The Boattail Revolution: How a Curved Rear End Became a Symbol of Muscle Cars

Boattail refers to the curved or angled shape of the rear end of a car, particularly a muscle car or a high-performance vehicle. The design feature is intended to improve aerodynamics and increase speed by reducing wind resistance.

The term "boattail" comes from the resemblance of the curved shape to the stern of a boat. The design was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s by car manufacturers such as Pontiac, Chevrolet, and Dodge, who used it on their high-performance models.

Boattails are often associated with muscle cars because they were commonly used on vehicles that were designed for speed and power, such as the Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Charger. The boattail design was believed to improve the car's stability and handling at high speeds, as well as its appearance.