10 Times Nissan Got Seriously Weird—and Built It Anyway

Cameron Eittreim June 13, 2025

From cube-shaped city cars to amphibious vans, Nissan has never shied away from wandering off the beaten path. Throughout its history, the company has unleashed a parade of truly unconventional vehicles—sometimes as wild concepts, other times as limited-run production models. These oddities may have left critics scratching their heads and fans grinning in delight, but every one of them made it from drawing board to reality.
What follows are ten of the most surprising, strange, and downright weird cars ever to roll out of a Nissan factory.

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1. Nissan S-Cargo

Launched in 1989, the Nissan S-Cargo looked like it had driven straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon. Inspired by the classic Citroën 2CV van, its bubbly, snail-shaped body—and a name that cheekily nods to ‘escargot’—made it an instant cult classic. Built under the innovative Pike Factory lineup, the S-Cargo delivered retro charm and city-friendly practicality. Collectors and oddball car enthusiasts still celebrate its whimsical styling and quirky appeal.
Source: Jalopnik

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2. Nissan Cube

2014 Nissan Cube 01 — Photo Credit: Wiki

The Nissan Cube made an unforgettable entrance in 1998 with its unapologetically boxy profile and quirky, asymmetrical rear window. Designed for the urban commuter, its spacious interior and offbeat styling set it apart from rivals like the Scion xB. While critics were divided, the Cube’s unique charm sparked a dedicated fanbase across the globe.
After years of turning heads and raising eyebrows, the Cube exited the North American market in 2014.
Source: Car and Driver

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3. Nissan Figaro

The Nissan Figaro debuted in 1991, capturing hearts with its unmistakable retro flair. This convertible’s pastel color palette and gleaming chrome trim evoked the style of a 1960s European roadster, wrapped up in compact Japanese engineering. Originally, only 20,000 units were produced for the Japanese market, but its nostalgic charm quickly sparked international demand—especially in the UK, where it’s now a cult favorite.
Today, the Figaro remains a prized collector’s item for those who crave a mix of whimsy and vintage style.
Source: BBC

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4. Nissan Pao

The Nissan Pao, unveiled in 1989, is another standout from the imaginative Pike Factory lineup. With its ribbed body panels, split rear windows, and playful retro details, the Pao looked straight out of a 1950s European cityscape—yet it was entirely modern beneath the surface. These whimsical touches helped the Pao earn a loyal following among JDM import fans, who covet its unique blend of nostalgia and practicality.
Source: MotorTrend

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5. Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet took a daring leap in 2011, merging SUV practicality with open-air convertible fun. Billed as the world’s first all-wheel-drive convertible crossover, its quirky proportions and unusual roofline sparked plenty of head-scratching. Despite the criticism and confusion, Nissan boldly pressed ahead. After just four years, the CrossCabriolet was discontinued, but it continues to stand out as one of the most audacious—and undeniably weird—crossovers ever produced.
Source: The Drive

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6. Nissan Pulsar NX Sportbak

1987 Nissan Pulsar Nx Coupe White Se Sportbak 2 — Photo Credit: Wiki

During the late 1980s, Nissan introduced the Pulsar NX Sportbak—a coupe with a clever twist. A removable rear canopy let owners transform the vehicle from a sporty coupe into a quasi-wagon, or even a targa. This modular, customizable approach was totally unique in its class, offering versatility most cars could only dream of. Though sales were modest, the Sportbak stands as a memorable experiment in adaptable car design.
Source: Hemmings

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7. Nissan Juke

When the Nissan Juke rolled onto the scene in 2010, its frog-eyed headlights and sweeping curves were impossible to ignore. The Juke’s unconventional styling split opinions, but it resonated with drivers seeking a bold alternative in the subcompact SUV segment. Its surprising popularity encouraged Nissan—and other automakers—to take more risks with design.
The Juke remains a milestone for unapologetic quirkiness in a market often dominated by safe, predictable choices.
Source: Top Gear

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8. Nissan DeltaWing

The Nissan DeltaWing was a true shock to the racing world, thanks to its narrow front track and radical, triangular silhouette. Originally conceived for endurance racing, it made headlines when Nissan entered it in the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans. While it didn’t take home the trophy, the DeltaWing proved Nissan’s appetite for engineering innovation and boundary-pushing technology. Its futuristic design remains an unforgettable chapter in motorsport history.
Source: Road & Track

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9. Nissan Leaf Open Car

In 2018, Nissan marked a milestone—100,000 Leaf sales in Japan—by unveiling the Leaf Open Car, a unique convertible take on its best-selling EV. This one-off special was never intended for mass production, but it perfectly showcased Nissan’s willingness to get creative, even with its eco-conscious lineup. The Leaf Open Car remains a symbol of the brand’s playful spirit and commitment to surprising its fans.
Source: Auto Express

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10. Nissan NV350 Caravan Office Pod

Nissan Nv350 Caravan Office Pod Concept Designboom 05 — Photo Credit: Wiki

The NV350 Caravan Office Pod, revealed at the 2021 Tokyo Auto Salon, reimagined the future of remote work. With a fully retractable workspace that slides out from the rear, this concept van is Nissan’s creative answer to the modern, mobile office. Though it remains a concept, the Office Pod perfectly encapsulates Nissan’s ongoing drive to innovate and surprise—even in unexpected ways.

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