Car manufacturers are in a constant race against one another to create the most appealing designs to sell to customers around the world. Occasionally, designers think far outside the box, resulting in rare and unusual car concepts. Here, we explore 15 of the strangest cars ever made.
15. Dodge Deora
The Dodge Deora is a standout example of automotive creativity. Originally a 1965 Dodge A100 truck, it was transformed by Mike and Larry Alexander for the 1967 Detroit Autorama. The modifications included a chopped and sectioned body, along with a back hatch from a Ford station wagon, resulting in a futuristic design that won nine awards, including Best in Show. Chrysler was so impressed that they leased the Deora for display alongside other concept cars for two years.
After spending 30 years in storage, the Deora was restored in time for the 50th anniversary of the Detroit Autorama in 2002. It sold for approximately $410,000 in 2009, making it a rare collector’s item. While you may not see one on the road, the Deora has made its mark in pop culture as part of the first Hot Wheels line in 1968, showcasing its lasting legacy.
14. Ferrari 512 S Modulo
The Ferrari 512 S Modulo is a concept car that offers a glimpse into the future of automotive design. Created by Paolo Martin from Pininfarina for the 1970 Geneva Motor Show, this vehicle began life as a Ferrari 512S, originally intended for racing. The chassis was stripped down, and a completely new body was crafted, featuring a low, wedge-shaped profile and a sliding canopy roof for easy access.
With a powerful V12 engine producing up to 550 horsepower, the Modulo could reach a top speed of 220 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 in just three seconds. Although it was originally painted black, it was later re-sprayed white and has since won numerous design awards. While impractical for everyday use, the Modulo’s design continues to inspire future supercars, making it a significant piece of automotive history.
13. Reliant Bond Bug
The Reliant Bond Bug is a quirky microcar that was produced between 1970 and 1974. Known for its wedge-shaped design, it was inspired by a previous model that was deemed too strange for production. The Bond Bug is essentially a three-wheeled vehicle, resembling a motorbike with a car chassis, and features a unique canopy for entry instead of traditional doors.
Powered by a 700cc engine, the Bond Bug could reach a top speed of 76 mph, making it surprisingly fun to drive. However, only about 200 units were sold, leading to its discontinuation due to poor sales. Interestingly, the Bond Bug’s chassis inspired the design of Luke Skywalker’s landspeeder in the original Star Wars, cementing its place in pop culture.
12. Sebring Vanguard City Car
The Sebring Vanguard City Car was one of the earliest production electric cars in the United States, produced between 1974 and 1977. Designed in response to the fuel crisis of the early 1970s, it took inspiration from golf cart designs, featuring a wedge-shaped body that was both compact and unique.
Despite its innovative design, the City Car struggled to gain traction in the market. With a top speed of 38 mph and a limited range of just 40 miles, it was primarily useful for short distances. The company produced around 2,300 units, but the City Car’s aesthetic and performance limitations ultimately hindered its success in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
11. Fiat Multipla
The Fiat Multipla is often described as one of the most unusual family vehicles ever produced. Released in 1998, its design was so polarizing that it was likened to a “psychotic cartoon duck.” Despite its unfortunate appearance, the Multipla was praised for its comfort, spaciousness, and reliability, making it a popular choice for families.
Initially, Fiat stood by the Multipla’s quirky styling, but in 2004, they revamped its appearance, leading to improved sales. The Multipla’s unique design has since become a topic of discussion among automotive enthusiasts, proving that sometimes, functionality can outweigh aesthetics in the world of family vehicles.
10. Chevrolet SSR
The Chevrolet SSR, produced between 2003 and 2006, was an ambitious attempt to blend classic design with modern performance. Inspired by 1940s and 50s vehicles, the SSR featured a retractable hardtop convertible design that was both eye-catching and unusual. Equipped with a V8 engine, it offered competitive performance, but its aesthetic was divisive among potential buyers.
Despite a promotional campaign that included appearances at major events like the Indianapolis 500, the SSR fell short of sales expectations, with only around 24,000 units sold. The unique design and features ultimately failed to resonate with consumers, leading to its discontinuation after just three years of production.
9. Volkswagen Thing
Originally designed for the West German army, the Volkswagen Thing was later marketed to civilians in the early 1970s. Known for its rugged adaptability, the Thing featured removable doors, a foldable windshield, and a fully removable roof, making it a versatile vehicle for various conditions.
Despite its military roots, civilian sales were lackluster, attributed to poor branding and competition from more comfortable alternatives. The Thing’s quirky design and color schemes have since made it a collector’s item, remembered as one of the strangest vehicles offered to the civilian market.
8. Oeuf Electrique
The Oeuf Electrique, introduced in 1938, is one of the earliest fully electric vehicles. Its egg-shaped design, crafted from lightweight materials, was revolutionary for its time. Weighing only 770 pounds, it could reach a top speed of 44 mph and had a range of up to 62 miles.
Only one Oeuf Electrique was ever made, and it served as the personal vehicle for its designer, Paul Arzens, until his death in 1990. Now on display in a museum, it is credited with inspiring modern electric vehicle designs, showcasing the innovative spirit of early automotive engineering.
7. Peel P50
The Peel P50 holds the title of the smallest car ever produced, measuring just 52 inches long. Designed as a city car, it was marketed as having space for one adult and a shopping bag. With a mere 4.2 horsepower engine, it could reach a top speed of 38 mph, but lacked a reverse gear, requiring drivers to lift and turn it manually.
Only 50 units were ever built, and today, the P50 is a highly sought-after collector’s item. Its unique design and limited production have made it a symbol of automotive eccentricity, with pristine models fetching astronomical prices at auction.
6. Subaru Brat
The Subaru Brat, produced between 1978 and 1994, was a four-wheel-drive utility vehicle designed for the North American market. Its unique features included rear-facing seats in the cargo bed, allowing it to be classified as a passenger vehicle rather than a light truck.
Despite its unconventional design, the Brat was well-received and became a popular import model. Its quirky styling and innovative features set it apart from competitors, making it a memorable entry in Subaru’s lineup.
5. Cadillac Cyclone
The Cadillac Cyclone was a concept car that epitomized the futuristic designs of the 1950s and 60s. Featuring a powerful V8 engine and a unique aerodynamic shape, it was designed to showcase the potential of automotive technology. Although it never went into production, the Cyclone’s innovative features, such as radar sensors for collision avoidance, have made it a sought-after collector’s item.
With its striking design and advanced technology, the Cyclone remains a symbol of the ambitious spirit of mid-century automotive engineering, representing what could have been in the evolution of car design.
4. Chrysler Streamline X
The Chrysler Streamline X, also known as the Gilda, was a show car that debuted in 1955. Its design was heavily influenced by the rocket age, featuring large tail fins and a small cockpit to enhance aerodynamics. Although it was intended to be powered by a gas turbine engine, it was ultimately fitted with a standard engine.
In the early 2000s, a collector retrofitted the Streamline X with a gas turbine engine, realizing the original vision for this unique vehicle. As a one-of-a-kind car, it has become a highly valued collectible, showcasing the innovative designs of its era.
3. Nissan Pulsar NX
The Nissan Pulsar NX was a unique sports car produced in the early 1980s. Known for its upright styling and various iterations, including a convertible and sportback, it stood out in the market. The Pulsar NX was powered by a turbocharged engine, offering impressive performance for its time.
Despite its unusual design and limited production, the Pulsar NX is regarded by enthusiasts as one of Nissan’s best cars. Its combination of style and performance has left a lasting impression on the automotive community, making it a notable entry in Nissan’s history.
2. Norman Tim Special
The Norman Tim Special is a legendary vehicle that showcases the creativity of automotive engineering. Inspired by the V16-powered Auto Union streamliners of the 1930s, it featured a stunning design crafted from wood and aluminum. The car’s aerodynamic shape and lack of traditional openings made it a true work of art.
Sadly, the Tim Special faced a tragic fate, being found in a dilapidated state and later destroyed in a fire. However, efforts are underway to restore it, as its unique design and engineering innovations continue to captivate car enthusiasts around the world.
1. Firebird One XP 21
The Firebird One XP 21 was a radical concept car from GM that envisioned the future of automotive design. Featuring a gas turbine engine and a body inspired by fighter jets, it was a bold statement of innovation. Although it never reached its full potential, the Firebird One remains a symbol of the ambitious designs of the 1950s.
With its unique features and futuristic aesthetic, the Firebird One XP 21 continues to inspire automotive designers today, representing the limitless possibilities of car design and engineering.
