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20 Weirdest Vehicles Made by Companies Known for Something Else Entirely

Cameron Eittreim June 11, 2025

Every so often, giants of industry step out of their comfort zones, diving into realms no one expects—like car companies making computers, or tech brands crafting toasters. But perhaps the most surprising detour happens when a company best known for one thing suddenly unveils a vehicle.
Whether for publicity, innovation, or pure curiosity, these ventures often result in some of the most bizarre, memorable machines ever built.
Let’s take a closer look at twenty times household names rolled out vehicles that left the world scratching its head—and sometimes, in awe.

1. LEGO’s Life-Size Drivable Bugatti Chiron

1. LEGO's Life-Size Drivable Bugatti Chiron
“A life-size LEGO model of a sleek Bugatti Chiron, meticulously crafted from countless colorful toy bricks.” | Image source: google

LEGO, a brand synonymous with creative play, took their imagination to the streets with a stunning feat: a full-scale, drivable Bugatti Chiron made entirely from over a million LEGO Technic pieces.
This wasn’t just a static model—this build actually moved under its own power, turning heads at auto shows worldwide.
It blurred the line between toy and engineering marvel.
For more details, check out the full story at CNN.

2. Sony’s Vision-S Electric Concept Car

2. Sony's Vision-S Electric Concept Car
“Sony Vision-S: the epitome of tech innovation, infusing elegant design and cutting-edge technology in an electric car.” | Image source: google

When Sony, a powerhouse in consumer electronics, introduced the Vision-S at CES 2020, jaws dropped.
Packed with cutting-edge sensor arrays and immersive entertainment systems, this electric concept car showed Sony wasn’t content with just dominating living rooms.
The Vision-S boasted a futuristic design and a tech-filled interior, making it a true rolling showcase of Sony’s innovation.
For a deeper dive into Sony’s automotive ambitions, check out The Verge.

3. Red Bull’s Amphibious Soapbox Car

3. Red Bull's Amphibious Soapbox Car
A quirky Red Bull amphibious car splashes through water during a lively soapbox race, thrilling the crowd. | Image source: Photo by Botond Dobozi on Pexels

Red Bull, best known for fueling extreme sports and late nights, took things to the next level with their amphibious soapbox car.
Created for one of their famously whimsical soapbox races, this quirky contraption could race down a hill and then float across water, all while embodying Red Bull’s playful spirit.
It was a true spectacle—half stunt, half engineering experiment.
For more about Red Bull’s wild racing antics, visit Red Bull.

4. Boeing’s Lunar Roving Vehicle

4. Boeing's Lunar Roving Vehicle
“Glimpse at the Boeing rover, a state-of-the-art moon buggy prepared for unprecedented lunar exploration.” | Image source: google

Boeing, the titan of commercial aviation, made a giant leap into extraterrestrial travel with the creation of the Lunar Roving Vehicle, or “Moon Buggy.”
Designed for NASA’s Apollo missions, this electric rover let astronauts explore the lunar surface in ways never before possible.
It was lightweight, foldable, and engineered to function in the harshest environment imaginable—space.
Boeing’s expertise in flight translated surprisingly well to the moon’s dusty plains.
Learn more about this historic vehicle at NASA.

5. Yamaha’s OX99-11 Supercar

5. Yamaha's OX99-11 Supercar
The ultra-rare Yamaha OX99-11 supercar stands out with its sleek lines and unique Formula 1-inspired cockpit. | Image source: Photo by Julian Largo on Pexels

Known for motorcycles and musical instruments, Yamaha stunned the automotive world in the 1990s with the OX99-11 supercar.
Powered by a roaring V12 engine and featuring a fighter jet-inspired canopy, the OX99-11 looked like nothing else on the road.
Though only a handful were built, its blend of race tech and radical design made it a genuine collector’s dream.
For the full story, take a look at Top Gear.

6. Dyson’s Electric Car Prototype

6. Dyson's Electric Car Prototype
“Dyson’s futuristic prototype vehicle, a sleek electric SUV, revolutionizes the automotive industry with its cutting-edge features.” | Image source: google

Dyson, the engineering company famous for its innovative vacuum cleaners, quietly ventured into the automotive world with a top-secret electric SUV project.
The prototype featured sleek lines and cutting-edge solid-state battery technology, promising impressive range and performance.
However, despite significant investment and some tantalizing glimpses, the project was discontinued in 2019 due to spiraling costs.
Dyson’s electric car remains one of the most ambitious “what could have been” stories in the industry.
Read the full account at BBC.

7. DeLorean’s Hovercraft

7. DeLorean's Hovercraft
“An exciting spectacle of a DeLorean hovercraft styled after ‘Back to the Future’, effortlessly gliding over water.” | Image source: google

The DeLorean brand, forever linked to its legendary gull-wing car, took an unexpected turn thanks to a devoted fan.
With the company’s blessing, a hovercraft shaped like the iconic vehicle was crafted, gliding effortlessly over water and turning heads wherever it goes.
This creative project beautifully merges nostalgia with innovation, delighting movie buffs and car enthusiasts alike.
Find more about this floating tribute at NBC News.

8. Pepsi’s Jet-Powered Truck

8. Pepsi's Jet-Powered Truck
“An impressively bold Pepsi promotional vehicle, defying gravity in a thrilling stunt, captivating onlookers with its daring maneuver.” | Image source: google

Pepsi is renowned for its fizzy drinks, but in the 1980s, it revved up its marketing with the spectacular Pepsi Jet Truck.
This promotional monster was equipped with a jet engine, thrilling crowds at live events as it blasted down runways with roaring afterburners and fiery displays.
It was a bold, unforgettable way to grab attention—and it worked.
For a look back at this over-the-top soda stunt, check out Jalopnik.

9. Nike’s Shoemobile

9. Nike's Shoemobile
A giant, sneaker-shaped Nike Shoemobile cruises down the street, turning heads as a unique advertising vehicle. | Image source: Photo by 1ndex on Pexels

When Nike wanted to promote its Air Max sneakers, they went beyond traditional marketing and hit the streets with the Shoemobile.
This unforgettable van, shaped like an oversized Nike sneaker, cruised through cities, instantly catching the eyes of passersby and sneaker enthusiasts alike.
It wasn’t just a clever ad—it was a spectacle on wheels, blending creativity with brand identity.
For photos and more about this mobile marvel, visit DesignBoom.

10. Google’s Self-Driving Car (Waymo)

10. Google's Self-Driving Car (Waymo)
A sleek white Waymo self-driving car cruises down a city street, showcasing Google’s cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology. | Image source: Photo by hh meddia_ on Pexels

While Google made its name indexing the world’s information, it shifted gears—literally—with its Waymo self-driving car project.
These compact, futuristic pods were packed with sensors and AI, representing a bold vision of transportation without human drivers.
Waymo’s vehicles have been seen cruising city streets, collecting data and turning science fiction into a daily reality.
Google’s foray into mobility has redefined what’s possible for both tech and transportation.
Dig into the details at Wired.

11. Kodak’s Photo-Mobile

11. Kodak's Photo-Mobile
“Capturing moments on the go, the Kodak van doubles as a mobile photo lab, bustling with activity at an exciting event.” | Image source: google

Kodak, the company that brought photography to the masses, once hit the road with its innovative Photo-Mobile.
This custom van was outfitted with a mobile photo lab, allowing instant prints at public gatherings and events.
It was a clever way to demonstrate the power and convenience of on-the-go photography, long before digital cameras became mainstream.
For a look at this rolling piece of photo history, visit Popular Photography.

12. Virgin Atlantic’s Record-Breaking Boat

12. Virgin Atlantic's Record-Breaking Boat
“The Virgin Atlantic boat, a record-breaking speedboat, slices through ocean waves with unparalleled velocity and power.” | Image source: google

While Virgin is best known for its airlines and music ventures, the brand made waves with the Virgin Atlantic Challenger II.
In 1986, Richard Branson and his team piloted this advanced powerboat to smash the transatlantic speed record.
The feat captured headlines and reflected Virgin’s daring, adventurous spirit.
It was a surprising leap from air and records to the high seas, but one that fit the brand’s bold legacy.
Read more at BBC.

13. Sharp’s Solar-Powered Car

13. Sharp's Solar-Powered Car
The Sharp solar car speeds along the track, its sleek design catching sunlight during an intense solar race. | Image source: Photo by Rezk Assaf on Pexels

Sharp, a name synonymous with electronics and display panels, took a bright detour into the world of eco-friendly racing.
They built a solar-powered race car to compete in the World Solar Challenge, showing off their expertise in solar technology in a dramatic, high-speed format.
While never intended for mass production, this sleek vehicle was a rolling billboard for Sharp’s innovation and commitment to sustainability.
Read more about this unique project at Reuters.

14. Chanel’s Luxury Bicycle

14. Chanel's Luxury Bicycle
“A signature Chanel bike exuding luxury, skillfully merging high-fashion with sustainable transportation.” | Image source: google

Chanel, the legendary fashion house, took its signature elegance to the streets with a limited-edition luxury bicycle.
Adorned with quilted leather, gleaming hardware, and unmistakable branding, this chic ride looked as refined as any Chanel handbag.
It’s a glamorous, unexpected twist from haute couture to high-end wheels—pure style in motion.
See more about this fashionable oddity at Vogue.

15. Playmobil’s Life-Size Camper Van

15. Playmobil's Life-Size Camper Van
“Behold a life-size Playmobil camper, the ultimate promotional vehicle designed for adventures of whimsical proportions.” | Image source: google

Playmobil, beloved for its miniature worlds, brought childhood dreams to life with a life-size, rideable camper van modeled after its iconic toy.
Touring across Europe, this playful vehicle combined nostalgia with impressive real-world engineering, letting fans see—and even step inside—a massive version of a favorite playset.
It’s a brilliant example of a toy company blurring the line between fantasy and reality.
For more details, visit Auto Express.

16. Boeing’s Solar Aircraft (SolarEagle)

16. Boeing's Solar Aircraft (SolarEagle)
The Boeing SolarEagle unmanned solar aircraft soars high above the clouds, its sleek wings capturing the sun’s energy. | Image source: Photo by Pham Huynh Tuan Vy on Pexels

Boeing, celebrated for its commercial jets, ventured into groundbreaking territory with the SolarEagle—an unmanned aircraft designed to fly for months using only solar energy.
Intended for high-altitude, long-endurance missions, the SolarEagle demonstrated Boeing’s commitment to innovative, sustainable aviation solutions.
Though experimental, it pointed to a future where renewable energy could power even the skies.
This ambitious project showed that Boeing’s vision extends far beyond traditional airplanes.
Discover more at Aviation Week.

17. Airstream’s NASA Mobile Quarantine Facility

17. Airstream's NASA Mobile Quarantine Facility
A gleaming Airstream trailer, transformed into NASA’s Apollo quarantine vehicle, stands ready to welcome returning astronauts. | Image source: Photo by Daniel Dzejak on Pexels

Airstream, known for its gleaming aluminum travel trailers, took on a critical role in the space race by creating the Mobile Quarantine Facility for NASA.
These specially modified trailers housed Apollo astronauts after lunar missions, ensuring they remained isolated from Earth’s biosphere until cleared of any lunar contamination.
It was an unusual but vital adaptation of Airstream’s iconic designs, blending comfort with high-stakes science.
Learn more about this fascinating chapter in space history at Smithsonian.

18. Oakley’s Rolling O Lab

18. Oakley's Rolling O Lab
“An innovative Oakley Lab Truck captivates onlookers as a state-of-the-art mobile laboratory and striking event vehicle.” | Image source: google

Oakley, best known for cutting-edge eyewear, hit the road with its Rolling O Lab—a high-tech mobile laboratory built into a custom truck.
Touring major sporting events and expos, the Rolling O Lab wowed crowds by putting Oakley sunglasses through extreme durability and optical clarity tests, all in real time.
It was part science demo, part marketing marvel.
For more on this fusion of engineering and showmanship, see Oakley.

19. Louis Vuitton’s Custom Luggage Car

19. Louis Vuitton's Custom Luggage Car
A sleek Louis Vuitton-themed luxury vehicle is adorned with matching designer luggage, showcasing ultimate style and sophistication. | Image source: Photo by Bruno Charlier on Pexels

Louis Vuitton, the epitome of luxury travel, took its commitment to stylish journeys even further with a custom car designed specifically to transport their iconic luggage sets.
This collaboration blurred the boundaries between fashion accessory and functional vehicle, marrying signature LV design with automotive craftsmanship.
It’s a rolling showcase of opulence and attention to detail—an ultimate statement for the jet set.
For a glimpse of this unique creation, visit GQ.

20. IKEA’s Flat-Pack Bike (SLADDA)

20. IKEA's Flat-Pack Bike (SLADDA)
The IKEA SLADDA flat-pack bike stands ready for assembly, showcasing innovative Swedish design in urban mobility solutions. | Image source: Photo by Abhishek Navlakha on Pexels

IKEA, the home furnishing giant famous for its assemble-it-yourself ethos, took its flat-pack philosophy to the streets with the SLADDA bike.
Marketed as the “bike for modern urban life,” it could be assembled at home just like a Billy bookcase. Despite winning design accolades, the SLADDA was eventually discontinued due to safety concerns.
Its brief journey highlights the risks and rewards when brands venture beyond their roots.
Read the full story at The Guardian.

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