You might have seen Mercedes promoting their new $100K CLS63 AMG shooting-brake, and thought to yourself: what the hell is a shooting-brake?
- No, it’s not a vehicle-mounted weapon from the latest Bond flick (though Aston-Martin has produced its fair share of shooting-brakes).
- No, it’s not what happens when Ted Nugent needs a beer and a reload.
Shooting-Brake: a two-door wagon with coupe-like features…or, it now seems, a four-door wagon with a sporty silhouette.
You see, automakers have been stretching the definition in recent years. And it’s hard to blame them: it sounds cool, and there really is no formal set of guidelines for what defines a shooting-brake (or -break). Various definitions abound:
- According to NYT: “…a sleek wagon with two doors and sports-car panache…”
- According to Top Gear: “…a cross between an estate and a coupé…”
- According to M Coupe Buyers Guide: “…a 2-door car with a squared-off backend…”
Some say a shooting-break is simply a station wagon, and the dictionary calls the term an antiquated synonym thereof. But purists will tell you that a true shooting-brake has 2 seats, 3 doors, and is built on a GT platform.
Classic Shooting-Brakes
- Sunbeam Alpine (1960)
- Aston Martin DB5 Shooting Brake (1963-1965)
- Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake (1992-1993)
- Jensen GT (1975-1976)
- MGB GT (1966-1974)
- Volvo P1800 ES (1972–1973)
- Reliant Scimitar GTE (1968–1975)
Contemporary Shooting-Brakes
Here are a few examples of modern shooting-brakes. Some of them were defined as such by their manufacturer, while others were dubbed shooting-brakes by the automotive media. A few of these are definitely arguable:
- Mercedes CLS63 AMG
- Dodge Magnum
- Ferrari FF
- Fisker Surf
- Mini Clubman
- BMW Z3 Coupe
- Volvo C30
Shooting-Brake Concepts
- Chevy Nomad Concept (2004)
- Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept (2012)
- Renault Altica Concept (2006)
- Bentley Continental Flying Star (2010)
- Aston Martin Bertone Jet 2 (2004)
- Audi Shooting Brake Concept (2005)
Origination of the Term
The term originated in the 1800’s in Britain, when a “brake” was a carriage to which wild or green horses were bridled in order to “break” them. “Brake” carried over into horseless carriages, and custom two-door open-air automobiles that ferried men, dogs, and guns – shooting parties – afield. Hence the term: “shooting brake.” It was typically a high-fashion vehicle with a gentlemanly air, and The New York Times says that “its image entangled with European aristocracy, fox hunts and baying hounds.”
I know I probably missed some really good examples of shooting-brakes. Be sure to let me know here in the comments, and I’ll add them to the list.
Pingback: Mini Review: Mercedes CLS63 AMG