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Boat tail designs have long captivated car enthusiasts, with their sleek, tapered rear ends inspired by the shapes of boats. First seen in 1906 on the Franklin, the style became more popular in the 1920s and 1930s as automakers began incorporating aerodynamic, flowing shapes to enhance both form and function. Over the decades, boat tails have remained an elegant and bold statement in automotive design, making a resurgence in the mid-20th century and again in recent years. Here's a look at 10 iconic boat tail cars, spanning nearly a century of automotive history.
2024 Cadillac Sollei Concept
Cadillac’s return to boat tail design is embodied in the 2024 Sollei Concept, a convertible version of the Celestiq. This car pays tribute to Cadillac's rich history of convertible luxury while embracing modern, innovative boat tail styling. Available through Cadillac’s custom commission facility, it reflects the brand's continued dedication to luxury and exclusivity.
2021 Rolls-Royce Boat Tail
One of the most exclusive and expensive cars ever made, the 2021 Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is a modern homage to the company's early boat tail models from the 1910s. With only three units produced, it’s believed to have a price tag of $28 million. This bespoke creation was built at Rolls-Royce’s specialized coachbuilding division in Goodwood, showcasing the height of luxury and craftsmanship.
2017 Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet
The Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet, revealed in 2017, marks a recent revival of boat tail design. The concept car’s smooth, flowing lines and tapered rear end recall the elegance of classic boat tail cars, offering a futuristic take on the design. Though it hasn’t made it to production, it stands as a testament to the ongoing appeal of this iconic style.
1971 Buick Riviera
The 1971 Buick Riviera, designed by Jerry Hirshberg under Bill Mitchell’s direction, adopted a radical boat tail style. With its dramatic rear end, it was a bold departure from traditional designs. Unfortunately, it didn’t catch on, and the following 1974 model returned to a more conventional flat rear end.
1956 Buick Centurion XP-301
The Buick Centurion XP-301, introduced in 1956, featured a boat-tail rear that housed a rear-view camera—a groundbreaking feature for its time. Designed by Chuck Jordan, it was a revolutionary concept in car design, merging futuristic technology with the sleek lines of the boat tail style.
1956 Oldsmobile Golden Rocket
The 1956 Oldsmobile Golden Rocket took a different spin on boat tail styling, with designer Richard Teague crafting the rear end to resemble a rocket. The tapered tail drew influence from classic boat tail designs, marking a time when the automotive world rediscovered the allure of this unique shape.
1938 Ford “Staten Island” Boat Tail Custom
In 1938, a Ford V8 was modified to include a boat tail made from a 1929 Auburn. This one-of-a-kind custom car, photographed on Staten Island in 1946, had its wheelbase extended to accommodate the striking rear end. Edsel Ford also commissioned a boat tail of his own in 1932, further cementing the style’s place in automotive history.
1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Boat Tail Speedster
Auburn was a pioneer of boat tail designs, and the 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster represents the peak of their efforts. Designed by Alan Leamy, this stunning car embodied the bold, elegant lines of the 1930s, though the company’s financial troubles after the Wall Street Crash led to its closure by 1937.
1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Boattail Tourer
The 1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental, re-bodied as a boat-tail tourer in the 1970s, is a stunning example of classic luxury meeting aerodynamic elegance. Originally built with saloon coachwork, this car’s redesign showcases the enduring appeal of boat tail aesthetics in a luxury automobile.
1929 Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer Boat Tail
The 1929 Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer is an early example of the boat tail design, featuring a lightweight and aerodynamic body created by coachbuilder Barker. Based on the 1927 Mercedes S-Type, it was one of the most powerful cars of its era, blending performance with stylish, flowing lines.
Throughout the decades, boat tail designs have continuously evolved, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of automotive designers. From the elegant curves of pre-war luxury cars to the modern interpretations seen in the 21st century, boat tail cars remain a symbol of innovation and beauty in the automotive world.