Cars can come in a large variety of different body styles. Some are still in production, while others are of historical interest only. These styles are largely (though not completely) independent of a car's classification in terms of price, size and intended broad market; the same car model might be available in multiple body styles (or model ranges). Car classification is subjective since many vehicles fall into multiple categories or do not fit well into any For scale models of automobiles see Model car. A car model is a particular brand of vehicle sold under a Marque. For scale models of automobiles see Model car. A car model is a particular brand of vehicle sold under a Marque. For some of the following terms, especially relating to four-wheel drive / SUV models and minivan / MPV models, the distinction between body style and classification is particularly narrow.

Please note that while each body style has a historical and technical definition, in common usage such definitions are often blurred. Over time, the common usage of each term evolves. For example, people often call 4-passenger sport coupés a "sports car", while purists will insist that a sports car by definition is limited to two-place vehicles.

Styles in current use

4x4 or 4WD ("four-by-four" or "four-wheel drive") 

A four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive power from the engine simultaneously. Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4x4 ("four by four" is a four-wheeled Vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four Wheels to For the UK engine manufacturer see Powertrain Ltd. In a Motor vehicle, the term drivetrain, powertrain or powerplant The terms are usually (but not exclusively) used in Europe to describe what is referred to in North America as a sport utility vehicle or SUV (see below). A sport utility vehicle ( SUV) is a generic marketing description for a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a Station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis

Cabrio coach or Semi-convertible 

A form of car roof, where a retractable textile cover amounts to a large sunroof. A cabrio coach or semi-convertible is a type of car that has a retractable Textile Roof, and derives from Cabriolet. An automotive sunroof is a fixed hinged or sliding opening in an Automobile Roof which allows light and/or fresh air to enter the passenger compartment Fundamental to various older designs such as the Citroën 2CV; sometimes an option on modern cars. The Citroën 2CV ( French: deux chevaux vapeur, literally "two steam Horses quot from the Tax horsepower rating was an Economy car

Cabriolet 

A term for a convertible (see below). A cabriolet is a light two-wheeled Carriage drawn by a single horse with a folding hood seating two people facing forward one of whom is the driver

A BMW M3 convertible

Convertible 

A body style with a flexible textile folding roof or rigid retracting roof — of highly variable design detail — to allow driving in open or enclosed modes. A convertible is a type of automobile in which the vehicle's roof can retract and fold away converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle

Coupé (Europe) or coupe (US) 

A 2-door, 2- or 4-seat car with a fixed roof. Its doors are often longer than those of an equivalent sedan and the rear passenger area smaller; the roof may also be low. In cases where the rear seats are very small and not intended for regular use it is called a 2+2 (pronounced "two plus two"). The term 2+2 (pronounced "two plus two" is a phrase used to describe the configuration of a car with seating for two passengers in the front Originally, a coupé was required to have only one side window per side, but this consideration has not been used for many years.

Coupe Utility (ute)

the Coupe Utility is a passenger-car derived light truck with coupé passenger cabin lines and an integral cargo bed. The coupé utility combines a two-door " Coupé " cabin with an integral cargo bed behind the cabin—using a light-duty Unibody Automobile platform

Crossover (or CUV) 

A loose marketing term to describe a vehicle that blends features of a SUV with features of a car — especially forgoing the body on frame construction of the SUV in favor of the car's unibody or monocoque construction. A Crossover &mdash variously called XUV or CUV, for crossover utility vehicle &mdash is a marketing term for a vehicle that derives from a car while borrowing A sport utility vehicle ( SUV) is a generic marketing description for a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a Station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis Body-on-frame is an Automobile construction technology Mounting a separate body to a rigid frame which supports the Drivetrain was the original method of building Monocoque, from the French for single ( mono) and shell ( coque) is a construction technique that supports structural load by using an object's external Monocoque, from the French for single ( mono) and shell ( coque) is a construction technique that supports structural load by using an object's external

Estate car (or just "estate") 

The British English term for what North Americans call a station wagon. A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate British English or UK English ( BrE, BE, en-GB) is the broad term used to distinguish the forms of the English language used in the

Fastback 

A design where the roof slopes at a smooth angle to the tail of the car, but the rear window does not open as a separate "door". A fastback is a Car body style whose roofline slopes continuously down at the back

Hardtop 

A style of car roof. A hardtop is a term for a rigid rather than canvas Automobile roof Originally referred to a removable solid roof on a convertible; later, also a fixed-roof car whose doors have no fixed window frames, which is designed to resemble such a convertible.

Hatchback 

Identified by a rear door including the back window that opens vertically to access a storage area not separated from the rest of the passenger compartment. Hatchback is a term designating an Automobile design containing a passenger cabin with an integrated Cargo space accessed from behind the vehicle by a single May be 2 or 4 door and 2 or 4 seat, but generally in British English count the tailgate making it a 3-door and 5-door. British English or UK English ( BrE, BE, en-GB) is the broad term used to distinguish the forms of the English language used in the

Hearse 

A converted luxury car usually used to transport the dead. For the extreme metal band see Hearse (band A hearse is a Funeral Vehicle, a conveyance for the Coffin Luxury vehicle is a marketing term for a vehicle that provides luxury &mdash that which is beyond strict necessity &mdash in exchange for increased cost to the buyer Often longer and heavier than the vehicle on which they are usually based.

Leisure activity vehicle 

A small van, generally related to a supermini, with a second or even a third seat row, and a large, tall boot. A leisure activity vehicle (abbreviated LAV) is a small Van, generally related to a supermini or Subcompact car, with two or three seat A van is a kind of vehicle used for Transporting goods or groups of people A supermini is a British Car classification term that describes Automobiles larger than a City car but smaller than a Small family car. A boot is a type of Shoe that covers at least the Foot and the Ankle and sometimes extends up to the Knee or even the Hip.

Liftback 

A style of coupé with a hatchback; this name is generally used when the opening area is very sloped (and is thus lifted up to open). A liftback is a Car body style in which the cargo space (boot is accessed through a Tailgate that extends up to the higher end of the C-pillar and includes

A Lincoln Town Car limousine

Limousine 

By definition, a chauffeur-driven car with a (normally glass-windowed) division between the front seats and the rear. A limousine (or limo) is a longer than normal Luxury car. The chassis may have been extended by the manufacturer or by an independent coach builder traditionally A chauffeur is an individual who operates any self-propelled vehicle ( Automobile) for a profession. In German, the term simply means a sedan.

Minibus 

Designed to carry fewer people than a full-size bus, generally up to 16 people in multiple rows of seats. "Microbus" redirects here For the Volkswagen Microbus see Volkswagen Type 2. Passenger access in normally via a sliding door on one side of the vehicle. One example of a van with a minibus version available is the Ford Transit.

Minivan 

North American term for a boxy wagon-type of car usually containing three or four rows of seats, with a capacity of six or more passengers. A minivan, multi-purpose vehicle (abbreviated MPV) people-carrier, people-mover or multi-utility vehicle (shortened Often with extra luggage space also. As opposed to the larger van, the minivan was developed primarily as a passenger vehicle, though is more van-like than a station wagon. In Britain, these are generally referred to as people carriers. A minivan, multi-purpose vehicle (abbreviated MPV) people-carrier, people-mover or multi-utility vehicle (shortened

Muscle car  

Popular sports cars during the late 1960s and the 1970s. A sports car is a term used to describe a class of Automobile. Were also used as race cars. Auto racing (also known as automobile racing, motor racing or car racing) is a Motorsport involving Racing Cars It

MPV 

Multi-purpose vehicle, a large car or small bus designed to be used on and off-road and easily convertible to facilitate loading of goods from facilitating carrying people. A minivan, multi-purpose vehicle (abbreviated MPV) people-carrier, people-mover or multi-utility vehicle (shortened

Notchback

A cross between the smooth fastback and angled sedan look. Notchback is a form of Car body style; in different parts of the world the precise definition varies A fastback is a Car body style whose roofline slopes continuously down at the back It is a sedan type with a separate trunk compartment.

People carrier 

European name to describe what is usually referred to in North America as an Minivan. A minivan, multi-purpose vehicle (abbreviated MPV) people-carrier, people-mover or multi-utility vehicle (shortened A minivan, multi-purpose vehicle (abbreviated MPV) people-carrier, people-mover or multi-utility vehicle (shortened

Pickup truck a.k.a pick-up 

Small or medium sized truck. A pickup truck is a light Motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area which is almost always separated from the cab to allow for chassis flex when carrying or pulling Not based on a passenger car, but of similar size. This light commercial vehicle features a separate cabin and rear load area (separate cargo bed).

Pillarless

Usually a prefix to coupé, fastback, or hardtop; completely open at the sides when the windows are down, without a central pillar, e. An A-pillar is a name applied by car stylists and enthusiasts to the shaft of material that supports the windshield (windscreen on either of the windshield frame sides g. the Sunbeam Rapier fastback coupé. The Sunbeam Rapier was the first of the " Audax " range of light cars produced by the Rootes Group.

Ragtop

Originally an open car like a roadster, but with a soft top (cloth top) that can be raised or lowered. Unlike a convertible, it had no roll-up side windows. A convertible is a type of automobile in which the vehicle's roof can retract and fold away converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle Now often used as slang for a convertible.

Retractable Hardtop 

aka Coupé convertible or Coupé Cabriolet. A type of convertible forgoing a foldable textile roof in favor of a multi-segment rigid roof retracts into the lower bodywork.

Roadster 

Originally a two-seat open car with minimal weather protection — without top or side glass — though possibly with optional hard or soft top and side curtains (i. A roadster, also known as a spyder or spider, is a two-seater car traditionally without a roof (or with a detachable roof and no side or rear windows e. , without roll-up glass windows). In modern usage, the term means simply a two-seat sports car convertible, a variation of spyder. A sports car is a term used to describe a class of Automobile.

Saloon 

The British English term for a sedan. British English or UK English ( BrE, BE, en-GB) is the broad term used to distinguish the forms of the English language used in the

Sedan 

A car seating four or more with a fixed roof that is full-height up to the rear window. Sedans can have 2 or 4 doors. This is the most common body style. In the U. S. , this term has been used to denote a car with fixed window frames, as opposed to the hardtop style where the sash, if any, winds down with the glass.

Sedan delivery 

North American term (mainly U. A sedan delivery (Car derived van in British English commonly called a delivery in US is a two-door Station wagon with solid panels in place of the rear side windows S. and Canada). Similar to a wagon, with no side windows, similar to a panel truck, only two side doors, and one or two rear doors (not a liftgate, like a wagon). A panel truck is a windowless cargo van built on a truck chassis A liftgate, also called a Hatch or Hatchback, is a Often shortened to delivery. Example: Chevrolet HHR

A 2007 Chevrolet Suburban, one model of SUV

Sport utility vehicle (SUV) 

Derivative of off-road or four-wheel drive vehicles but with car-like levels of interior comfort and drivability. The Chevrolet HHR (for Heritage High Roof) is a small Retro -styled compact Station wagon First year sales exceeded 93000 through June 2006 A sport utility vehicle ( SUV) is a generic marketing description for a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a Station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis Also sometimes called a 'soft-roader' or 'Toorak tractor'[1].

Spyder (or Spider) 

Similar to a roadster but originally with even less weather protection. The SPYDER ( S urface-to-air PY thon and DER by is an anti-aircraft missile system developed by RAFAEL and uses surface-to-air versions of The term originated from a small two-seat horse-cart with a folding sunshade made of four bows. With its black cloth top and exposed sides for air circulation, the top resembled a spider. Nowadays it simply means a convertible sports car. A sports car is a term used to describe a class of Automobile.

Shooting brake 

A two-door estate car; generally for vintage or extremely expensive vehicles. Shooting-brake is a Car body style originally used to describe Bespoke versions of 2-door luxury estate cars built for use by hunters as well as golfers They were vehicles for the well-off shooter and hunter, giving space to carry shotguns and other equipment. Usually made to order by coachbuilders. Bus manufacturingA coachbuilder is a manufacturer of bodies for Carriages or Automobiles The trade dates back several centuries The term is occasionally revived.

Station wagon 

A car with a full-height body all the way to the rear; the load-carrying space created is accessed via a rear door or doors. A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate Sometimes shortened to just wagon.

Surrey top 

Similar to the Porsche Targa top, the surrey top was developed by Triumph in 1962 for the TR4. The Triumph TR4 was a Sports car built in the United Kingdom by the Standard Triumph Motor Company and introduced in 1961

T-top 

A derivative of the Targa top, called a T-bar roof, this fixed-roof design has two removable panels and retains a central narrow roof section along the front to back axis of the car (e. A T-top is an automobile roof with removable panels on either side of a rigid bar running from the center of one structural bar between pillars to the center of the next structural g. Toyota MR2 Mark I. The Toyota MR2 is a two-seat mid-engined, Rear wheel drive Sports car produced by Toyota from 1984 until July 2007 when production stopped in )

Targa top 

A semi-convertible style used on some sports cars, featuring a fully removable hard top roof panel which leaves the A and B pillars in place on the car body. Targa top, targa for short is a semi- Convertible Car body style with a removable roof section and a full width Roll bar behind the seats An A-pillar is a name applied by car stylists and enthusiasts to the shaft of material that supports the windshield (windscreen on either of the windshield frame sides (e. g. Fiat X1/9). Pre-production History The X1/9 started life in 1969 as a show concept car called the Autobianchi A112 Runabout with styling by Bertone Strictly, the term originated from and is trademarked by Porsche for a derivate of its 911 series, the Porsche 911 Targa, itself named after the famous Targa Florio rally. Porsche SE or Porsche ( German, ˈpɔɹʃə is a German manufacturer of automobiles which is majority-owned by the Porsche and Piëch The Porsche 911 (pronounced as Nine Eleven, Neunelfer is a Sports car made by Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany The Targa Florio was an open road Endurance automobile race held near Palermo Sicily. A related styling motif is the Targa band, sometimes called a wrapover band which is a single piece of chrome or other trim extending over the roof of the vehicle and down the sides to the bottom of the windows. It was probably named because the original Porsche Targa had such a band behind its removable roof panel in the late 60s.

Ute

Australian English term for the Coupe Utility body style (see above). A pickup truck is a light Motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area which is almost always separated from the cab to allow for chassis flex when carrying or pulling Australian English ( AuE, AusE, en-AU) is the form of the English language used in Australia. Sometimes used informally to refer to any utility vehicle, particularly light trucks such as a pickup truck. A pickup truck is a light Motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area which is almost always separated from the cab to allow for chassis flex when carrying or pulling In American English, sport-ute is sometimes used to refer to an SUV (see above).

A Dodge Sprinter, one particular model of van.

Van 

In North America "van" refers to a truck-based commercial vehicle of the wagon style, whether used for passenger or commercial use. A van is a kind of vehicle used for Transporting goods or groups of people Usually a van has no windows at the side rear (panel van), although for passenger use, side windows are included. In other parts of the world, 'van' denotes a passenger-based wagon with no rear side windows.

Wagon delivery 

North American term (mainly U. A sedan delivery (Car derived van in British English commonly called a delivery in US is a two-door Station wagon with solid panels in place of the rear side windows S. and Canada). Similar to a sedan delivery, with four doors. Sometimes shortened to delivery; used alone, "delivery" is presumed to be a sedan delivery. No longer manufactured.

Non-English terms

Some non-English language terms are familiar from their use on imported vehicles in English-speaking nations even though the terms have not been adopted into English. English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States

Barchetta 

Italian term for a roadster. The Fiat Barchetta (pronounced "bar-KET-ta" is a Roadster produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat from 1995 to 2005 (though production Italian ( or lingua italiana) is a Romance language spoken by about 63 million people as a First language, primarily in Italy. A roadster, also known as a spyder or spider, is a two-seater car traditionally without a roof (or with a detachable roof and no side or rear windows The name means, roughly, "small boat".

Berlina 

Italian term for a sedan. Italian ( or lingua italiana) is a Romance language spoken by about 63 million people as a First language, primarily in Italy.

Berline 

French term for a sedan. French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people

Berlinetta 

Italian term for a sport coupé. Berlinetta is a term used to designate a coupe car (as opposed to spider, a Convertible car Italian ( or lingua italiana) is a Romance language spoken by about 63 million people as a First language, primarily in Italy.

Break 

French term for a station wagon. A brake, also spelled break, was a type of horse-drawn Carriage used in the nineteenth and early 20th centuries French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate

Carrinha 

Portuguese term for a station wagon. Portuguese ( or língua portuguesa) is a Romance language that originated in what is now Galicia (Spain and northern Portugal. A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate

Espada 

Portuguese nickname for a limousine (the same word for Sword - long piece of metal). Portuguese ( or língua portuguesa) is a Romance language that originated in what is now Galicia (Spain and northern Portugal. A limousine (or limo) is a longer than normal Luxury car. The chassis may have been extended by the manufacturer or by an independent coach builder traditionally

Furgoneta 

Portuguese term for a van. Portuguese ( or língua portuguesa) is a Romance language that originated in what is now Galicia (Spain and northern Portugal. A van is a kind of vehicle used for Transporting goods or groups of people

Furgão 

Portuguese alternative term (less used) for a van. Portuguese ( or língua portuguesa) is a Romance language that originated in what is now Galicia (Spain and northern Portugal. A van is a kind of vehicle used for Transporting goods or groups of people

Jeep 

German, Portuguese, Hebrew and Greek term for a sport utility vehicle. The German language (de ''Deutsch'') is a West Germanic language and one of the world's major languages. Portuguese ( or língua portuguesa) is a Romance language that originated in what is now Galicia (Spain and northern Portugal. A sport utility vehicle ( SUV) is a generic marketing description for a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a Station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis Originally from the English-language jeep, of which the name's origins can be researched on the Jeep page. Jeep is an Automobile Marque (and registered trademark of Chrysler. Jeep is an Automobile Marque (and registered trademark of Chrysler.

Kombi 

is a German abbreviation of "Kombinationswagen" (Combination Car) and it is German name for station wagon. The German language (de ''Deutsch'') is a West Germanic language and one of the world's major languages. A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate And since Germany is a major producer of cars for many European countries, the term Kombi in this meaning is also used in Swedish, Czech, Polish, Serbian, Croatian, Hungarian, Spanish, Portuguese, Bulgarian. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Swedish ( is a North Germanic language spoken by more than nine million people predominantly in Sweden and parts of Finland, especially along the Czech (ˈʧɛk čeština ˈʧɛʃcɪna in Czech is a West Slavic language with about 12 million native speakers it is the majority language in the Polish ( język polski, polszczyzna) is the Official language of Poland. Serbian (sr-Cyrl српски језик sr-Latn ''srpski jezik'' is a South Slavic language, Croatian language ( hrvatski jezik) is a South Slavic language which is used primarily in Croatia, by Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina in neighbouring Hungarian ( magyar nyelv) is a Uralic language (more specifically a Ugric language) unrelated to most other languages in Europe. Portuguese ( or língua portuguesa) is a Romance language that originated in what is now Galicia (Spain and northern Portugal. Bulgarian (български език IPA: ɛzˈik is an Indo-European language, a member of the Slavic linguistic group In Afrikaans, Kombi is also used to refer to a Volkswagen Microbus

Turismo 

Spanish term for a sedan. Afrikaans is an Indo-European language, derived from 17th century Dutch and classified as Low Franconian Germanic, mainly spoken in The Volkswagen Type 2 (also known as Transporter) was the second automotive line introduced by German automaker Volkswagen. Literally means tourism, used mostly in Latin American countries. Tourism is Travel for Recreational or Leisure purposes The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel

Alternative names

Car manufacturers sometimes invent names for the body styles of their cars for the purpose of differentiating themselves from other manufacturers. These names are often, but not always, adaptations of other words and terms. The body styles themselves correlate closely to those listed above.

Aerodeck 

Name used by Honda in the 1990s for its station wagon/estate models. () is a Multinational corporation, engine Manufacturer and engineering corporation headquartered in Japan. A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate

Avant 

A name used by German maker Audi for their station wagon/estate car models. AUDI AG, ( Xetra: NSU commonly known as Audi (aˈʊdi is a German Automobile manufacturer which produces Audi branded cars with headquarters A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate

Bakkie 

A generic South African term for light pickup truck. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa

A 1968 Chevrolet El Camino

Break 

A term used by Peugeot and Citroen to describe estates

El Camino 

(Spanish) In English: "the road". A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate A trademark of Chevrolet, the 1959 El Camino was a half-car (front) and half-truck (back) with low walls surrounding the bed. Chevrolet (ˌʃɛvroʊˈleɪ - French origin (also known as Chevy) is a Brand of Automobile, produced by General Motors (GM In other words, it used the Coupe Utility body style. The coupé utility combines a two-door " Coupé " cabin with an integral cargo bed behind the cabin—using a light-duty Unibody Automobile platform El Camino is used by some in the US as a generic term for any passenger car with an integral cargo bed. While the 1957 Ford Ranchero with similary body style debuted before the El Camino, it did not have the success of its Chevrolet counterpart.

Caravan 

Used by Opel for its station wagon/estate car models. Adam Opel GmbH (commonly known as Opel) is a German automaker part of General Motors.

Combi 

Used by Skoda for its station wagon/estate car models.

Combi coupé 

A name used by Saab for a cross between a saloon and an estate car, essentially a hatchback. Combi coupé is a Marketing term used by Swedish manufacturer Saab for a Car body style similar to the Liftback. Saab Automobile AB, better known as Saab, is a Swedish car manufacturer and currently a wholly-owned Subsidiary of General Motors. Called "SportCombi" in the United States.

Corniche 

Sometimes used to describe a luxury sedan or town car. The word corniche comes from the French route à corniche or road on a ledge — do not confuse with Cornice, which Actually a trade mark of Rolls-Royce. Rolls-Royce plc ( is a British Aircraft engine maker and the second-largest in the world behind GE Aviation.

Coupe Roadster 

The Mercedes-Benz name for their convertibles with a removable hardtop. Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of luxury Automobiles Buses coaches and Trucks It is currently a division of the

Fordor and Tudor 

These names were coined by Ford Motor Company in the 1950s to describe four-door and two-door bodystyles respectively. Ford Motor Company is an American Multinational corporation and the world's fourth largest automaker based on Worldwide vehicle sales, following These terms were used sporadically into the 1960s.

Giardinetta 

Name used in Italy in the 70s and early 80s in models for an Autobianchi three-door station wagon based on Fiat 600, as well as a similar version of the Alfa Romeo Alfasud. Autobianchi (autoˈbjaŋki in Italian) was an Italian Automobile manufacturer created jointly by Bianchi, Pirelli and Fiat A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate "600" can also refer to the later Fiat Seicento The Fiat 600 (or "Seicento" is a City car produced by the Italian The Alfa Romeo Alfasud is a compact car made by Alfa Romeo of Italy from 1971 to 1989

Hardtop Convertible 

A retractable hardtop, e. g. , the 1958 Ford Skyliner or Peugeot's décapotable électrique of 1934. See also Ford Victoria Skyliner for the 1954 Ford and Ford Crown Victoria Skyliner for the 1955&ndash1956 Ford Crown Victoria, both with For the article about the bicycle manufacturer see Cycles Peugeot.

HPE 

Short for High Performance Estate, a name used by Lancia for a station wagon version of their Beta model. Lancia Automobiles SpA is an Italian Automobile manufacturer founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Lancia and which became part of the Fiat Group in A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate The Lancia Beta is a car produced by Lancia. It was the first Lancia produced by the company after it had been taken over by Fiat in 1969 Resurrected for the three-door hatch version of the Lancia Delta Mk II. Lancia Delta S4The Lancia Delta is a Small family car produced by Italian automaker Lancia with the first generation being produced between 1979 and 1994 the second

Kammback 

Originally, a car with a tapered rear that cuts off abruptly, after that shape's inventor Wunibald Kamm, commonly seen especially on sports cars. A Kammback is a Car body style that derives from the research of the German aerodynamicist Wunibald Kamm in the 1930s this research itself deriving Wunibald Kamm ( April 26 1893 in Basel &ndash October 11 1966 in Stuttgart) was an automobile designer, A sports car is a term used to describe a class of Automobile. However, this usage is rare nowadays. In North America during the 1970s this style was used in the Chevrolet Vega wagon and AMC Hornet wagon, and so many think of it as another word for "station wagon" or "hatchback" respectively even though it refers to the very specific aerodynamic design of the back of the car. The Chevrolet Vega was a Subcompact car sold from 1971 through 1977 The AMC Hornet is a compact Automobile made by the American Motors Corporation (AMC beginning with the 1970 model year and continuing through the 1977 model This style is seeing a resurgence on modern vehicles (2004 Toyota Prius and Honda Insight) in the interests of gasoline economy. The Toyota Prius is a hybrid electric Mid-size car developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation The Honda Insight is a Hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by Honda in its first generation as a three-door hatchback from model years 2000 to 2006

Nevada 

Popular station wagon/estate version of the Renault 21, so much that people dropped the 21 when referring to it. The Renault 21 is a Large family car produced by French automaker Renault between 1986 and 1994

Notchback 

Originally, a sedan or possibly a coupe with a backlight (rear window) which slanted backward, so that the top of the roof extended further backward than the bottom of the window. Some types of the 1958 Lincoln had this, as well as some of Ford's British cars. Year 1958 ( MCMLVIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Lincoln is an American Luxury car manufacturer operated under the Ford Motor Company. Later, it became used for sedans or coupes which are not fastbacks, including many hatchbacks.

Panorama 

Used by Fiat for station wagons during the late 1970s and early 1980s, notably the 127, 128 and 131. Fiat SpA (an Acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (Italian Automobile Factory of Turin) is an Italian automobile manufacturer A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate The Fiat 127 is a supermini produced by the Italian automaker Fiat between 1971 and 1983 The Fiat 128 was a Small family car manufactured by the Italian manufacturer Fiat from 1969 to 1985 The Fiat 131, additionally called "Mirafiori" is a small/medium Family car produced by the Italian car manufacturer, Fiat from Replaced by the Weekend designation in the mid 1980s, but kept for passenger versions of light commercial vehicles.

Pillared Hardtop 

This name was used by Ford in the 1970s to describe its bodies which had frameless door glass like a hardtop, but retained a center pillar like a sedan. An A-pillar is a name applied by car stylists and enthusiasts to the shaft of material that supports the windshield (windscreen on either of the windshield frame sides The 1972-1976 Torino sedans and wagons were of this type, as were the 1975-1979 Lincoln Town Cars. The Ford Torino was an intermediate car produced by the Ford Motor Company for the North American market between 1968 and 1976 The Lincoln Town Car is a Full-size, Rear-wheel drive luxury sedan sold by Ford's upscale Lincoln brand When GM introduced a similar style on their intermediates for 1973-1977, they called the two-doors Colonnade Hardtop Coupe and the four-doors, in a triumph of ad agency gibberish, Colonnade Hardtop Sedan. The 1976 Buick Century sedan used this configuration. Buick Century is the model name used by the Buick division of General Motors for a line of Full-size performance vehicles from 1936 to 1942 and 1954 Before Ford introduced its "Pillared Hardtops" in the early seventies, GM had the same body style available on its "C" body cars (Buick Electra 225, Oldsmobile 98 and Cadillacs) from 1965 to 1970. GM called them "semi-thin pillar sedans" as they had a slightly larger center pillars than other GM sedans (that were called "thin pillar sedans") but they had no window frames like the "thin pillar sedans" had.

Prairie

A high roofed station wagon, after the Nissan model of the same name. A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate The Nissan Prairie, introduced in Japan in 1981 and Europe in 1982 was a car from Japanese manufacturer

Sport Activity Coupe (SAC)

This name is used by BMW for their X5-based X6, which is called so because although it's an SUV, the X6 has the styling, ride height, and seating capacity of a typical coupe. ( BMW) (Bavarian Motor Works is an independent German automobile manufacturer founded in 1916 The BMW X5 is a Mid-size Crossover SUV sold by BMW since 1999 The BMW X6 is a Mid-size crossover SUV released for sale in the second quarter of 2008 by German automaker BMW.

Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV)

This name is used by BMW for their sport utility vehicle models. ( BMW) (Bavarian Motor Works is an independent German automobile manufacturer founded in 1916 It was first used on the X5 and later on the X3. The BMW X5 is a Mid-size Crossover SUV sold by BMW since 1999 The BMW X3 is a compact Crossover SUV (BMW advertises it as an SAV or Sport Activity Vehicle produced by the German Automaker BMW

Sport sedan or Sports sedan

is how General Motors calls its models by Saab automobile. A sports sedan or a sports saloon is a descriptive term applied to a sedan Automobile that is designed to look and feel "sporty" - offering the General Motors Corporation ( GM) ( is a multinational automobile manufacturer founded in 1908 and headquartered in the United States. Saab Automobile AB, better known as Saab, is a Swedish car manufacturer and currently a wholly-owned Subsidiary of General Motors.

Sportshatch

This term, which has been used by GM for several European models, has been applied to a number of body styles: A sporty liftback or hatchback and a sporty variant of a 2-door estate car (e. g. Vauxhall Magnum Sportshatch). The Magnum was a car manufactured by Vauxhall Motors from 1973 to 1978

A Dodge Magnum, sometimes referred to as a sports wagon

Sportwagon 

A term used by Alfa Romeo to describe estates

Sports Wagon

A term used by a number of manufacturers in the North American market for their station wagon models, an example of the Sports Wagon would be the 1960's Buick Sport Wagon and the current Dodge Magnum. A Sportwagon is the Alfa Romeo model name for a long-bodied estate type vehicle A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate This mid-size Buick wagon was an extended-wheelbase version of the Buick Skylark model and it was built in three generations spanning 1964-67 1968-69 and 1970-72 The Dodge Magnum name has been used on a number of different Automobiles The most recent is a large Rear-wheel drive Station wagon introduced in 2004 Auto manufacturers in recent years perceive a stigma attached to the term 'station wagon', and attempt to make these models sound more exciting.

SW

A term used by Peugeot to describe estates (eg. A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate Peugeot 407 SW)

Tourer

Used by Rover for its station wagon/estate car models. The Peugeot 407 is a Large family car produced by the French automaker Peugeot since 2004 ROVER, which stands for Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver is a system which allows ground forces such as Forward Air Controllers (FAC to see what an aircraft or

Touring

Used by BMW and Mercedes-Benz in Europe for its station wagon/estate car models. ( BMW) (Bavarian Motor Works is an independent German automobile manufacturer founded in 1916 Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of luxury Automobiles Buses coaches and Trucks It is currently a division of the In North America, "Sports Wagon" is used instead.

Traveller

Name applied to the Mini's estate version. The Mini is a small car that was produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC and its successors from 1959 until 2000 Later co-opted by Nissan and used for estate versions of the Sunny and Primera in Europe. The Nissan Sunny is a small car from Nissan. It was launched in 1966 as the Datsun 1000 and although production in Japan ended in 2004 it remains in production today The Nissan Primera is a Large family car produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan for the domestic and European markets

Turnier

Used by Ford in Europe for its station wagon/estate car models. Ford Motor Company is an American Multinational corporation and the world's fourth largest automaker based on Worldwide vehicle sales, following Alternatively called Clipper in some markets.

Variant

Used by Volkswagen for its station wagon/estate car models.

Vario

Used by SEAT for its station wagon/estate car models. SEAT SA ( English pronunciation:, "say-at" Spanish pronunciation:) is a Spanish automobile

Verso

Used by Toyota for MPV versions of the Yaris/Vitz, Corolla and Avensis. (pronounced) is a Multinational corporation headquartered in Japan, and is currently the world's largest Automaker. A minivan, multi-purpose vehicle (abbreviated MPV) people-carrier, people-mover or multi-utility vehicle (shortened The Toyota Vitz (sold in different markets as the Toyota Yaris and Toyota Echo) is a line of Subcompact cars first launched by Toyota in The Toyota Corolla is a line of subcompact / Compact cars produced by the Japanese Automaker Toyota, which has become very popular throughout The Toyota Avensis is a Large family car built in Derbyshire, United Kingdom by Japanese automaker Toyota since the 1998 model year

Volante 

Used by Aston Martin for convertibles. Aston Martin Lagonda Limited is a British manufacturer of luxury performance cars, whose headquarters are at Gaydon, England.

Weekend 

Used by Fiat for station wagons since the 1980s, including the Regata, Tempra and Marea, as well as the small Brazilian-built world car estates Duna and Palio. Fiat SpA (an Acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (Italian Automobile Factory of Turin) is an Italian automobile manufacturer The Fiat Regata was the saloon version of the Fiat Ritmo Small family car, produced by Italian automaker Fiat. The Fiat Tempra is a medium Family car produced by Italian automaker Fiat from 1990 to 1999 The Fiat Marea is a Family car available as a saloon and an estate ( Fiat Marea Weekend) produced by the Italian automaker Fiat The phrase world car is used to describe a car designed for or achieving worldwide sales using the same platform and components often with variety of body styles The Fiat Duna ( Fiat Prêmio in Brazil was a small car produced by Fiat in Brazil, where it was sold as Fiat Prêmio. The Fiat Palio is a supermini designed by the Italian manufacturer Fiat as a world car, aimed at Developing countries.

Historical body styles

Most early body styles were derived from those available in horse-drawn carriages and used the coachbuilding terms for them, although often their application in the automobile differed from the carriage use. A carriage is a wheeled vehicle for people usually horse-drawn Bus manufacturingA coachbuilder is a manufacturer of bodies for Carriages or Automobiles The trade dates back several centuries Other types were soon invented, and either used modifications of earlier terminology or wholly new terms to describe them. Some of these terms are occasionally used in modern model designations, but almost always inaccurately with respect to their historical meaning (e. g. Lincoln Town Car, Volkswagen Phaeton). The Lincoln Town Car is a Full-size, Rear-wheel drive luxury sedan sold by Ford's upscale Lincoln brand The Volkswagen Phaeton (pronounced "fay-ton" is a large luxury sedan manufactured by German car manufacturer Volkswagen.

Brougham 

Generally equivalent to a sedan, but more likely to have closed rear quarters and sometimes more luxuriously trimmed.

Close-coupled sedan 

A four-windowed sedan with a trunk that from front to rear was almost as thin as an upright suitcase. A close-coupled sedan is an obsolete type of car body which disappeared from the United States market by the World War II, though it survived elsewhere for a time The rear-seat passengers sat a little bit forward of the differential. Ford Motor Company called its version a "Victoria" in the 1930s. Ford Motor Company is an American Multinational corporation and the world's fourth largest automaker based on Worldwide vehicle sales, following

Coupé convertible 

A coupé with a convertible top, naturally. Fully enclosed with the top up and side windows up. Called a drophead coupé in the United Kingdom.

Drophead coupe 

As a coupé, but with a full convertible top. A convertible is a type of automobile in which the vehicle's roof can retract and fold away converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle British terminology, and dropping out of use for most modern cars, though luxury British makes occasionally still use it. Compare American use of coupe convertible; contrast with fixed-head coupé.

Fixed-head coupé 

British term for a standard coupé with a fixed solid roof, as opposed to a drophead coupé. In cases where the rear seats are very small and not intended for regular use these are sometimes called a 2+2. The term 2+2 (pronounced "two plus two" is a phrase used to describe the configuration of a car with seating for two passengers in the front

Hansom 

A fixed-roof car with a mostly-enclosed cabin in front and a high-mounted open drivers seat in the rear. A Hansom cab is a kind of Horse -drawn Carriage designed and patented in 1834 by Joseph Hansom, an Architect from York.

Landau 

In automobiles, generally (inaccurately) synonymous with landaulet; also used for a car with a simulated folding top and false landau bars. Landau, when used in referencing an Automobile, generally means a simulated Convertible. This latter usage is still current.

Landaulet (Landaulette) 

A car in which there is a roof over the front seats and the rear doors (possibly with a center row of seats) but with a folding convertible roof over the rear quarters. Landau, when used in referencing an Automobile, generally means a simulated Convertible.

Phaeton 

An open car, normally describing a double or triple-row phaeton. A phaeton is a Car body style, similar to a sedan or convertible sedan where the rear seat area is extended for added leg room or for an additional row of seating There is often a folding fabric top but no side weather protection. Early Phaetons had a high-mounted rear seat for the driver. The modern VW Phaeton derives its name, but nothing else, from this style. The Volkswagen Phaeton (pronounced "fay-ton" is a large luxury sedan manufactured by German car manufacturer Volkswagen.

Roi des Belges 

Named after King Leopold II of Belgium who ordered the first example. Leopold II (Léopold Louis Philippe Marie Victor Leopold Lodewijk Filips Maria Victor (9 April 1835 – 17 December 1909 was King of the Belgians. A large open car with high built seats and the rear seat usually set higher than the front seat. Also know more rarely as a Tulip Phaeton because of the side profile of the rear of the car resembling the shape of a tulip flower head. .

Runabout 

A popular open light body style, normally with a single bench seat but sometimes with a rear tonneau. Runabouts were a popular Car body style at the beginning of the 20th Century Tonneau (pronounced ta’-no in modern use describes a bed cover for a Pickup truck. Most cars in the first decade of the 20th century were either runabouts or touring cars. A touring car was a popular Car body style in the early 20th century being a larger alternative to the runabout and the Roadster.

Stanhope 

A car with a single bench seat mounted at the center, a folding cloth top, and only a buckboard at the front. Stanhope is an archaic Car body style characterized by its single bench seat mounted at the center folding cloth top and a Dashboard at the front A four- wheeled Wagon of simple construction meant to be drawn by a Horse or other large Animal.

Tonneau 

A car in which the rear compartment passengers enter through a rear, rather than side, door. Tonneau (pronounced ta’-no in modern use describes a bed cover for a Pickup truck. Often completely open (no top).

Torpedo 

Basically a convertible, with low side panels and doors. The torpedo body style was a type of automobile body used from the early twentieth century until the mid-1930s and which fell quickly into disuse after the Second World War

Touring car 

A larger car, normally with two rows of seats (with a tonneau) and a large compartment at the front. A touring car was a popular Car body style in the early 20th century being a larger alternative to the runabout and the Roadster. Tonneau (pronounced ta’-no in modern use describes a bed cover for a Pickup truck.

Town brougham 

Equivalent to a town car, but, as with the brougham, more likely to have closed rear quarters.

Town car 

A car in which the front seats were open and the rear compartment closed, normally with a removable top to cover the front chauffeur's compartment. Cars can come in a large variety of different body styles. Some are still in production while others are of historical interest only A chauffeur is an individual who operates any self-propelled vehicle ( Automobile) for a profession. The modern Lincoln Town Car derives its name, but nothing else, from this style. The Lincoln Town Car is a Full-size, Rear-wheel drive luxury sedan sold by Ford's upscale Lincoln brand

Town landaulet, Town landau 

Combining the town car and landaulet, this car is open over the driver's compartment, closed over the rear doors, and with an opening convertible top over the rear quarters.

See also

• ACRISS Car Classification Code
• Automotive design
• Bodywork
• Car classification
• Car model
• Vinyl roof
• Woodie
• Coach convertible

External links

• Car terminology glossary