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12 Vehicles That Were Built Backwards — and Somehow Worked

Cameron Eittreim January 10, 2026

The automotive world has witnessed some truly unconventional vehicles that challenged traditional design principles. These “backward” designs, often defying logic and expectations, have showcased the ingenuity and creativity of engineers and designers. From vehicles with reversed controls to those with unconventional layouts, these innovations have sometimes led to unexpectedly successful, if peculiar, machines that challenged automotive norms. In this article, we explore 12 such vehicles that, against all odds, worked and left a lasting impact on automotive history.

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1. Dymaxion Car

The 1933 Dymaxion Car, designed by Buckminster Fuller, featured a teardrop shape and a rear-mounted third wheel for steering. While its front faced the same direction as conventional cars, its handling and aerodynamics seemed backward at the time. Despite its oddities, it influenced future automotive designs. (history.com)

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2. Messerschmitt KR200

Produced in the 1950s, the Messerschmitt KR200 resembled a plane’s cockpit on wheels. Its tandem seating and canopy-style roof allowed efficient forward driving, yet its aircraft-inspired control system was unconventional for land vehicles. Notably, to reverse, the engine had to be stopped and restarted in the opposite direction, a process activated by pushing the ignition key further in. This design choice was a backward-seeming concept for land vehicles. (en.wikipedia.org)

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3. Reliant Robin

The Reliant Robin, produced from 1973 to 2001, was a British three-wheeled car with two wheels at the back and one at the front. This unconventional design made it prone to tipping, especially during sharp turns. Despite its stability issues, the Robin was lightweight, affordable, and popular among drivers with motorcycle licenses. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its unique yet functional design. (en.wikipedia.org)

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4. Peel P50

Recognized as the world’s smallest production car, the Peel P50 was so tiny that it could be parked backward and pulled out by hand—the handle at the rear was intentionally designed for this maneuver. This design choice, while unconventional, proved practical for microcity living. The P50’s compact size and unique features have cemented its place in automotive history. (peelengineering.com)

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5. Bond Bug

The Bond Bug, produced from 1970 to 1974, featured a distinctive wedge-shaped body and a front-hinged canopy door, making it appear as if it was built backward. Designed by Tom Karen of Ogle Design, this microcar was intended to appeal to a youthful market with its unconventional design. Despite its unique appearance, the Bond Bug proved functional for urban lifestyles, offering a compact and efficient mode of transportation. (autoexpress.co.uk)

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6. Amphicar Model 770

The Amphicar Model 770 blurred the lines between car and boat, featuring rear-mounted propellers—a design typical for boats but unconventional for cars. This setup allowed it to reverse into water and literally ‘drive’ backward into a lake. Its dual-purpose design enabled seamless transitions between road and water, showcasing a unique approach to amphibious transportation. (en.wikipedia.org)

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7. Fiat 600 Multipla

7. Fiat Multipla (600) — A vintage Fiat Multipla, the iconic retro MPV, parked in front of a charming family home. | Image from www.pickpik.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

Launched in 1956, the Fiat 600 Multipla reversed standard MPV layouts by positioning the driver and passenger directly over the front axle. This design maximized interior space, accommodating up to six passengers in a compact footprint. Despite its unconventional appearance and driving dynamics, the Multipla proved effective for families seeking practicality and versatility. (stellantisheritage.com)

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8. BMW Isetta

The BMW Isetta, produced from 1955 to 1962, featured a distinctive egg-shaped design with bubble-like windows, earning it the nickname “bubble car.” Its most unconventional aspect was the front-opening door, which swung open along with the steering wheel and dashboard, allowing passengers to enter where a car’s engine typically resides. This design, inspired by refrigerators, maximized interior space and proved ideal for navigating narrow European city streets. (bmw.com)

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9. Saab 900 ‘Backwards Engine’

Early Saab 900 models featured a unique engine configuration where the crankshaft delivered power from the front of the engine bay, effectively installing the engine “backwards.” This design improved weight distribution and handling by balancing the front and rear masses. The transmission, a transaxle, was bolted directly beneath the engine, forming the oil pan and connected via chain-driven primary gears. This unconventional setup became a point of pride for Saab enthusiasts. (en.wikipedia.org)

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10. Tatra 77

The Tatra 77, produced from 1934 to 1938, was a pioneering vehicle that featured a rear-mounted, air-cooled V8 engine—a design that appeared unconventional at the time. Its streamlined body, characterized by fins and a rear weight bias, not only enhanced aerodynamics but also influenced the design of Volkswagen’s Beetle. This innovative approach to automotive engineering set the Tatra 77 apart as a forward-thinking model in its era. (hagerty.com)

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11. Volkswagen Type 2 (Transporter)

Volkswagen’s iconic van, the Type 2 (Transporter), utilized a rear-engine layout, placing the cargo and driver ahead of the powertrain—opposite of typical vans. This design provided remarkable interior space and unique handling characteristics, contributing to its enduring popularity. The formula proved effective, with production continuing for decades, solidifying its status as a versatile and beloved vehicle. (en.wikipedia.org)

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12. Citroën DS

The Citroën DS, introduced in 1955, revolutionized automotive engineering with its hydropneumatic suspension system. This innovative design utilized hydraulic fluid and nitrogen-filled spheres to provide a self-leveling, spring-less suspension, offering exceptional ride comfort and handling. The system also allowed drivers to adjust the car’s ride height, facilitating tasks like changing a tire without a jack. Despite its unconventional technology, the DS became legendary for its comfort and performance. (en.wikipedia.org)

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Wheels in Reverse: Unlikely Success

These twelve vehicles demonstrate how thinking in reverse—sometimes literally—has produced machines that pushed boundaries and defied expectations. Despite their unconventional designs, they have inspired innovation and changed the way transportation is imagined. From the teardrop-shaped Dymaxion Car to the front-opening BMW Isetta, each model showcases the impact of challenging traditional automotive norms. Their enduring legacies highlight the value of creativity and boldness in engineering and design.

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