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20 Wildly Unusual Cars That Actually Hit the Streets

Jimmy adeel June 27, 2025

Step into the realm of automotive oddities, where bold imagination and wild engineering collide. Some cars break the mold so thoroughly, you might wonder how they ever made it from drawing board to public streets.
These 20 production cars defy every expectation, boasting unusual designs, unconventional features, and appearances that turn heads for all the right—and wrong—reasons.
From three-wheeled marvels to boxy curiosities, each vehicle in this list was genuinely offered to the public. Get ready to discover just how strange the world of car manufacturing can truly be!

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1. Peel P50

The Peel P50 holds the prestigious title of the world’s smallest production car, according to the Guinness World Records. Built in the 1960s on the Isle of Man, this pint-sized three-wheeler measures just 54 inches long and 39 inches wide.
Designed for a single adult and a shopping bag, the P50 is both adorable and functional. Despite its minuscule stature, it was fully street-legal. Its quirky proportions and undeniable charm have earned it a devoted following.
Read more on BBC

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2. Fiat Multipla (1998)

The Fiat Multipla is instantly recognizable for its bulbous silhouette and odd, stack-like headlights. Introduced in 1998, it offered a spacious interior with six seats in two rows—a rarity among compact cars.
The Multipla’s panoramic windshield and unconventional design made it a topic of conversation and controversy. While often the butt of jokes for its appearance, it was genuinely practical, winning awards for both innovation and utility.
Its polarizing style continues to fuel debates among car enthusiasts. Learn more at Top Gear

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3. Citroën Ami 6

The Citroën Ami 6, a product of 1960s France, stands out thanks to its distinctive reverse-raked rear window. This unique design wasn’t just for show—it was intended to keep rain off the glass, but it gave the Ami 6 an unmistakable profile.
Practical and efficient, the Ami 6 nonetheless divided opinions due to its bold styling. It remains a love-it-or-hate-it icon among vintage car fans.
Explore the Ami 6 with Hemmings

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4. Pontiac Aztek

The Pontiac Aztek is frequently labeled as one of the most unattractive cars in automotive history. General Motors designed it to appeal to adventurous SUV buyers, but its angular lines and mismatched body panels left many scratching their heads.
The Aztek did bring some inventive features, such as a built-in tent and removable cooler, aiming to attract outdoor enthusiasts. Though sales disappointed, its unique appearance soon made it a cult icon—especially after starring in the TV show Breaking Bad.
See more on MotorTrend

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5. Nissan S-Cargo

The Nissan S-Cargo, produced from 1989 to 1991, embraced its snail-like inspiration with pride. Its very name is a clever pun on “escargot,” the French word for snail.
Part of Nissan’s quirky Pike Factory series, the S-Cargo boasted playful curves and round headlights, making it instantly eye-catching among compact vans. Its whimsical design and retro charm set it apart from typical utilitarian vehicles.
Discover the S-Cargo at Jalopnik

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6. BMW Isetta

The BMW Isetta, affectionately dubbed the “bubble car,” is famous for its single, front-opening door and compact, egg-shaped body. Designed for two passengers, it rolled on tiny wheels and was a symbol of efficiency during Europe’s postwar fuel shortages.
Despite its unconventional looks, the Isetta was a commercial hit, ultimately helping BMW weather difficult times. Its quirky design and economic appeal have secured its place in automotive history.
Learn more at BMW Group Classic

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7. Subaru Brat

The Subaru Brat—short for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter—blended the utility of a pickup truck with the convenience of a passenger car. Its standout feature? Two rear-facing jump seats bolted into the truck bed, a clever workaround to bypass import tariffs.
This quirky addition, along with its rugged nature, attracted a loyal fanbase, especially among off-road lovers. The Brat’s unique personality remains unforgettable in the world of compact utility vehicles.
Read about the Brat at Road & Track

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8. Reliant Robin

The Reliant Robin is perhaps best known for its precarious three-wheel configuration, which made it notoriously easy to tip over. Produced in the UK, it was pitched as an affordable and ultra-lightweight alternative to standard four-wheeled cars.
Its unusual look and driving quirks turned it into a British pop culture icon, often humorously featured on shows like Top Gear. Despite the jokes, the Robin remains one of the most recognizable cars ever made in Britain.
See Reliant Robin on BBC

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9. Messerschmitt KR200

The Messerschmitt KR200 emerged after WWII when the famed aircraft manufacturer shifted to microcar production. This three-wheeled oddity featured tandem seating—one passenger behind the other—and a distinctive bubble canopy reminiscent of a fighter jet cockpit.
Instead of a traditional steering wheel, drivers used handlebars, further highlighting its aviation heritage. The KR200 stands out as a fascinating blend of aeronautical engineering and automotive innovation, truly unlike anything else on the road.
More at Classic & Sports Car

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10. Toyota WiLL Vi

The Toyota WiLL Vi was part of Toyota’s experimental WiLL project, aimed at young, style-conscious urbanites in early-2000s Japan. Its design featured a distinctive reverse-sloped rear window and a playful, retro-futuristic silhouette rarely seen on compact sedans.
The Vi’s bold lines and whimsical proportions made it a true outlier, embodying the WiLL series’ spirit of non-traditional automotive design. Even today, its unique look is memorable among fans of unconventional cars.
Explore more on Toyota Global

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11. Stout Scarab

The Stout Scarab, crafted in the 1930s, is widely regarded as the world’s first minivan. Its streamlined, beetle-like exterior and Art Deco flair set it apart from anything else on the road at the time.
Inside, the Scarab was incredibly advanced, boasting a configurable, lounge-like interior that prioritized passenger comfort and flexibility. Although only a few were ever made, its influence on automotive design is undeniable, making it a true icon of innovation and style.
Read about the Scarab on Smithsonian Magazine

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12. BMW Z1

The BMW Z1 stands out thanks to its remarkable doors, which slide downward into the car’s sills instead of opening outward. Produced in the late 1980s in limited numbers, the Z1 also sported easily removable plastic body panels, allowing owners to change its look.
This roadster’s innovative engineering and futuristic design have turned it into a coveted collector’s item—an enduring symbol of BMW’s willingness to push boundaries.
See BMW Z1 at Car and Driver

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13. Suzuki X-90

The Suzuki X-90 is a curious blend of sporty coupe and mini-SUV, sporting just two doors and two seats. Its compact, upright stance and T-top removable roof panels made it instantly recognizable but also left many buyers puzzled.
The X-90’s unconventional appearance and limited practicality meant it sold poorly in its day. However, its unique character now makes it a prized collectible for enthusiasts who appreciate automotive oddities.
Read about the X-90 on Jalopnik

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14. Tatra 603

The Tatra 603, built in Czechoslovakia mainly for government use, is a masterpiece of unconventional engineering. It boasted a rear-mounted, air-cooled V8 engine and a sleek, aerodynamic shape that looked nothing like Western sedans of its era.
With its signature triple headlights and unique proportions, the Tatra 603 stood out both in form and function. Today, it’s celebrated as a bold example of Eastern Bloc automotive ingenuity—an icon for those who appreciate rare, forward-thinking design.
More on Tatra 603 at Petrolicious

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15. Amphicar Model 770

A classic Amphicar cruises effortlessly across the water, blurring the line between Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The Amphicar Model 770, introduced in the 1960s, was a genuine hybrid—part car, part boat. With sealed, waterproof doors and twin rear propellers, it could be driven straight from the road into the water, where it would float and cruise.
Although the Amphicar’s abilities on both land and water were modest compared to specialized vehicles, its amphibious novelty made it unforgettable. To this day, it remains a favorite among collectors who crave something truly unique.
See Amphicar on Smithsonian Magazine

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16. Honda Vamos

The Honda Vamos, launched in the early 1970s, was an ultra-compact, open-sided utility vehicle aimed at adventurous Japanese drivers. Its minimalist design featured a bare frame and exposed seating, giving it a playful, dune buggy-like appearance.
Though practicality was limited, the Vamos’s unique look and rarity have made it a sought-after oddity in the collector world. It stands as a fun example of Honda’s willingness to experiment.
Read more on Honda Global

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17. Citroën Méhari

The Citroën Méhari, launched in 1968, is a featherweight off-roader with a plastic body and unmistakable corrugated panels. Designed for versatility and fun, it’s often likened to a beach buggy or the iconic Mini Moke.
Its open-air configuration and carefree styling made the Méhari especially popular in sun-drenched regions. Easy to clean, light on its feet, and undeniably quirky, the Méhari still turns heads wherever it goes.
See Citroën Méhari at Classic Driver

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18. Chrysler PT Cruiser

The Chrysler PT Cruiser burst onto the scene in 2000, instantly dividing car fans with its bold, retro-inspired looks. Drawing on the spirit of 1930s panel vans, it featured a high roofline and pronounced curves that made it unmistakable.
While the PT Cruiser enjoyed strong early sales, its highly stylized design has left it with a reputation as a modern oddball. Love it or loathe it, the PT Cruiser remains an icon of quirky automotive fashion.
More at Car and Driver

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19. Tango T600

The Tango T600 is a remarkably narrow, fully electric commuter car designed for ultimate maneuverability in urban environments. With tandem seating—one person behind the other—and a profile barely wider than a motorcycle, it can weave through traffic with ease.
Its upright, slender silhouette makes it one of the most unconventional EVs on the road. Even celebrities took notice: actor George Clooney was among the first to own one.
Read about the Tango T600 at Wired

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20. Smart Crossblade

The Smart Crossblade pushed automotive minimalism to its absolute limit—no roof, no doors, and just a tiny wind deflector to separate you from the elements. Created for those who crave pure, open-air driving, only 2,000 units were ever produced.
Its radical, stripped-down approach made it a true statement on city streets and a sought-after collector’s item. The Crossblade perfectly encapsulates the spirit of daring design and unconventional thinking showcased throughout this list.
See Smart Crossblade on Auto Express

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20 Wildly Unusual Cars That Actually Hit the Streets

1. Peel P50

2. Fiat Multipla (1998)

3. Citroën Ami 6

4. Pontiac Aztek

5. Nissan S-Cargo

6. BMW Isetta

7. Subaru Brat

8. Reliant Robin

9. Messerschmitt KR200

10. Toyota WiLL Vi

11. Stout Scarab

12. BMW Z1

13. Suzuki X-90

14. Tatra 603

15. Amphicar Model 770

16. Honda Vamos

17. Citroën Méhari

18. Chrysler PT Cruiser

19. Tango T600

20. Smart Crossblade

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