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?
Not really a “spoiler” guy on cars. I think the same about paddle shifters on my SUV…why?
Most outrageous is the Dodge Daytona/Plymouth Superbird and the most bizarre has to be the Merkur XR4Ti.
1970 Buick GSX
1970 Pontiac Trans Am. “Gauges The Gauge, And Spoilers That Spoil”, per the advertising.
Gotta be the duck tail on the Shelby Daytona Coupe from the 60’s. That thing is sexy!
McLaren M8F & Porsche 917-30.
The little-lamented yet diffiult-to-ignore XR4Ti with bi-plane wings was both beautifully integrated and functional. When Ford/Merkur went to the one-level deck spoiler in ’89, the Cd increased.
Why I don’t see the most obvious answer to me? Ferrari F40 of course!
Shelby GT 350 R – both are aggressive , functional, carbon fiber and design was aided by Fords race drivers ,not a committee!
Not the wildest but by far the most integrated into the whole car design is the 1st generation Acura NSX. Without it the car would be completely different.
I’ll be so happy when Redline Rebuild gets rid of that weird Subaru and get back to building normal stuff….
I liked thr gen 2 Mitsubishi gst or gsx as well
One of the rarest and seldom mentioned is the Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 rear wing. Not the party trick pop-up one but the body width “ironing board” style.
Chrysler owns the spoiler with all the “functionality” of the “wing” on every car they put a spoiler on! Functionally that banned a Wing Car from NASCAR forever. Functionality that’s incorporated into the wing of the first “Electric Charger” on the nose, no less…Chrysler knows the competition likes looking at taillights.
And as an added bonus there’s the “Pistol Grip” option…
Not to mention the “VIPERS” wing that gave Chevrolet the idea on the C8
Always loved the ’86 Murkur XR4TI double wing.