01:27 17-02-2026

Iconic car nicknames and the stories behind them

Explore famous car nicknames like Porsche 911 Turbo's Widowmaker and BMW Z3 Coupe's Clown Shoe. Learn why these monikers stick in automotive culture.

History is full of cars that became famous not for their official names, but for nicknames given by the public. Sometimes these nicknames arise from design, sometimes from on-road behavior. But almost always, the nickname outlives the factory name and becomes part of automotive culture.

The most ominous nickname went to the Porsche 911 Turbo (930), known as the Widowmaker. Its early turbo engine had significant lag, and the rear-engine layout made the car extremely tricky to handle. A mistake in a corner could lead to an instant spin, cementing the nickname for good.

The BMW Z3 Coupe earned a much friendlier moniker: the Clown Shoe. Its sloping nose and tall rear looked like two different cars glued together. Fans embraced the irony, and the shooting brake became a cult classic.

The Mercedes-Benz 300E 6.0 AMG was dubbed The Hammer. In the late 1980s, this sedan with a massive V8 stunned with its power and was among the first super-sedans capable of hitting 300 km/h.

The racing Porsche 935/78, nicknamed Moby Dick by enthusiasts, got its name from extreme aerodynamic bodywork and a white livery. Its huge tail made it resemble a breaching whale.

The BMW 3.0 CSL was called the Batmobile due to its massive wings, splitters, and decorative elements that turned an elegant coupe into a racing monster.

These nicknames serve as a reminder that sometimes public imagination trumps any brand marketing.