Certain cars pass into legend thanks to their stylish designs, eye-watering speed, and innovative technology.
Then there are the outliers—the ones that make you think, “Who thought this was a good idea?”
But here we’ve got the weirdest cars that these big brands ever made: automobiles that redefine the word “normal.” From odd shapes to wacky features, here are some of the quirkiest rides ever to hit the road.
The BMW GINA (2008)
When you think of BMW, most of the time you picture slick and effortlessly sporty and sophisticated vehicles, but the BMW GINA was totally outside the box.
When the GINA was shown, it featured an adjustable body, made of a flexible fabric that could expand, stretch or contract with the push of a button. Its outer skin might also shift and stretch to change its aerodynamics and appearance.
Although this concept car never went into production, it certainly proved that BMW was willing to take a chance on quirky ideas.
The Fiat Multipla (1998-2010)
This small car had a unique design, and not in a good way.
The Fiat Multipla had a “one of a kind” front end that had some saying it resembled a frog. Its bizarre proportions, along with its oddly-placed headlights, made the Multipla an instant cult classic.
Though it has a love-it-or-hate-it appearance, it won praise for its practicality and, above all, space efficiency — which has earned it a place in quirky car history
Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR (2020)
It looks like a vehicle from another planet — the Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR is inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar.
The vehicle, a concept car, is meant to be fully electric and autonomous, with an organic appearance and a rear end that moves separately like a tail.
Futuristic features of the car, such as a biometric interface that detects the driver’s heartbeat, allowed the wheels to move in a manner mimicking a “robot walking,” he said. Definitely one for the sci fi fans.
The Honda Crosstour (2009-2015)
The Crosstour was Honda’s answer to mixing a sedan with an SUV. With a peculiar, coupe-like shape and a polarizing rear end that many considered clumsy, the Crosstour failed to catch on.
There were critics who described it as a “mash-up” of two kinds of cars, and while it had some great characteristics, it simply could not convert enough drivers.
The Pontiac Aztek (2001-2005)
The Pontiac Aztek wasn’t really bizarre from a technology standpoint, but it sure was odd from a styling one. Its boxy, over-the-top styling prompted some to call it the ugliest car ever made.
But beneath all that was some clever utility, including a pop-up tent and a cooler — making this a love-it-or-hate-it vehicle for adventure-seekers.
Nissan Juke (2010-Now)
The Nissan Juke is infamous for its quirky, bug-eyed front and bulbous body. It’s a car you either love or hate, and plenty of folks have suggested it looks like a cartoon character more than a serious car.
Its unusual look has become its trademark — and it’s garnered a bit of a cult following in that it’s not the standard-issue compact SUV.
The Rolls-Royce Sweptail (2017)
Rolls-Royce is just about as synonymous with luxury as you can get, but the Sweptail takes ”custom” to new, extreme levels.
The one-off design was created more for a billionaire customer with very individual taste, including design references to the client’s favorite cars, and, even, the client’s favorite yacht. The rear end of the car has a swooping, yacht-like silhouette, and the interior is hand-built, one-of-a-kind, with an array of details like a custom champagne cooler and a spot for their favorite perfume.
The Chrysler Airflow (1934)
Chrysler’s Airflow was a forerunner in aerodynamics and technology, but its radical appearance frightened off many buyers of the 1930s.
With its streamlined rounded shape and long- low profile, it looked utterly unlike the boxy cars common at the time. Sadly, the public was not ready for such an unorthodox car, and it didn’t last see the light of day for a few years before fading into obscurity.
The Toyota bB (2000-Present)
Sometimes called “the boxy” car, the Toyota bB (which was identified as the Scion xB here in the States) looks as if it was designed with a different set of rules.
You can’t not love the bB, with its squat stature, broad footprint and boxy profile. Even if it has a cult following, its peculiar aesthetics are hardly mainstream.
These odd cars prove that automakers really are willing to go out on a limb and create unusual designs and uses.
Some were ahead of their time, and others just didn’t stick. But loved or hated, these oddballs earned a spot in automotive history.
