Once upon a time ... the retractable load compartment window
02/26/2026
In US estate cars in particular, the rear window could often be lowered or cranked down into the tailgate. In BMW five-door models, the glass could later be folded up independently of the sheet metal. A third, much less frequently chosen option for loading the trunk if it was not possible to open the rear hatch was offered as early as 1967 by the estate version of the Nissan Gloria.
Instead of the rear window, the side load compartment window could be lowered electrically into the fender, either via a switch on the dashboard or via a lock underneath the D-pillar. This made it easy to put small items into the car from the sidewalk - at least in countries with left-hand traffic. This was because the fuel filler neck on the right prevented symmetrical side loading.
