Butterfly doors, also known as scissor doors or vertical doors, are often associated with exotic supercars and luxury vehicles. Their unique, upward-opening design not only adds a dramatic flair but also serves a practical purpose by requiring less space to open, which can be useful in tight parking spots. 

While these doors are most commonly found on high-end cars, there are options for those looking for this standout feature without spending a fortune. In this blog, we’ll take a look at several affordable cars that offer the iconic butterfly door design. 

From used models of iconic sports cars to modern affordable alternatives, this guide will help you find vehicles that deliver style and functionality without stretching your budget too far.

What are Butterfly Doors?

Butterfly doors differ from traditional car doors in the way they open. Instead of swinging outward like most doors, butterfly doors pivot upward at an angle, giving them a more dynamic and sleek appearance. 

This style was popularized by high-end manufacturers like Lamborghini, but some more affordable cars have adopted similar designs, giving drivers the opportunity to enjoy the same aesthetic appeal without the sky-high price tags.

Sports Cars with Butterfly Doors

1. Mazda RX-8 (2003-2012)

• Price Range: $7,000 – $15,000 (used)

The Mazda RX-8 is a unique sports car that offers a blend of performance, design, and affordability. While it doesn’t feature full butterfly doors, the RX-8 has a set of rear-hinged “suicide doors” that open opposite the front doors, creating a similar dramatic entrance effect. 

These doors make it easier to access the rear seats and give the RX-8 an unmistakable look. Powered by a rotary engine, the RX-8 is a fun-to-drive car with responsive handling and an affordable price tag, making it a great entry point for those who want something stylish and different.

• Key Features:
  • Unique rear-hinged doors for easy access to the back seats.
  • Rotary engine with up to 232 horsepower in the manual transmission version.
  • Lightweight, well-balanced chassis for great handling on winding roads.
  • Sporty design and seating for four passengers, making it more practical than many sports cars.

2. BMW i8 (2014-2020, Pre-Owned)

• Price Range: $60,000 – $90,000 (used)

The BMW i8 is a futuristic plug-in hybrid sports car with striking butterfly doors, making it one of the most affordable ways to get the real deal when it comes to exotic styling. The i8’s doors open upward and outward, making a bold statement every time they are used. 

While the i8’s starting price was well over $100,000 when new, pre-owned models can now be found for significantly less, offering a luxury supercar experience at a fraction of the cost. The i8’s hybrid powertrain delivers solid performance along with impressive fuel efficiency.

• Key Features:
  • Futuristic design with iconic butterfly doors.
  • Plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined 369 horsepower.
  • Lightweight carbon-fiber body for improved efficiency and performance.
  • Luxurious interior with advanced technology and high-quality materials.

3. Ford GT (2005-2006, Pre-Owned)

• Price Range: $180,000 – $250,000 (used)

While the Ford GT isn’t exactly a “cheap” car, it’s significantly more affordable in the pre-owned market compared to other exotic cars that feature butterfly doors. The 2005-2006 Ford GT is a modern homage to the iconic 1960s GT40, with its recognizable butterfly doors. 

The Ford GT’s supercharged 5.4-liter V8 produces an astonishing 550 horsepower, making it a beast on the road. The GT’s design is timeless, and for those who can stretch their budget, it offers a supercar experience at a lower price point than many rivals.

• Key Features:
  • Supercharged V8 engine with 550 horsepower for thrilling acceleration.
  • Stunning retro design inspired by the original Ford GT40.
  • Butterfly doors that open up and outward, enhancing its exotic appeal.
  • Rare and collectible, holding its value well over time.

Modern Affordable Cars with Unique Door Designs

4. Tesla Model X (2016-2024, Pre-Owned)

• Price Range: $60,000 – $90,000 (used)

While the Tesla Model X technically has “falcon-wing” doors rather than traditional butterfly doors, its unique upward-opening rear doors offer the same dramatic flair. The Model X is one of the few electric SUVs that incorporates such a distinctive design, and its doors are not just for show—they also make it easier to access the second and third-row seats in tight parking spaces. 

The Model X is not only a high-performance electric vehicle but also a practical one, offering ample interior space and advanced autonomous driving features.

• Key Features:
  • Falcon-wing doors that open upward, providing easy access to the rear seats.
  • Fully electric powertrain with up to 1,020 horsepower in the Model X Plaid version.
  • Advanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capabilities.
  • Spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers.

5. DeLorean DMC-12 (1981-1983, Pre-Owned)

• Price Range: $40,000 – $80,000 (used)

The DeLorean DMC-12 may be most famous for its appearance in the “Back to the Future” films, but its iconic gullwing doors also give it a butterfly-like effect. Though not known for its performance, the DeLorean has become a collector’s item over the years. 

Its stainless-steel body and futuristic design still turn heads today. While it lacks the modern technology of more recent vehicles, the DeLorean is a great option for car enthusiasts who appreciate vintage style and a unique entrance.

• Key Features:
  • Iconic gullwing doors for a futuristic and distinctive look.
  • Stainless steel body with a retro-futuristic design.
  • Collectible status with a devoted following of enthusiasts.
  • 2.8-liter V6 engine producing 130 horsepower.

6. Smart ForTwo (Brabus Edition) (2011-2013, Pre-Owned)

• Price Range: $8,000 – $15,000 (used)

The Smart ForTwo, particularly in its Brabus edition, is an affordable city car with a unique twist on design. Although it doesn’t feature butterfly doors from the factory, there are aftermarket kits available that allow owners to install butterfly doors, transforming this tiny car into a head-turning compact vehicle. 

The Brabus edition adds a bit more performance and sportiness to the Smart ForTwo, making it a fun, quirky option for city driving. With its low price and customization potential, the Smart ForTwo is a great choice for those who want an affordable car with butterfly doors.

• Key Features:
  • Aftermarket butterfly door kits available for added style.
  • Compact size, perfect for urban environments and tight parking.
  • Brabus edition features a tuned suspension and sportier design elements.
  • Fuel-efficient 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine with 102 horsepower.

Custom and Aftermarket Options for Butterfly Doors

7. Honda Civic (Aftermarket Butterfly Door Kit) (1995-2020)

• Price Range (Aftermarket Kit): $1,500 – $3,000 for door conversion kit

If you’re set on owning a car with butterfly doors but don’t want to spend a fortune on a high-end model, you can opt for aftermarket conversion kits. One popular car to modify is the Honda Civic, a versatile and affordable option.

With butterfly door kits available for various model years of the Civic, you can transform a regular compact car into something much more exotic. The Civic is known for its reliability and ease of customization, making it a prime candidate for an upgrade.

• Key Features:
  • Affordable and reliable base vehicle with plenty of model years to choose from.
  • Wide availability of aftermarket parts, including butterfly door conversion kits.
  • Customization options for performance, interior, and exterior styling.
  • Fuel-efficient engine options with up to 180 horsepower in newer models.

8. Mazda Miata (Aftermarket Butterfly Door Kit) (1990-2020)

• Price Range (Aftermarket Kit): $1,500 – $3,000 for door conversion kit

The Mazda Miata is another excellent option for those looking to add butterfly doors to a fun and affordable sports car. The Miata has long been celebrated for its lightweight design, agile handling, and convertible top, but with the addition of butterfly doors, it becomes a true head-turner. 

Like the Honda Civic, there are numerous aftermarket kits available that allow Miata owners to add custom butterfly doors. Whether you’re driving an older NA Miata or a newer ND model, butterfly doors can take your car’s style to the next level.

• Key Features:
  • Lightweight and nimble sports car with excellent handling.
  • Convertible top for open-air driving experience.
  • Wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories available.
  • 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with up to 181 horsepower in the latest model.

Conclusion

While butterfly doors are often associated with high-end supercars, there are several affordable options available for car enthusiasts who want this striking feature without spending a fortune. From unique sports cars like the Mazda RX-8 and BMW i8 to customizable vehicles like the Honda Civic and Mazda Miata, there are plenty of ways to get the butterfly door look on a budget. 

Whether you’re looking for a used car with factory-installed doors or want to explore aftermarket customization options, this guide offers a variety of choices to help you stand out on the road without breaking the bank.