Which car had the coolest spoiler or wing?
Spoiler alert! We’re talking about a subject that may prove divisive along generational lines. I’m not even gonna mention the most obvious spoiler or wing; it will undoubtedly be the most-cited submission in the comments section below. Instead I wish to expand everyone’s horizons with some lesser-known examples.
First, for the record, we’ll make a distinction between wings and spoilers. Put in the simplest terms, wings are usually elevated off of the decklid and larger in surface area, using the air coming off of the car to push down on the rear end and thus increase stability at speed. Spoilers—often positioned lower down and somewhat flush with the body, also involve airflow, but in this case for the purpose of directing up and air away from the car. Doing so prevents air turbulence that would otherwise result from the interaction of the high-pressure airflow and the low-pressure air behind the car.
Because there have been insane spoilers from all generations, and from all corners of the world. The Mk. IV Supra Turbo is far from an obscure, deep cut in the world of automotive downforce, but it’s gone from niche, tuner curiosity blue chip investment—and modern performance icon. That wing is unmistakable.
But here’s one I bet you didn’t remember: The 1980s was a time when spoilers went mainstream, promoting themselves as beneficial to both high performance and fuel efficiency. The little dovetail at the end of the 1983–1986 Ford Thunderbird personified a newfound interest in aerodynamics for everyone. It’s also a beautifully subtle touch that introduced the styling flair to a buying public, one that now expects this stuff built into the product from Day One. And how great is that?
Then there’s the complete opposite side of the spectrum. How about an insane wing mounted to am equally insane English body, purpose-built maximize downforce depending on the dynamics of the given moment? In some circles, the McLaren Senna’s could very well be the ultimate spoiler, as it’s both adjustable and hangs in the air instead of being firmly attached by two pillars. Has any manufacturer put more thought into a wing?
Yes, there’s that oh-so-famous, extremely rare/desirable/valuable, radically bewinged muscle car that I haven’t included in my diabolical brain teaser. Because what good is giving you what you already have in mind?
So without any further ado, which car had the best spoiler or wing?
Though not a Dodge guy, I vote for the ’69 Daytona. The sheer audacity of that wing guarantee’s it a place on any list of best spoilers.
Plus, you can stay in shape doing chin ups on it!
Back in the ’80s a friend had a Roadrunner Superbird. At a car show, when he wasn’t around, some of us tied a laundry line to the wing and the other end to a tree. We adorned it with various undergarments.
He was not amused.
Yes I second the Daytona Charger.
I’m biased bring a Charger guy.
It worked very well, and also provided lateral stability
Volvo V70R (or optional on other V70’s). It is a very subtle extension of the long roof.
Easy call. The black Countach in Cannonball Run. Lots of Lambos have wings, but only THAT car counts as the coolest ever, IMHO.
Well, most of the obvious ones have been mentioned (or so conspicuously *not* mentioned as to have basically been mentioned.)
So – WRX STI if you’re an import person. 2000 SVT Cobra R if you’re not. 1986 AMG Hammer if you’re of the schnitzel and bratwurst gang. But, to be fair, the subtle spoilers that AMG-Mercedes put on their cars – especially in the 80s – were probably the most complimentary of those cars’ lines.
The rear spoiler integrated into the deck lid of the 4th generation Camaro is superbly brilliant. It’s organic, part of the design, not tacked on like most aero devices. I don’t know if it works or not when it comes to creating downforce but it’s beautiful.
Absolute the best for the reasons you state.
3rd generation Firebirds/TA’s had one very similar (of course) and just as good.
Several of the recent Mustang generation look best with a spoiler delete to my eyes.
Same for Evos (despite them displaying some of the most insane aftermarket ones typically).
So I guess I am saying the “no spoiler” on cars you expect every iteration of to have can be cool.
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And the kid me votes for the Daytona/Superbird –the spoiler that burned that idea in your head.
Being an Evo guy, taking the wing off of an Evolution is a bit like removing a rooster’s comb. Functionally it won’t detract that much performance but you’ve really degraded the attitude. Calmed down the aggression – and as James May recently stated, “who wants a ‘calm’ rally car?”
The 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II, predating the ’70 shown above, was essentially a ’69 Torino Talledega with, you guessed it, a lovely wing – recorded eight Grand National wins in ’69 and ’70… same as the vaunted Superbird. In 1970 there was no factory support, either.
The Mustang Cobra R in 2000 had an utterly tremendous plank bolted on – what a wild car that was at the turn of the millenium.
For my money, the 2G Eclipse GSX with it’s St. Louis Arch-style aero, was the looker.
I always thought the Mustang SVO double spoiler was cool.
Jim Hall’s Chaparral 2E. As a 16 year old I thought it was the coolest race car I had ever seen. 72 year old me, still agrees.
The 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am followed by the 1970 Pontiac Trans Am that was nicely integrated to the body style and did not look added on. The 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge is my 3rd choice.
The Gull wing found on 1971 only Cudas, Roadrunners, Challengers and Chargers. They were thinner than most wings edge on, fully adjustable as most were and added an aero appeal distictive to styling of the era and genre.
FERRARI F50
Porsche 964, the 911 that had the best tail, especially when found on an RS America non-sunroof coupe, cage optional.
Even though I am not a porsche guy, I always thought the integrated spoiler that would start deploying at a certain speed was cool as hell
LOL! After being confused by the post comment block being followed by a “Leave a Reply” I cut and copied my comment test and pasted it into the new Comment box.
Response was “slow down – you are posting too fast”. Bizarre!