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Ducktail

Car culture term

What is Ducktail?

A small lipped extension on the trailing edge of a trunk lid, named for its resemblance to a duck tail. Used on classic Porsche 911 RS variants.

Ducktail is a small lipped extension on the trailing edge of a car trunk lid (or hatch). The shape resembles a duck's tail when viewed from the side. The most famous application is the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, which used a sharp ducktail as part of its aerodynamic package. The shape became iconic and has been referenced on subsequent 911 generations and on aftermarket kits for many other cars.

The ducktail serves a practical aerodynamic function: it disrupts airflow at the rear of the car, reducing rear lift at high speeds. Compared to a full wing, the ducktail is more subtle and integrated into the body shape. The 1973 RS 2.7 design was developed for high-speed touring car racing where rear stability was critical at speed.

Modern production cars with ducktail-style rear designs include the Porsche 911 ST (modern variants), the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, and various tribute kits available for older 911 generations. Ducktail-style aftermarket parts are popular in the air-cooled Porsche modification community.

Related terms

DownforceWing

Frequently asked questions

Where did the ducktail come from?
The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 introduced the ducktail as a homologation requirement for racing. The shape was developed in Porsche wind tunnel testing to reduce rear-axle lift at high speeds. The car was the first production 911 with significant rear aerodynamic treatment, beginning the long evolution that led to modern GT3 RS wings.
Is the ducktail purely cosmetic?
On the original 1973 RS 2.7, no - it was a functional aerodynamic device. On many modern aftermarket installations, yes - the ducktail is often added for aesthetic reference to the classic without proper engineering. The original design was specific to the 911 chassis aerodynamics.
What is the difference between ducktail and whaletail?
Both are Porsche 911 rear aerodynamic devices. The ducktail (1973 RS) is smaller and integrated into the trunk lid shape. The whaletail (1975 911 Turbo, 1976 Carrera) is significantly larger, with a wider, flatter shape resembling a whale's tail flukes. The whaletail generates more downforce; the ducktail is more subtle.
Are 1973 RS 2.7s really worth millions?
Yes. Limited production (about 1,580 cars total, including Touring and Lightweight variants), motorsport pedigree, and the design icon status have driven prices to $1-3+ million for clean documented examples. The Lightweight (M471) variant is the most valuable.
Can I add a ducktail to my regular 911?
Yes, aftermarket ducktail kits are widely available for Porsche 911s of various generations. Quality and authenticity vary; period-correct reproductions are preferred for restoration work. The visual reference to the 1973 RS 2.7 has become a classic Porsche modification.

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