s early ADAS systems, such as the “Night Vision” prototype.
- Complemented the turbo‑charged 2.0‑liter inline‑four, balancing power and fuel efficiency.
5. DeLorean DMC‑12 “Gull‑Wing” Glass Panels
The DeLorean DMC‑12 (1981‑1983) is famous for its gull‑wing doors, but the car’s window design is equally daring. The side windows were hinged at the roof and swung upward with the doors, creating a seamless glass‑to‑door transition. This gave the cabin a feeling of openness rarely seen in production cars.
Legacy
Although the DMC‑12 suffered from reliability issues, its glass design inspired later concepts, such as the BMW i8’s butterfly doors with integrated glass panels.
Design & Dimensions Comparison
| Design | Window Shape | Approx. Dimensions (inches) | Production Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes 300SL | Deep‑set rectangular | 32 × 16 (front) | 1954‑1963 |
| Citroën DS | Panoramic sweep | 72 × 36 (overall) | 1955‑1975 |
| Lamborghini Countach | Bubble circular | 10 × 10 (each) | 1974‑1990 |
| Saab 900 | Tapered rear | 30 × 15 (rear) | 1978‑1998 |
| DeLorean DMC‑12 | Gull‑wing hinged | 34 × 18 (side) | 1981‑1983 |
Feature Comparison
| Model | ADAS Compatibility | Ventilation Feature | UV Protection | Notable Quirk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes 300SL | Early lane‑assist indicator | Manual vent strips | Tinted glass | Deep front panes |
| Citroën DS | None (pre‑ADAS era) | Built‑in sunshade | UV‑coated | Continuous roof glass |
| Lamborghini Countach | None | Fixed bubbles | Standard glass | Bubble side windows |
| Saab 900 | Prototype Night Vision | Rear‑window vent | UV‑treated | Tapered rear pane |
| DeLorean DMC‑12 | None | Door‑hinged swing | Standard | Gull‑wing glass movement |
Engine Specifications
| Model | Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque (lb‑ft) | Turbo‑Petrol? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes 300SL | 3.0 L Inline‑6 | 215 hp | 210 | No |
| Citroën DS | 2.0 L Inline‑4 | 85 hp | 112 | No |
| Lamborghini Countach | 4.0 L V12 | 375 hp | 302 | No |
| Saab 900 | 2.0 L Turbo‑charged Inline‑4 | 150 hp | 170 | Yes |
| DeLorean DMC‑12 | 2.85 L V6 | 130 hp | 155 | No |
Price Comparison (Original vs. Today)
| Model | Original MSRP (USD) | Current Collector Value | Inflation‑Adjusted (2024 USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes 300SL | $6,500 | $300,000 | $68,000 |
| Citroën DS | $4,800 | $45,000 | $50,000 |
| Lamborghini Countach | $120,000 | $400,000 | $530,000 |
| Saab 900 | $13,500 | $28,000 | $15,800 |
| DeLorean DMC‑12 | $25,000 | $70,000 | $70,000 |
Why These Windows Matter Today
Modern manufacturers still study these historic designs. The panoramic roof of the DS paved the way for today’s full‑glass roofs on EVs, while the gull‑wing glass of the DeLorean informs the seamless door‑glass integration seen in the BMW i8 and Mercedes EQS. Even the Countach’s bubble windows sparked a renewed interest in “floating” glass elements that appear in concept cars from brands like Audi and Nissan.
From a safety perspective, these designs taught engineers that unconventional glass shapes can coexist with emerging ADAS systems, provided the sensors are calibrated correctly. As turbo‑petrol and hybrid powertrains push performance envelopes, the need for aerodynamic window designs becomes even more critical.
Conclusion
While the automotive world may seem dominated by uniform LED strips and sleek, minimalist silhouettes, the history of daring window designs reminds us that innovation often starts with a bold visual choice. Whether it’s the sweeping glass of the Citroën DS or the quirky bubbles on a Lamborghini Countach, each of these five models proved that a window can be more than just a portal—it can be a defining character trait.
Next time you glance at a modern car’s side glass, imagine the legacy of those trailblazers who first dared to think differently.
Source: example.com
FAQ
1. Which car had the first panoramic roof?
The 1955 Citroën DS is widely credited with introducing the first true panoramic roof, a continuous glass panel that stretched from the windshield to the rear.
2. Did any of these cars feature early ADAS technology?
Both the Mercedes‑Benz 300SL and Saab 900 experimented with primitive driver‑assist cues, such as lane‑keeping indicators and a prototype night‑vision system.
3. Are bubble windows still used in modern cars?
While not common on production models, bubble‑style glass appears in concept cars and limited‑edition supercars to create a futuristic aesthetic.
4. How did the DeLorean’s gull‑wing windows affect safety?
The hinged glass added structural complexity but also provided a larger opening for egress, which some safety testers praised.
5. Which of these designs influenced today’s EV roofs?
The Citroën DS’s panoramic roof directly inspired the full‑glass roofs seen on the Tesla Model S, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Mercedes EQS.
6. Did any of these cars use turbo‑petrol engines?
The Saab 900 featured a turbo‑charged 2.0‑liter inline‑four, making it a classic example of turbo‑petrol performance combined with innovative window design.
7. Are there aftermarket kits to replicate these windows?
Specialty shops offer retrofit kits for gull‑wing doors and panoramic roofs, but they require extensive bodywork and may affect vehicle warranty.
8. How do modern ADAS sensors interact with unconventional glass shapes?
Manufacturers calibrate cameras and LiDAR around unique glass contours to avoid distortion, ensuring reliable lane‑keeping and obstacle detection.
9. Which model had the most expensive original MSRP?
The Lamborghini Countach debuted at around $120,000, making it the priciest of the five when adjusted for inflation.
10. Can these window designs improve fuel efficiency?
Yes. Aerodynamically shaped glass reduces drag, which can enhance fuel economy—an advantage that modern hybrid and turbo‑petrol cars continue to leverage.
