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20 Times Car Designers Clearly Had No Supervision

Cameron Eittreim June 29, 2025

Car design is an art form where imagination meets engineering. But sometimes, designers are given free rein—and the results are nothing short of astonishing. From bizarre shapes to confounding features, some vehicles leave us wondering whether anyone was actually overseeing the project. These cars don’t just push the envelope—they tear it up and set it on fire.
What happens when ambition outpaces practicality? Or when style trumps any sense of convention? The following list dives into the twenty moments when automotive creativity got so wild, it’s clear no one was holding the reins. Buckle up for some of the most outrageous rides ever conceived.

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1. Pontiac Aztek: A Bold Misstep

Pontiac Aztek 1112 21 — A Pontiac Aztek SUV showcases its famously unconventional design, securing its place among the world’s most debated ugly cars. | Photo by Marena Lydon on Pexels

Few vehicles are as instantly recognizable—or ridiculed—as the Pontiac Aztek. Its angular lines and clashing surfaces made it stand out, but not in a flattering way. Even among controversial SUVs, the Aztek’s design was uniquely divisive, sparking debates that still echo today.
While some appreciate its quirky practicality, most see it as a cautionary tale about unchecked creativity. The Aztek’s legacy remains a reminder that daring design can either break boundaries or simply bewilder.

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2. Nissan Juke: Frog-Inspired Funkiness

Revised 2015 nissan juke starts at 20250 video photo gallery 2 — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The Nissan Juke made waves with its bulbous headlights and unconventional curves, instantly earning comparisons to a frog. Its bold, amphibian-like face split opinions in the compact crossover segment, with some fans loving its playful personality while others were left scratching their heads.
Despite—or perhaps because of—its oddball styling, the Juke carved out a unique spot in automotive history. Its impact proved that daring to be different can be both a curse and a blessing for car designers.

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3. Fiat Multipla: Double-Decker Windows

The Fiat Multipla redefined what a minivan could look like with its unmistakable two-tiered headlamp arrangement. Its “double-decker” design gave it a wide-eyed, almost cartoonish appearance that turned heads across Europe.
While its spacious interior was practical, the exterior became an icon of oddity. The Multipla’s look sparked endless debates, but it also gained a cult following among those who appreciate cars that dare to defy conventional beauty standards.

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4. SsangYong Rodius: Confusing Curves

SsangYong Rodius - SsangYong Korando — The SsangYong Rodius stands out with its unconventional MPV design, earning a reputation as one of the strangest cars. | Photo by Yusuf Timur Çelik on Pexels

The SsangYong Rodius is often remembered for its puzzling mix of lines and a rear end that seems to defy logic. Its oddly shaped windows and mismatched curves made it a standout in the MPV world—but not for the right reasons.
Frequently labeled as one of the least attractive people carriers ever made, the Rodius proves that when design elements clash instead of complement, the result can be more confusing than captivating.

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5. Subaru Baja: Truck or Car?

The Subaru Baja blurred the lines between pickup and wagon, sporting a bed in the back but the heart of a family car. This hybrid design left many scratching their heads about its true purpose and target audience.
Intended as a modern answer to the Chevrolet El Camino, the Baja never quite found its niche. Its quirky mashup of styles made it memorable, but also placed it firmly in the “what were they thinking?” category of automotive history.

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6. Chrysler PT Cruiser: Retro Overload

2005 chrysler pt cruiser convertible touring — A striking Chrysler PT Cruiser stands out with its retro-inspired curves, celebrating the era of unique car design. | Photo by Corentin HENRY on Pexels

The Chrysler PT Cruiser aimed to evoke classic American cars with its exaggerated curves, upright stance, and bold vertical grille. However, what was meant to be a nostalgic nod quickly became a lightning rod for criticism.
Some drivers adored its throwback charm, but many others found the styling overwrought and cartoonish. The PT Cruiser’s extreme approach to retro design split opinions, ensuring it would be remembered as much for its divisiveness as its distinct look.

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7. Toyota Mirai (First Gen): Fuel-Cell Future Shock

2017 Toyota Mirai Front Three Quarter In Motion 1024x680 — The Toyota Mirai hydrogen car stands out with its sleek, futuristic design and bold aerodynamic lines on the street. | Photo by Maria Geller on Pexels

The first-generation Toyota Mirai was designed to make a statement—inside and out. Its sharp, angular lines and prominent grille were intended to reflect its futuristic hydrogen-powered technology.
While the Mirai’s bold look certainly set it apart from conventional sedans, not everyone embraced its spaceship aesthetic. For some, it was a daring vision of the future; for others, it was a visual shock too far. The Mirai proved that innovation in design can be just as polarizing as innovation under the hood.

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8. Citroën Ami: Minimalism to the Extreme

Citroen ami review — The Citroën Ami, a compact electric microcar, stands out with its bold, minimalist design and urban-friendly size. | Photo by Hyundai Motor Group on Pexels

The Citroën Ami takes minimalism to a new level, with its unapologetically boxy shape and symmetrical body panels. Designed as an ultra-affordable electric city car, the Ami’s simplicity is both its strength and its quirk.
Every door and panel is nearly identical, emphasizing practicality over style. While some see it as a clever response to urban needs, others can’t help but be amused by its toy-like proportions. The Ami stands out as one of the most unorthodox EVs on city streets.

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9. BMW i3: Eclectic Urban Commuter

1200px toulousaine de l%27automobile 7441 bmw i3 — A sleek BMW i3 electric car glides through a bustling city street, embodying modern urban mobility and style. | Photo by Evgeni Adutskevich on Pexels

The BMW i3 defied expectations for luxury electric vehicles with its compact size, eco-friendly construction, and asymmetric window design. Inside, the use of recycled materials and open, modern layouts signaled a bold move toward sustainability.
Yet, its quirky exterior—featuring stubby proportions and unique rear windows—challenged traditional BMW aesthetics. The i3 embraced innovation at every turn, making it a symbol of how the pursuit of green technology can also spark some of the most distinctive designs on the road.

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10. Plymouth Prowler: Hot Rod in a Suit

Plymouth Prowler With 134 Miles And Matching Trailer Hits The Auction Block 2 — A striking Plymouth Prowler hot rod gleams under the sun, showcasing its bold retro curves and chrome accents. | Photo by Juan Montes on Pexels

The Plymouth Prowler stunned the automotive world with its exposed front wheels and radical hot rod-inspired styling. Unlike anything else offered by a mainstream automaker, the Prowler was a striking blend of retro fantasy and modern engineering.
Its dramatic fenders, pointed nose, and open-wheel look were a bold move in a market dominated by conservatism. While its design divided opinions, the Prowler remains an unforgettable example of what happens when a company lets its designers dream big.

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11. Mercedes-Benz G-Class 6×6: Six-Wheeled Excess

Mercedes g63 amg 6x6 sdfks 1 — A striking Mercedes G-Class 6×6 dominates rugged terrain, showcasing six wheels and unmistakable luxury off-road style. | Photo by Auto Records on Pexels

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class 6×6 is the definition of over-the-top luxury and off-road prowess. With six massive wheels, portal axles, and a towering stance, this SUV looks more like something from an action blockbuster than a city commuter.
Originally inspired by military vehicles, the 6×6 combines rugged capability with plush interiors and exclusive features. It’s a wild creation that blurs the line between utility and extravagance, making it one of the most audacious production vehicles ever built.

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12. Smart ForTwo Cabrio Brabus Tailor Made: Tiny and Tacky

Smart Fortwo 4604 21 — A uniquely customized Smart ForTwo microcar stands out with bold colors and eye-catching design details. | Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

The Smart ForTwo Cabrio Brabus Tailor Made program pushed personalization to its limits, offering a dizzying array of bold colors, flashy trims, and wild materials. This pint-sized convertible could be dressed up in nearly any combination imaginable—sometimes with questionable results.
From neon leather interiors to clashing exterior hues, the customization options were both playful and borderline tacky. The Tailor Made edition proves that while individuality is fun, there’s a fine line between standout style and sensory overload.

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13. Mitsuoka Orochi: The ‘Fish Car’

The Mitsuoka Orochi is instantly recognizable for its bizarre, fish-inspired front end. Flowing lines and a wide, gaping grille give it a look that’s more aquatic than automotive, earning it the nickname “Fish Car.”
This Japanese sports car fully embraces eccentricity, standing out even among the country’s many unconventional designs. While the Orochi’s unique appearance perplexed many, it’s become a cult symbol for those who appreciate truly outside-the-box thinking in the automotive world.

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14. Pontiac Trans Sport (Dustbuster): Futuristic Minivan Gone Awry

1992 Pontiac Trans Sport 3 Dr Se Passenger Van Pic 8129423932971103701 — The Pontiac Trans Sport minivan stands out with its sleek, futuristic design and bold, angular lines. | Photo by FBO Media on Pexels

The Pontiac Trans Sport, affectionately dubbed the “Dustbuster,” was a minivan that looked straight out of a sci-fi movie. Its enormous, sloping windshield and sleek body lines were meant to feel futuristic, but instead, it drew endless comparisons to a household vacuum cleaner.
While innovative in concept, the Trans Sport’s spaceship aesthetic missed the mark for many families. Today, it stands as a memorable reminder that sometimes, pushing too far into the future can leave practicality behind.

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15. Chevrolet SSR: Convertible Pickup Confusion

1200px Chevrolet Ssr — A striking Chevrolet SSR convertible truck showcases its retro-inspired curves and bold design under the afternoon sun. | Photo by David McBee on Pexels

The Chevrolet SSR is a rare blend of retro pickup and convertible, resulting in one of the most confusing vehicles on the market. With its power-retractable hardtop and throwback styling cues, the SSR aimed to evoke nostalgia while offering open-air driving.
However, this odd mashup left critics and consumers alike scratching their heads. Was it a truck, a cruiser, or something else entirely? Its identity crisis made it memorable—but also a clear example of unchecked design ambition.

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16. Aston Martin Lagonda: Angular Luxury

Aston martin lagonda 41 — The striking Aston Martin Lagonda luxury sedan stands out with its bold, angular lines and sophisticated presence. | Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels

The Aston Martin Lagonda shocked the world with its dramatically angular, wedge-shaped body—a stark contrast to the brand’s traditional curvy elegance. Its sleek lines screamed high-tech futurism, a theme carried inside by the groundbreaking digital dashboard.
This radical approach divided enthusiasts: some admired its boldness, while others mourned the loss of classic Aston Martin style. The Lagonda remains a fascinating chapter in automotive history, where luxury met avant-garde design in the most unexpected way.

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17. Reliant Robin: Three Wheels, No Problem?

Reliant robin and bmw isetta neon city — A classic blue Reliant Robin three-wheeler sits parked on a quiet British street, embodying quirky automotive charm. | Photo by GMB VISUALS on Pexels

The Reliant Robin is legendary for its three-wheel layout—a feature that made it lightweight and affordable, but also notoriously unstable. Its tendency to tip over became the stuff of British comedy, immortalized in TV shows and pop culture.
Despite its wobbly reputation, the Robin holds a special place in automotive history as a symbol of quirky British ingenuity. Its unmistakable silhouette and infamous antics have ensured its status as an enduring—and endearing—icon.

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18. Renault Avantime: Coupe Meets Minivan

Renault avantime 2001 02 e1435155805406 — The striking Renault Avantime, a uniquely styled French minivan, stands out with its bold lines and panoramic glass roof. | Photo by Matheus Bertelli on Pexels

The Renault Avantime bravely attempted to merge the sleekness of a coupe with the practicality of a minivan, resulting in one of the most unconventional silhouettes on the road. Its pillarless windows and sweeping roofline made it a visual standout, but also left many consumers scratching their heads.
Despite its ambition, the Avantime struggled to find a market, ultimately becoming a commercial flop. Today, it’s remembered as a bold experiment in design fusion—one that’s rare, unique, and undeniably memorable.

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19. Peel P50: The World’s Smallest Car

640px 1965 peel p50%2c the world%27s smallest car %28lane motor museum%29 — The iconic Peel P50 microcar, renowned as the world’s smallest car, sits charmingly in a city street. | Photo by Matthew Osborne on Pexels

The Peel P50 holds the record as the world’s smallest production car, measuring just over four feet long and three feet wide. With a single headlight and seating for one (plus maybe a small bag), it redefined the concept of compact transportation.
While its micro size pushed the boundaries of practicality—sometimes to comical extremes—the P50 became a cult classic. Its charm lies in its unapologetic minimalism and its status as a true automotive oddity.

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20. Tesla Cybertruck: Polygonal Provocation

The Tesla Cybertruck shattered expectations with its angular, polygonal stainless-steel body—more reminiscent of a sci-fi prop than a modern pickup. Its radical lines and unpainted panels instantly divided opinions, sparking heated debate across the automotive world.
Some hailed it as a bold leap into the future, while others questioned its practicality and aesthetics. Whatever your view, the Cybertruck’s design ensures it will remain one of the most talked-about vehicles for years to come.

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The Art of Daring to Be Different

From three-wheeled wonders to polygonal pickups, these unconventional cars prove that design is about more than just function—it’s about making a statement. While not every risk pays off commercially, each of these vehicles showcases the industry’s bold spirit and willingness to challenge the norm.
Their stories remind us that progress often begins with a willingness to defy expectations. Whether you love or loathe these creations, they keep the conversation alive and inspire future innovation. So, next time you see a head-turning car, appreciate the courage it takes to be truly different.

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20 Times Car Designers Clearly Had No Supervision

1. Pontiac Aztek: A Bold Misstep

2. Nissan Juke: Frog-Inspired Funkiness

3. Fiat Multipla: Double-Decker Windows

4. SsangYong Rodius: Confusing Curves

5. Subaru Baja: Truck or Car?

6. Chrysler PT Cruiser: Retro Overload

7. Toyota Mirai (First Gen): Fuel-Cell Future Shock

8. Citroën Ami: Minimalism to the Extreme

9. BMW i3: Eclectic Urban Commuter

10. Plymouth Prowler: Hot Rod in a Suit

11. Mercedes-Benz G-Class 6×6: Six-Wheeled Excess

12. Smart ForTwo Cabrio Brabus Tailor Made: Tiny and Tacky

13. Mitsuoka Orochi: The ‘Fish Car’

14. Pontiac Trans Sport (Dustbuster): Futuristic Minivan Gone Awry

15. Chevrolet SSR: Convertible Pickup Confusion

16. Aston Martin Lagonda: Angular Luxury

17. Reliant Robin: Three Wheels, No Problem?

18. Renault Avantime: Coupe Meets Minivan

19. Peel P50: The World’s Smallest Car

20. Tesla Cybertruck: Polygonal Provocation

The Art of Daring to Be Different

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