Have you ever seen a car with doors that open vertically instead of horizontally? Those are scissor doors, also known as Lambo doors due to their association with Lamborghini cars. Scissor doors are a type of hinge door system that allows the door to rotate vertically and lift upwards, giving the car a unique and eye-catching look.
While scissor doors are often associated with luxury sports cars, they can be installed on a variety of vehicles. The hinge system is bolted onto the car’s frame and the door is attached to the hinge, which allows it to swing upwards. Scissor doors are often used as a modification to enhance the appearance of a car and make it stand out from the crowd. If you’re considering installing scissor doors on your car, it’s important to note that they may not be street legal in all areas and could potentially void your car’s warranty.
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History of Scissor Doors
Scissor doors, also known as “Lambo doors,” are a type of car door that opens vertically, instead of swinging outward like traditional doors. The first car to feature scissor doors was the 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo concept car, designed by Bertone’s Marcello Gandini. The design was a hit, and it quickly became a hallmark of the Lamborghini brand.
The scissor door design was initially created to make it easier for drivers to enter and exit the vehicle in tight spaces. The doors open upwards and outwards, which means they take up less space than traditional doors when opened. This design feature also gives the car a more futuristic and sporty appearance.
Over the years, scissor doors have become increasingly popular, and they can now be found on a variety of high-end sports cars and luxury vehicles. Some of the most popular cars with scissor doors include the Lamborghini Aventador, the McLaren 720S, and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
While scissor doors are undoubtedly eye-catching and stylish, they do have some drawbacks. For one thing, they can be more difficult and expensive to repair than traditional doors. Additionally, they can be more difficult to operate in certain situations, such as when parked on a steep incline or in a crowded parking lot.
Despite these drawbacks, scissor doors remain a popular design feature for sports cars and luxury vehicles, and they are likely to continue to be a hallmark of high-end automotive design for years to come.
How Scissor Doors Work
Scissor doors, also known as Lambo doors, are a type of car door that opens vertically instead of horizontally. The door hinges at the bottom and swings upward, giving the car a unique and stylish look. The name “scissor” comes from the way the door moves, resembling a pair of scissors.
The scissor door mechanism consists of a hinge that is mounted to the car’s A-pillar and a hydraulic strut that is attached to the door. When the door is closed, the hydraulic strut is compressed, and the hinge is locked in place. When the door is opened, the hydraulic strut extends, pushing the door upward and out.
Scissor doors are not just for show; they also have practical benefits. They allow for easier entry and exit from the car, especially in tight parking spaces. They also provide better visibility when the door is open, as the door does not obstruct the driver’s view.
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Benefits of Scissor Doors
Scissor doors offer several benefits that make them a popular choice among car enthusiasts. Here are some of the benefits of scissor doors:
- Unique Aesthetic Appeal: Scissor doors add a unique and eye-catching look to any vehicle. They are often associated with high-end sports cars and exude a sense of luxury and exclusivity.
- Improved Accessibility: Scissor doors open vertically, which makes getting in and out of the car easier, especially in tight parking spaces. This is because the doors don’t require as much horizontal clearance as traditional doors.
- Increased Visibility: Scissor doors can provide better visibility for the driver and passengers. This is because the doors open upward, which can give a better view of the surroundings. This is particularly useful when reversing or parking.
- Enhanced Safety: Scissor doors can also improve safety by preventing the doors from swinging open in the event of an accident. This is because the doors open upward and are less likely to collide with other objects.
- Versatility: Some scissor doors are designed to open both vertically and horizontally, offering the user the best of both worlds. This can be particularly useful in situations where the user needs to access the car in a specific way.
Overall, scissor doors provide a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for many car enthusiasts. From improved accessibility to enhanced safety, scissor doors offer a unique and practical solution for those looking to upgrade their vehicle.
Drawbacks of Scissor Doors
While scissor doors can add a unique and futuristic look to a car, they come with a few drawbacks. One of the biggest disadvantages is that they require more maintenance than traditional car doors. The hinges and hydraulics that allow the doors to open and close can wear out more quickly, and fixing them can be costly.
Another issue with scissor doors is that they can be difficult to open and close in tight spaces. Since the doors open upwards and outwards, they require more clearance than regular car doors. This can be problematic in parking lots or garages with low ceilings.
Finally, scissor doors can be a safety hazard in the event of an accident. If the car is flipped over or on its side, the doors may not be able to open, making it difficult or impossible for passengers to escape.
Despite these drawbacks, scissor doors remain a popular feature on many high-end sports cars and luxury vehicles. With proper maintenance and care, they can add a touch of style and sophistication to any car.
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Popular Cars with Scissor Doors
Scissor doors, also known as “Lambo doors,” are a unique feature that has become synonymous with Lamborghini. However, Lamborghini was not the first car brand to feature this iconic door design. Alfa Romeo was the first to introduce scissor doors in their 1968 Carabo concept car.
Today, many high-end car manufacturers have incorporated scissor doors into their designs, making them a popular feature among exclusive sports cars. Some of the most popular cars with scissor doors include the following:
- Lamborghini Aventador: This flagship model from Lamborghini features scissor doors that open upwards, adding to its aggressive and futuristic look.
- McLaren 720S: The McLaren 720S is a supercar that features dihedral doors, which are a type of scissor door that opens upwards and outwards.
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: The SLS AMG is a grand tourer that features scissor doors that open upwards, giving it a unique and sporty look.
- Koenigsegg Agera RS: The Agera RS is a hypercar that features scissor doors that open upwards, adding to its aerodynamic design.
- Pagani Huayra: The Huayra is a supercar that features gull-wing doors, which are a type of scissor door that opens upwards and outwards.
Scissor doors are not only a unique design feature but also add to the overall aerodynamics and performance of a car. They are also a symbol of exclusivity and luxury in the automotive world.
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Scissor Doors vs. Other Door Types
When it comes to car doors, there are many different types to choose from. Scissor doors are just one of them. Here’s a quick comparison of scissor doors with other types of doors.
Gullwing Doors
Gullwing doors are named after the shape of a seagull’s wings. They are hinged at the roof and open upwards like scissor doors. However, they have a different shape and are more commonly found on sports cars and supercars. Gullwing doors are known for their unique appearance and can make getting in and out of a car easier.
Butterfly Doors
Butterfly doors, also known as vertical doors, are hinged at the A-pillar and open upwards like scissor doors. However, instead of pivoting at the front of the door, they pivot in the middle, giving them a distinctive butterfly-like appearance. Butterfly doors are often found on high-end sports cars and supercars and can make getting in and out of a car easier.
Suicide Doors
Suicide doors, also known as coach doors, are hinged at the rear and open in the opposite direction of standard doors. They were once popular on classic cars, but are now rare. Suicide doors can make getting in and out of a car easier, but they are also less safe than standard doors in the event of an accident.
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Installation of Scissor Doors
Installing scissor doors is a complex process that requires expertise and precision. It is recommended that you seek the help of a professional installer to ensure that the job is done correctly. The installation process involves removing the existing doors, modifying the hinge mechanism, and installing the scissor doors. The process may take several hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the installation.
One of the key factors to consider when installing scissor doors is the weight of the doors. Scissor doors are heavier than regular doors, which means that the hinge mechanism must be strong enough to support the weight of the doors. This is why it is important to use high-quality hinge systems that are custom made for your vehicle.
Another important consideration is the alignment of the doors. Scissor doors must be aligned precisely to ensure that they open and close smoothly. This requires careful measurement and adjustment of the hinge mechanism. A professional installer will have the tools and expertise to ensure that the doors are aligned correctly.
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Regulations and Legal Considerations
When it comes to installing scissor doors, there are certain regulations and legal considerations that must be taken into account. These regulations vary depending on the location and intended use of the vehicle.
In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has specific regulations regarding modifications to vehicles that affect safety. It is important to ensure that any modifications made to a vehicle, including the installation of scissor doors, comply with these regulations.
Additionally, some states have their own regulations regarding vehicle modifications. For example, California requires that all vehicle modifications be approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) before they can be legally installed.
It is also important to consider the potential legal implications of installing scissor doors. If a vehicle is involved in an accident and it is determined that the modifications made to the vehicle contributed to the accident, the owner of the vehicle could be held liable.
Overall, it is important to do thorough research and consult with professionals before installing scissor doors on a vehicle. By following regulations and legal considerations, vehicle owners can ensure that their modifications are safe and legal.
