Ivan Vicario Martin
On this occasion, we have gathered The best car nicknames in history, a compilation that takes us back in time, since today it is a custom that has practically disappeared. In addition, the string of nicknames that we are going to show you is also an example of the classic Spanish joke, so that some were used to name the car, but others even referred to the owner.
The custom of nicknaming cars has been lost, mainly because brands are taking fewer and fewer risks when designing cars. And the fact is that there are no longer cars as different from each other as in the 60s, 70s or 80s, the period that concentrates most of the examples that we are going to show. However, already in the dawn of the automobile we will find some cars with their own nickname, to the point that, in the case of the “Alfonso XIII”, It came to be used to name the car.
In many cases, the chosen nicknames served to indicate design features, as in the case of the “Frog Eyes.” In other cases, They did not stop reflecting a certain envy -another of the national sports- as in the case of the “Haiga” or of "Castle"Either way, we've rounded up over 30 of the best car nicknames in history, many of which are sure to put a smile on your face.
THE “HAIGAS”
It was the nickname they received Large cars in the 50s and 60s. The buyer was said to have asked the dealer for “the biggest car he could ever buy.” haiga".
SEAT 600: THE LITTLE BALL
The car that powered our country had countless nicknames, but the most memorable is this one that refers to its size. It was also known as “Seílla” and as “navel”, because it was so popular that it was said that everyone had one.
RENAULT SUPERCINCO GT TURBO: THE BLOW
It was named for the sound of its turbo blowing, although like many of the GTIs of the time, He also had a certain reputation as a “Matapijos”This nickname also accompanied the Yamaha RD350, for example.
AUDI SPORT QUATTRO S1 E2: THE SNOWPLOUGH
The Sport Quattro is one of the most impressive racing cars in history. In its latest evolution, It had very sophisticated aerodynamics which included a huge front apron that reminded many of a snowplow.
MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL: GULL-WINGS
We are talking about the most famous Mercedes in history, and there is plenty to choose from. In addition to being an extraordinary car, part of its popularity lies in Its peculiar opening of doors, imitated to the point of satiety.
SIMCA 1000: THE FILLET
Advertising of the time He announced it as “the five-seater with nerve”, but soon it was said jokingly that, if it was “for five and with nerve”, it was like the “Poor Man’s Steak”. Later, the nickname became simply “Filete”.
RENAULT 4CV: SIX MUSTACHES
This name was used to distinguish the first versions, with six slats on the front, from the later ones. In Spain, it is also called 4/4, because of the 4 horses and the 4 doors.
SEAT 1430: THE CRAZY ONE
In this case, we are dealing with a name that is still widely used among fans today. It is called that because Its excellent and unexpected benefits, although today it would not pass the filters of political correctness.
FIAT MULTIPLA: THE POPEMOBILE
The peculiar Italian model is a regular on lists of the ugliest cars in history, although its concept is actually practical. Since the cabin looks like a glass bubble, it is nicknamed the “Popemobile”, although Most are content to say that it is simply ugly..
HISPANO-SWISS T20: THE SARDINE
It only took a narrow and elongated body made of aluminum for this racing version to remind someone of a sardine... And mind you, it was not only used in Spain, Apparently, it is also known as such in France..
BMW 3.0 CSL: THE BATMOBILE
We continue with the list of the best car nicknames in history with a car that It was never in Gotham and neither was it driven by BatmanIn any case, the impressive aerodynamics made it known worldwide as the “Batmobile.”
RENAULT TWINGO: THE EGG
The friendly French utility vehicle received this name because Its small size and rounded shapesThe popularity of the French model was such that the brand is going to bring it back for the future.
CITROËN DS: THE SHARK
Another car whose popularity earned it numerous nicknames, initially “The Goddess”, because In France, cars are feminine.In Spain, its figure was so impressive that it was nicknamed “Tiburón” (Shark), while in other places it was called “Sapo” (Toad) because of its protruding headlights.
RENAULT 4: THE FOUR CANS
The appearance of the 4L version This automatically made the R4 known as the “Four Cans”. The nickname was a reflection of its simplicity, as it was said to be made from four cans.
ISETTA: THE EGG
Manufactured by Iso, but also by BMW, the name “Egg” It is more of a description than a nickname in itself.In the 90s, many discovered the car in the hands of the popular Steve Urkel in Household things.
RENAULT 5 TURBO CUP: THE KILLER
Not without a certain envy on the part of those who used it, the nickname referred to the fact that many young "posh" people were killed with the car. In reality, youth never mixed well with performance, but It happened with all the equivalent models.
SEAT 1200/1430 SPORT: THE BOCANEGRA
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the reason for this nickname, which described the front end with its black plastic trim. SEAT has also started to call it that and even released a version of the Ibiza IV called “Bocanegra”.
VOLKSWAGEN TYPE 1: THE BEETLE
There is no doubt that this is about The car with the most nicknames in historyIt can be said that in each country where it was sold it has a different nickname: “Beetle”, “Buba”, “Coccinelle”, “Escarabajo”, “Fusca”, “Käfer”, “Kever”, “Maggiolino”…
EDSEL: THE VAGINA
When your new car starts being called the “Toilet Seat,” the “Horse Collar,” or “The Vagina,” it’s clear that There is something in the design that doesn't workWith that cover letter, it's only natural that it would have been a failure.
JAGUAR E-TYPE: THE SHOE
Without a doubt, we are looking at one of the most beautiful designs in history, which did not prevent it from being popular in Spain, It will be called the slipper -the convertible- because he was so short. He shared a nickname, mind you, with Biscúter, although in this case with more reason.
FORD FIESTA: FORITO
The first Ford Fiesta became a huge success and, like the 600, became known as the affectionate nickname of “Forito”Its small size and its friendly image were the explanation.
AUSTIN-HEALEY SPRITE: FROG EYES
You only have to look at a photo of the first generation of this English convertible to understand the nickname it received. Its prominent headlights made it earning the nickname “Frogeye” in England, literally “Frog Eyes”.
CITROËN 2CV VAN: LA CIRILA
It is one of the most popular nicknames in our country, but its origin is unknown. In addition, She was also called "The Milkmaid" because he carried out distribution work for said product.
RENAULT 14: THE PEAR
The shapes of the R14 were certainly risky, so The national joker was quick to nickname him “La Pera”In any case, you have to use a little imagination to find any similarity.
SEAT 850 COUPÉ: THE CASTLE
It was said that Inside every 850 Coupé or Sport Coupé there was a ghost, hence the name “The Castle”. There is no doubt that envy also had something to do with this nickname.
MERCEDES-BENZ 170 D: THE LOLA FLORES
At the time, diesel engines were not particularly smooth. The sound of the Mercedes 170 D's engine was therefore unpleasant for some. reminded them of Lola Flores' castanets.
CITROËN 2CV: THE GOAT
The 2CV's ability to overcome any obstacle earned it the nickname "The Goat", an animal capable of climbing anywhere. In addition, she was also called “The donkey” because she carried everything.
ALFA ROMEO SZ: THE MONSTER
Even the Italians don't always get it right when it comes to design, and the SZ is the perfect example. In the transalpine country itself They ended up calling him “Il mostro”, a nickname that needs no translation.
PORSCHE 935/78: MOBY DICK
We have already seen that Not even racing cars are exempt from nicknames, and not even those created by Porsche. In this case, it is clear that the exaggerated shapes of the 935/78 from Le Mans reminded some of the whale Moby Dick.
RENAULT 5 TURBO: THE FAT ASS
If we talk about the best car nicknames in history, we cannot leave out the legendary Renault 5 Turbo, better known as “Culo Gordo”. In this case, there is no excessive doubts about where the name comes from.
FORD C: THE CUBA
Actually, it was the First model from the oval brand to receive the nickname “Forito”, although it was also called “La Cuba” because of the C in its name and its shapes, the nickname by which it is known today.
CITROËN AVANT TRACTION: THE DUCK
At the time, it was one of the most revolutionary cars in history, the first to popularize front-wheel drive. In any case, it went down in history as “The Duck” for Its elongated nose and the flat shape of the grill.
TALBOT HORIZON: THE CHORIZON
The popular Talbot compact was one of the cars used by the National Police. In this way, He transported detained thieves or "chorizos", which is why he ended up receiving the nickname “Chorizón”.
HISPANO-SUIZA TYPE 45: THE ALFONSO XIII
King Alfonso XIII's predilection for automobiles in general and Hispanos in particular meant that the T45 went down in history with this name. He did so after obtaining several victories in 1911.
