Encyclopedia Hoonatica: Stealth C-Pillars

Earlier today, Lotte brought up the distinctly similar wraparound window treatments on the Scorpio and the Sable. This got me thinking about two GM offerings that were not only similarly similar to each other, but also had the same “stealth” C-pillar treatment.
So, your Hoonatica project for today is name other car designs had this wraparound greenhouse styling, in which the C-pillar (or C and D-pillar, for wagons) was either literally hidden behind smoked glass, or slimmed down, blacked-out and separated with trim pieces from the roof and body side to make it virtually disappear.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The maximum upload file size: 64 MB. You can upload: image, audio, video. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop files here

55 responses to “Encyclopedia Hoonatica: Stealth C-Pillars”

  1. Tomsk Avatar

    GM didn't put stealth C-pillars on just Oldsmobiles and Saturns. The VQ, VR and VS series Holden Statesman/Caprice featured it.
    <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/Holden_VQ_Caprice_1.jpg&quot; width="500" />

  2. Age_of_Aerostar Avatar
    Age_of_Aerostar

    "Steath" A, C, and D pillars!!!
    <img src="http://images04.olx.com/ui/1/12/27/11830527_1.jpg"&gt;

  3. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    It's still being done…
    <img src="http://www.auto-spy.biz/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Nissan-cube1.jpg&quot; width=400>

    1. Age_of_Aerostar Avatar
      Age_of_Aerostar

      Bonus points for only 1 D pillar being blacked out!

      1. OA5599 Avatar
        OA5599

        Or maybe just half-credit.

  4. mr. mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
    mr. mzs zsm msz esq

    The DS had a curved rear glass, but did not hid the rear pillars. The reimagined DS3 has them smoked and covered though.
    <img src="http://www.yosax.com/car_images/citroen-ds-inside-concept-image.jpg"&gt;

    1. Froggmann_ Avatar
      Froggmann_

      Despite the fact they weren't all that fast and only came in autotragic I still want one.
      That is all

    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      Well played, sir.

  5. smokyburnout Avatar
    smokyburnout

    <img src="http://nicejaguarpics.info/pictures/car/images/21/jaguar-xj-11blk-usa-opta.jpg"/&gt;
    New Jag XJ has a weird hidden pillar/obvious chrome window trim combo.
    <img src="http://www.gizmodiva.com/entry_images/0806/14/24-2007-mini-cooper-s-mk-2-ii.jpg"/&gt;
    New Minis have stealth every-pillars!

    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      <img src="http://www.tanshanomi.com/temp/wrap-around-wrong.jpg&quot; width="500">
      Seriously, that Jag c-pillar is bad enough that it alone would keep me from buying the car (as if I would ever be part of their target demographic).

    2. Black Steelies Avatar

      It looks cool like this though:
      <img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Lrqev7CakfE/TRYnKMDkXCI/AAAAAAAAAcY/DgkAqJSHlaM/s1600/2011-jaguar-xj_100180382_l.jpg&quot; width="600">
      If only you parked it under your glass living room floor.

  6. Ju1iet_C Avatar
    Ju1iet_C

    I only know about this one because it got posted to the 5-door comments.
    <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/1994-2000_Citroën_XM_hatchback_01.jpg/800px-1994-2000_Citroën_XM_hatchback_01.jpg&quot; width=500>

  7. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    While the GM clamshell wagons didn't entirely do away with the hefty D-pillar, they hid most of it along with the rear window rail by wrapping the glass around to a fairly thin piece of chrome.
    <img src="http://www.linwoodstreet.com/stratton/1976BuickEstateWagonClamshellTailgate.jpg&quot; width=400>

    1. Age_of_Aerostar Avatar
      Age_of_Aerostar

      I was thinking something very similar:
      <img src="http://www.love-fords.org/images/john/1960-mercury-colony-park.jpg"&gt;

  8. OA5599 Avatar
    OA5599

    No C pillar
    <img src="http://www.imcdb.org/i001049.jpg&quot; width=500>
    Concealed D Pillar, other pillars visible
    <img src="http://image.trucktrend.com/f/28926797/2011-GMC-Yukon-XL-Denali-rear.jpg&quot; width=500>

  9. Manic_King Avatar
    Manic_King

    Come on people, right answer to every question right here:
    <img src="http://autocrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/honda-nsx-12.jpg"&gt;

    1. tonyola Avatar
      tonyola

      Nope. The pillar is just painted black – it's not covered by glass.
      <img src="http://www.dragtimes.com/images/3143-2003-Acura-NSX.jpg&quot; width=400>
      The 35th Anniversary Corvette used the same trick.
      <img src="http://px6.streetfire.net/0001/60/25/1300652_600.jpg&quot; width=400>

  10. Age_of_Aerostar Avatar
    Age_of_Aerostar

    I think this fits into the "separated with trim pieces from the roof and body side" category.
    <img src="http://images.canadianlisted.com/nlarge/1958-edsel-citation_4743545.jpg&quot; width="400">

    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      It definitely is not body-colored.

    2. tonyola Avatar
      tonyola

      The '59-'60 GM flattops barely even had a C-pillar.
      <img src="http://www.plan59.com/images/JPGs/cad59grnbrn.jpg&quot; width=400>

  11. ChuckyShamrok Avatar
    ChuckyShamrok

    Not sure if this counts, but 3rd gen Dodge Dakota Club Cabs had a piece of black vinyl over the B-Pillar to blend the windows together
    <img src="http://db.theautochannel.com/db/images/2000150116.jpg"&gt;

    1. Age_of_Aerostar Avatar
      Age_of_Aerostar

      If the Hooniverse category were "Stealth B-Pillars" I think you'd have a credible example.

    2. Age_of_Aerostar Avatar
      Age_of_Aerostar

      poof

      1. ChuckyShamrok Avatar
        ChuckyShamrok

        Well than, Take 2nd Gen Chevy S10 Blazer and S15 Jimmy
        <img src="http://images.dealerrevs.com/gallery/photo.php?id=42416492&quot; width="500">

  12. BlackIce_GTS Avatar
    BlackIce_GTS

    <img src="http://www.nextcar.com.au/i.mercedes.aclass.piccadilly.04apr.jpg&quot; width=500>
    Mercedes A-class
    <img src="http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/3379/reargl3.jpg&quot; width=500>
    Some 2G Eclipse/Talons.
    <img src="http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/2/34a605e5550304248cfdb1aaec9c4bd2.jpg&quot; width=500>
    whatever generation of Galant this is.
    <img src="http://www.starion.me/images/starion3.jpg"&gt;
    Mitsubishi Starion/ Chrysler Conquest
    <img src="http://www.web2carz.com/images/nctd/99mitsu3000tgt.jpg&quot; width=500>
    Mitsubishi GTO/3000GT
    <img src="http://www.productioncars.com/send_file.php/nissan_leopard_turbo_silver_black_1981.jpg"&gt;
    Nissan Leopard
    <img src="http://www.200sx.lv/forum/files/thumbs/t_nissan_nx_21_1983_654.jpg"&gt;
    Nissan NX-21
    <img src="http://carsmedia.ign.com/cars/image/article/792/792910/review-subaru-legacy-25-gt-limited-wagon-20070530044005063.jpg&quot; width=500>
    multiple Subaru Legacies.
    <img src="http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/289/2761/25721380017_large.jpg&quot; width=500>
    Subaru XT6
    <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/1999_Holden_Suburban_K8_1500_LS_%28Rear_view%29_1.jpg&quot; width=500>
    GMT400 Suburbans (and Blazers)
    <img src="http://www.chevrolet2010.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/2009-chevrolet-trailblazer-pics.jpg&quot; width=500>
    Chevrolet Trailblazer
    <img src="http://www.leblogauto.com/images/ferrari_456_gta_venice_break.jpg"&gt;
    Ferrari 456 Venice.
    <img src="http://www.weheart.co.uk/upload-images/modulo1.jpg"&gt;
    Ferrari Modulo. It's in there somewhere. Probably.
    <img src="http://www.karamfamily.ca/uploads/2/9/0/5/2905865/7125534_orig.jpg"&gt;
    On the same theme, I can't find any part of this car I'd describe as 'c-pillar'.
    <img src="http://www.carpages.co.uk/ferrari/ferrari_images/ferrari-599-side-14-10-07.jpg"&gt;
    Ferrari 599. This depends on if you count the flying buttress.
    <img src="http://www.rossvw.com/vw/pics/93intrepid.jpg"&gt;
    first generation Intrepids.
    <img src="http://cdn2.worldcarfans.co/2009/2/medium/citroen-c-sportlounge-concept-2005_25.jpg&quot; width=500>
    Citroen C-SportLounge
    <img src="http://image.off-roadweb.com/f/9547115+w750+st0/0802or_04_z+1993_isuzu_rodeo_off_road_unsung_hero+mashes_spinning_tires.jpg&quot; width=500>
    Isuzu Rodeo/Honda Passport.

    1. skitter Avatar
      skitter

      If we allow the A-Class, I'll also point to the Smart and Smart Roadster.

    2. skitter Avatar
      skitter

      And the 599 would be better represented by the new GTO.

  13. ptschett Avatar
    ptschett

    The early CR-V gave the impression that the taillight was holding up the back corners of the roof.
    <img src="http://user.image.nlclassifieds.com/1238360003741_p1030908_resized.jpg&quot; width="500"/>

      1. FuzzyPlushroom Avatar
        FuzzyPlushroom

        Here's a first-generation Fiat Punto to add to this group:
        <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5f/Fiat_Punto_rear_20071204.jpg/800px-Fiat_Punto_rear_20071204.jpg&quot; width=600>
        All three generations of Volvo V70 appeared this way from the rear, as well, but all had D-pillars visible in profile. Close, but not close enough.

    1. ptschett Avatar
      ptschett

      *hoonnibbles rescue attempt…*

  14. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar

    I'll have an '85-89 Celica, please
    <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/1987-1989_Toyota_Celica_%28ST162%29_SX_liftback_02.jpg&quot; width=450>
    And a cheeky Peugeot 306 SW before I go to bed.
    <img src="http://www.ukemergency.co.uk/fire/dsc02038.jpg&quot; width=450>
    Night night.

    1. raphaelinberlin Avatar
      raphaelinberlin

      shameless plug time!!
      I wrote about the Gen 4 celica, its greenhouse, and its reference to the Panhard 24 on my site autofrei.wordpress.com: http://autofrei.wordpress.com/2011/03/16/1986-toy
      <img src="http://autofrei.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/p3145097.jpg?w=640&h=154&quot; width="500">

  15. fede6882 Avatar
    fede6882

    alfa 145
    <img src="http://img2.netcarshow.com/Alfa_Romeo-145_1997_1024x768_wallpaper_05.jpg&quot; width="500">
    (there should be at least one alfa in every post)

  16. Lotte Avatar
    Lotte

    There are so many examples…have a '57 Bel Air! Modern cars seem to have purges this design cue, so you don't see much anymore.
    <img src="http://images.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/stolen57belair_05_resized.jpg&quot; width="500">

  17. TurboBrick Avatar
    TurboBrick

    Koreas best ponycar had them…
    <img src="http://www.uneedapart.com/images/hyundai-scoupe-parts.jpg"&gt;
    Early 90's Corolla Liftback was a MUCH more upscale looking car than it's predecessor.
    <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/1991_Toyota_Corolla_%28AE94%29_CS_Limited_Seca_liftback_01.jpg&quot; WIDTH="500">

    1. BlackIce_GTS Avatar
      BlackIce_GTS

      Korea's best what?
      <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3463680474_0a4c767649.jpg"&gt;
      (pictured in it's natural environment)

    2. tonyola Avatar
      tonyola

      Interesting. Toyota didn't sell that generation of liftback in the US in their own dealers, but GM sold it as the Geo Prizm.
      <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Geo-Prizm-hatchback-2.jpg/800px-Geo-Prizm-hatchback-2.jpg&quot; width="400/">

  18. dustin_driver Avatar
    dustin_driver

    There's a pillar missing, but I'm not sure which one it is . . .
    <img src="http://www.niot.net/saveas/20913/large/&quot; width="500">

  19. FuzzyPlushroom Avatar
    FuzzyPlushroom

    I believe the Lancia Delta III's rear quarters follow the letter, if not the spirit, of this question. It's essentially, from the rear, a dwarf Murano with a barely-'floating' roof:
    <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Lancia_Delta_III_rear_20100515.jpg/800px-Lancia_Delta_III_rear_20100515.jpg&quot; width="600/">
    Okay, that one barely counts, so here's a Fiat Stilo MultiWagon (the 3- and 5-door hatchbacks have painted rear pillars):
    <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/79/Fiat_Stilo_Multiwagon-ty%C5%82.JPG/795px-Fiat_Stilo_Multiwagon-ty%C5%82.JPG&quot; width="600/">
    The Suzuki SX/4 (and the European-market Fiat Sedici – this is an entirely Italocentric comment) would seem to count as much as the GMT-400/800/900 Tahoe/Suburban/Yukons do, as their D-pillars are obscured but C-pillars are body-colour:
    <img src="http://www.kaancan.co.cc/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Suzuki-SX4-4.jpg&quot; width="600/">
    <img src="http://www.carsbase.com/photo/Fiat-Sedici_mp21_pic_29921.jpg&quot; width="600/">

  20. OA5599 Avatar
    OA5599

    <img src="http://images03.olx.com/ui/1/43/23/5114023_1.jpg&quot; width=500>
    <img src="http://www.krenekrv.com/used/pics/1398_01.jpg&quot; width="500/">
    Some Ram vans used glass to wrap around the rear corners, while some GMs used the side windows to hide intermediate pillars.

  21. SSurfer321 Avatar
    SSurfer321

    That car is from my home town!

  22. pj134 Avatar
    pj134

    Stealth wrap around C-Pillars are much, much less awkward than stealth reach around c-pillars.
    Less jail time too.

  23. austinminiman Avatar
    austinminiman

    Not the most creative, but the Saturn Coupe of that era, the SC2, had them as well. In addition to being a damn good car. <img src="http://www.saturnctr.com/saturn-sc2-1994/saturn-lead.jpg&quot; height="200px">

  24. BlackIce_GTS Avatar
    BlackIce_GTS

    I tried so hard to remember the name of this thing:
    <img src="http://www.carpages.co.uk/citroen/citroen-images/citroen_c3_pluriel_28_04_06.jpg"&gt;
    It's the 'not very good' Citroen C3 Pluriel. It's not really a convertible, the roof is canvas and the roof rails/c-pillars are removable. So you can take them off and hide them. Thus 'stealth'. Haha! That was totally worth waiting 5 weeks for.