In the realm of Formula 1, aesthetics is generally subjective. However, some legends are made not for their rapidity or technology but for their disgustingly interesting looking bodies. These cars have all the attributes that could be advantageous to cut their proportions from ridiculous shapes to weird appendages. Here is an insight into four of the ugliest bearing F1 autos ever constructed and raced.
March 711
The March 711 is frequently overlooked in favor of the beautiful Lotus 72 of the same period. While it had some theoretical value, the car was poorly executed. It had a front wing that looked like a beach lounger and rudimentary side pods so it more closely resembled a blob than a race car. Even though it was an ugly duckling, Ronnie Petersen managed to get four second places, but the car never won a race.
Ensign N179
The Ensign N179 is infamous for its cheese-grater-like exhaust system designed by John Baldwin and Shahab Ahmed, who evidently disregarded some fundamental aspects of aerodynamics. Its best finish was a pitiful 13th place with only four qualifications under its belt, making it one of the least effective – and most unfortunate – designs F1 has ever seen.
Ligier JS5
The JS5 came too many decades in advance of its time and was extremely clumsy unlike its immediate replacement the Ligier JS 11. The vehicle came with a teapot-shaped body and a comical-looking airbox hence considered as the ‘ugliest car’ because of its aerodynamic factors. The change of design did not help much as it laid bare the awkward features of the machine, making it appear like a depressed caricature instead of a race car.
Brabham BT34
For thousands of years, Ron Tauranac’s BT34 Brabham has been a stain on this respected company’s history. The car had high mounted front wing and water scoops looking like toothless walrus. Furthermore, the airbox added to the unflattering design, creating a periscope-like shape. A best 5th place finish was recorded, but the BT34 will be remembered more for its unique appearance.
