Innovation in car design has led to some amazing vehicles over the years. Some cars push the boundaries of style, technology, and imagination, resulting in truly unique rides. What makes these cars stand out are their unexpected and unconventional designs.
From futuristic looks to odd hybrid styles, these cars captivate attention. They challenge our ideas of what a car should be and are a testament to the creativity of their designers.
1) Peel P50
The Peel P50 is a tiny car that has captured the attention of many over the years. Made in the 1960s by Peel Engineering Company on the Isle of Man, it’s known for being the smallest production car ever made. This quirky vehicle measures just 54 inches long and 39 inches wide.
With three wheels and a single door, the Peel P50 truly stands out. It even made it into the Guinness World Records for its size. The car has no reverse gear, but it’s so light that you can drag it around with a handle attached to the back.
Originally, the Peel P50 was priced at £199, which sounds cheap until you consider it translates to around £2,000 or $2,800 today. Despite its size, this little car has a big fan base. Recently, one even sold for a staggering $176,000, showing just how sought-after it is among collectors.
The Peel P50 looks like a toy car, often drawing chuckles and second glances whenever it’s seen. Its single headlight and minimalist design embody simplicity. In a world filled with huge SUVs, the Peel P50 reminds us that smaller can sometimes be better.
This oddball of a car remains a beloved icon, not just for its size, but for its unique charm and the fun it brings to those lucky enough to see one up close.
2) Messerschmitt KR200
The Messerschmitt KR200 is a fascinating three-wheeled car from the 1950s. Designed by aircraft engineer Fritz Fend, this bubble car was built by the German aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt between 1955 and 1964.
The KR200 was known for its unique design, featuring a clear bubble canopy and a tiny, scooter-like body. Despite its small size, it could seat two people in tandem, meaning one behind the other.
The car came with a 191-cc, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine, producing about 10 horsepower. With this modest power, the KR200 could reach a top speed of 56 mph. Its lightweight construction, only around 500 pounds, made this possible.
One of the coolest features of the KR200 was its ability to run the engine backward for reverse thanks to a device called a dynastart. This made it quite unique compared to other vehicles of its time.
Messerschmitt, typically an airplane manufacturer, turned to making the KR200 during a period when they were not allowed to produce aircraft. This quirky bubble car actually helped keep the company afloat during these years. The KR200 still turns heads today due to its odd yet charming appearance and historical significance.
The KR200 also had hydraulic shock absorbers on every wheel, significantly improving the ride quality. This was a step up from its predecessor, the KR175, making the KR200 a more refined design. Its innovative engineering and unusual look made it an unforgettable piece of automotive history.
3) Stout Scarab
The Stout Scarab is a car that truly stood out in the 1930s. It was designed by William Bushnell Stout, an engineer known for his innovative ideas. The Scarab was ahead of its time with features that would later become standard in modern minivans.
This car was built with an aerodynamic design and an Art Deco style. It had a unique appearance that turned heads wherever it went. One standout feature was its interior, which included swivel Captain’s Chairs and foldable card tables.
The Scarab’s interior was highly configurable, allowing seats to be arranged in various ways to suit different needs. All passengers entered the car through a single door, adding to its quirky charm. Though it resembled a minivan, its price was far from typical.
In 1936, buying a Stout Scarab would have cost you $5,000, which is about $80,000 today. Only nine units were ever produced, and fewer have survived to the present day. One of these surviving cars was Stout’s own, which racked up over 250,000 miles.
The robust engineering and unique design of the Stout Scarab made it a car that people still talk about. Far from just a mode of transportation, it remains a symbol of forward-thinking and creative design. Learn more about its innovative features.
Even in today’s world of advanced automotive technology, the Stout Scarab stands out as a landmark in car design.
4) Amphicar Model 770
The Amphicar Model 770 is a unique vehicle that doubles as a car and a boat. Designed by German engineer Hans Trippel, this amphibious car was produced between 1960 and 1965.
It features a steel cabriolet body, four wheels, and two propellers. The rear-mounted Triumph Herald 1147cc engine allows it to reach speeds of 70 mph on land and 7 mph on water. The name “770” combines these two figures.
Equipped with a 4-speed transmission for land and a 2-speed transmission for water, the Amphicar provided a versatile driving experience. Twin nylon propellers gave it the ability to move forward and reverse while in water.
Despite its innovative design, the Amphicar didn’t sell well. Priced at around DM 10,000, it was twice the cost of a Volkswagen Beetle, making it a tough sell at that time.
For more details on the Amphicar’s specifications and history, you can visit Silodrome’s in-depth article.
5) Tatra 603
The Tatra 603 is a rare gem from Czechoslovakia. This car stands out with its unique rear-engine layout and unusual design. With a streamlined body, it was unlike anything else on the road.
Introduced in 1955, the Tatra 603 quickly caught the attention of car enthusiasts. Its appearance is odd yet captivating. The design includes three headlights, adding to its quirky charm.
In terms of performance, the Tatra 603 was powered by an air-cooled V8 engine. This gave the car surprising power for its time. The engine placement at the back also contributed to its distinctive character.
The Tatra 603 wasn’t just about looks. It was built to be durable and could withstand tough conditions. This made it a favorite among government officials in Eastern Europe.
By the 1990s, the Tatra 603 was retired from production. Yet, its legacy lives on among classic car fans. Today, it remains a symbol of innovation and eccentric design from a unique era.
To learn more about the Tatra 603’s history and production, check out this article from Classic & Sports Car or read this piece from Autoweek. The car’s wild looks and interesting backstory make it one of the most distinctive cars ever made.
6) Cadillac Cyclone
The Cadillac Cyclone from 1959 is a concept car that stunned everyone with its futuristic design. Created during Harley Earl’s time at General Motors, it marked the end of an era in car design.
This unique car boasted a 390 cubic inch V8 engine, delivering 325 horsepower. It could reach speeds of about 110 miles per hour. The Cyclone had a distinctive low-profile carburetor to boost performance.
With a sleek, Space Age look, the Cadillac Cyclone featured rounded fenders and a slimmed-down body. It offered a glimpse into the future of automotive design with its many advanced features.
It was not just about looks. The car was a “laboratory on wheels.” The designers used it to test new technologies and innovations. The rear suspension included swing axles and trailing arms, contributing to its smooth ride.
Despite being based on the 1959 Cadillac Series 62, it was much smaller and more compact. This made it even more unique among cars of its time. The Cyclone’s blend of style and innovation made it a memorable piece of automotive history.
7) BMW Isetta
The BMW Isetta is one of the weirdest cars ever made. This tiny vehicle was manufactured by BMW in the 1950s and became popular in post-war Germany. Its small size and unique design made it an affordable option for many people who couldn’t afford larger cars.
One of the most notable features of the Isetta is its front-opening door, which makes it look more like a refrigerator than a car. This design choice was quite unusual and made the Isetta stand out on the road. The steering wheel and dashboard are attached to this door, making entering and exiting the car a unique experience.
The Isetta runs on a single-cylinder engine, which gives it limited power and makes it quite slow. Despite its sluggish performance, it was a practical solution for city driving and short distances. The car’s size also made parking a breeze, which was a big plus in crowded cities.
The interior of the Isetta is very basic. There’s only one bench seat that can fit two adults snugly. Storage space is minimal, so it wasn’t ideal for long trips.
Today, the BMW Isetta is considered a classic microcar and has a dedicated following among car enthusiasts. Restored models can be quite valuable, with prices sometimes reaching up to $80,000. Its quirky design and historical significance make it a favorite at car shows and classic car events.
The Isetta remains a symbol of a unique period in automotive history. It shows how creativity and practicality can come together to produce something truly memorable.
For more on the BMW Isetta, visit this article.
8) Dymaxion Car
The Dymaxion Car was designed by Buckminster Fuller in 1933. Fuller, an architect and inventor, aimed to create an innovative vehicle that could redefine transportation. The car could carry up to 11 passengers and was designed to be aerodynamic with a teardrop shape.
This three-wheeled car was 19 feet long and weighed about 2,700 pounds. It had a unique steering system that allowed it to pivot on its rear wheel. The car could hit speeds up to 90 mph and achieved impressive fuel efficiency for its time.
Despite its groundbreaking design, the Dymaxion Car faced several challenges. During a demonstration at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, one of the prototypes was involved in a fatal accident. This event severely damaged its reputation.
Fuller’s dream of mass-producing the Dymaxion Car never materialized. The car was often misunderstood by the public and the press, who often labeled it as a “freak car”. Only three prototypes were ever completed.
Fuller’s vision reflected the futuristic Streamline Moderne style. Although it never achieved commercial success, the Dymaxion Car remains a significant piece of automotive history. It showcased early ideas about sustainability and aerodynamics that would influence future vehicle designs.
9) Bond Bug
The Bond Bug is a small three-wheeled car built by Reliant Motor Company. Designed by Tom Karen of Ogle Design, it was produced from 1970 to 1974.
It’s a wedge-shaped microcar with a quirky look. Instead of conventional doors, it features a lift-up canopy and side screens.
The car was powered by a 700cc 4-cylinder engine from the Reliant Regal. It produced 29 horsepower, which allowed it to reach 0-60 mph in 20 seconds. Its top speed was 76 mph. Despite its modest power, it achieved 46 miles per gallon.
Only about 2,270 units of the Bond Bug were sold. The car’s high cost was a significant factor in its limited production and sales.
Reliant later bid farewell to the Bond Bug in 1974, but the molds were retained and it saw a re-launch as a kit-car, available as both a three-wheeler and a new four-wheeler.
One of the most notable features of the Bond Bug is its bright orange color. This made it stand out even more on the road.
10) Edsel Corsair
The Edsel Corsair was a car that truly stunned everyone when it debuted in 1958. Named after Henry Ford’s son, Edsel, it was part of Ford’s attempt to create a revolutionary new brand.
Unfortunately, the Edsel Corsair never caught on with the public. Despite its bold design and advanced features, it struggled to find buyers. Many believed it was simply too different for its time.
The Corsair had a unique, vertical grille that made it stand out, but not always in a good way. People either loved it or hated it. Its sales were further hurt by a poor economy during its release.
One interesting fact about the Edsel Corsair is that it was offered in only its first two years, 1958 and 1959, before being discontinued. This makes it a rare find today, especially in good condition.
This car also came with a Tele-touch push-button transmission selector in the center of the steering wheel, which was innovative for its time. Despite these features, it was often seen as a symbol of automotive failure.
Even though it wasn’t a commercial success, the Edsel Corsair remains a fascinating piece of automotive history. Its story still captivates car enthusiasts and collectors today. The Edsel name might be synonymous with failure, but cars like the Corsair tell a deeper, more interesting story.
11) Sinclair C5
The Sinclair C5 was a quirky attempt by Sir Clive Sinclair to revolutionize personal transportation in the 1980s. It was marketed as a small, one-person battery electric tricycle.
Powered by a 250-watt electric motor, it was essentially an electrically-assisted pedal cycle, not a full-fledged car.
The C5 could go up to 15 miles per hour and had a range of about 20 miles. It came with a price tag of £399. Despite high expectations, it ended up selling only 9,000 units.
Its design left riders exposed to the elements, sitting low to the ground on a plastic wedge. This made it impractical for many users.
Despite its flaws, the C5 remains a fascinating piece of automotive history. It showed the ambition and creativity of that era, even if it was a commercial failure.
