Home Cars Volkswagen’s 15 Weirdest Cars—and Why We Secretly Miss Them

Cars

Volkswagen’s 15 Weirdest Cars—and Why We Secretly Miss Them

Cameron Eittreim July 7, 2025

Volkswagen has always been more than the people’s car—it’s the people’s surprise. From the lovable Beetle to the boxy Microbus, Volkswagen built its legacy not just on reliability, but on a willingness to experiment. Over the decades, the brand has unleashed some truly eccentric and imaginative vehicles that made car enthusiasts do a double take. Some flopped. Others became cult classics.
But all of them proved that Volkswagen wasn’t afraid to get weird. In this article, we look back at 15 of the oddest VW cars—and why a part of us still misses them.

NEXT >>

1. Volkswagen Thing (Type 181)

923331 1974 Volkswagen The Thing Type 181 Cars Classic Convertible 1 — A classic Volkswagen Thing Type 181, with its distinctive boxy design, showcases its military vehicle roots in vibrant detail. | Photo by Connor McManus on Pexels

The Volkswagen Thing—originally designed for military use—embodied quirky ruggedness when it hit US shores in the 1970s. Its boxy, utilitarian body and removable doors gave it a vibe that was part beach buggy, part DIY adventure kit. Often compared to the Jeep Wrangler for its go-anywhere attitude, the Thing’s unapologetic weirdness earned it a dedicated cult following.
As Car and Driver notes, the Thing’s simple charm and open-air design still captivate enthusiasts today.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2. Volkswagen XL1

The Volkswagen XL1 looked like it drove straight out of a sci-fi movie. With its sleek teardrop shape and gullwing doors, this two-seater was engineered for maximum efficiency. Underneath, it combined a tiny diesel engine with electric motors—delivering mind-blowing fuel economy that even modern EVs envy. According to Top Gear, the XL1 was once the world’s most economical production car.
Its limited run and futuristic vibe make it a true oddball we wish we saw more often on the road.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

3. Volkswagen SP2

Volkswagen sp2 scaled — A sleek Volkswagen SP2 classic sports car gleams under the sun, showcasing its iconic Brazilian design and vintage charm. | Photo by Mat Brown on Pexels

The Volkswagen SP2 stands out as a rare gem from Brazil’s automotive past. Built exclusively for the South American market in the 1970s, this retro-styled sports coupe never officially made its way beyond Brazil’s borders. With its long hood and swooping lines, the SP2 drew clear inspiration from cars like the Datsun 240Z, blending classic flair with VW’s air-cooled engineering.
As Motor1 points out, its scarcity and unique style have turned it into a coveted collector’s item.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

4. Volkswagen Phaeton

2005 Volkswagen Phaeton — The Volkswagen Phaeton luxury sedan showcases its refined interior, complete with plush leather seats and advanced comfort features. | Photo by Vitali Adutskevich on Pexels

Imagine Volkswagen aiming straight for the luxury giants—that was the Phaeton. This opulent sedan boasted features rivaling Mercedes and BMW: sumptuous leather, advanced tech, and even a hidden air vent system. Yet, for all its refinement, buyers struggled to reconcile the VW badge with a sky-high price tag.
As Road & Track notes, the Phaeton was both over-engineered and underappreciated—an ambitious oddity that still fascinates luxury car fans.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

5. Volkswagen Beetle Dune

The Volkswagen Beetle Dune took the iconic Bug and gave it an off-road makeover, paying tribute to the legendary Baja Bugs of the past. With its raised suspension, chunky wheel arches, and rugged trim, the Dune was ready for a little adventure—even if most stayed on the pavement.
According to Autoblog, its playful attitude and unique look made it a standout among modern Beetles, appealing to those who wanted a dash of retro rebellion in their drive.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

6. Volkswagen Routan

2014 volkswagen routan se 4dr mini van w rse — A sleek Volkswagen Routan VW minivan parked in a suburban driveway, ready for a fun-filled family adventure. | Photo by Hasan Gulec on Pexels

The Volkswagen Routan was a true oddball—a minivan built by Chrysler but wearing a VW badge. For a brand known for quirky compacts and German engineering, selling a rebadged American minivan felt out of place.
Still, the Routan’s spacious interior and family-friendly features made it surprisingly practical, if not exactly exciting. As Car and Driver points out, the Routan was a sensible choice for families who wanted a touch of European flair in their daily routine.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

7. Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

VM Karmann Ghia — A beautifully restored Volkswagen Karmann Ghia classic coupe gleams in the sun, showcasing its timeless Italian-inspired curves. | Photo by Efrem Efre on Pexels

The Karmann Ghia brought an unexpected dose of Italian elegance to Volkswagen’s lineup. Styled by Ghia and hand-built by Karmann, its curvy silhouette often drew comparisons to Porsche—yet under the skin, it shared humble Beetle running gear.
As Hemmings notes, the Karmann Ghia was less about speed and more about style, capturing the hearts of drivers who wanted their VW to make a statement every time it rolled down the street.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

8. Volkswagen Golf Country

Long before crossovers were cool, Volkswagen rolled out the Golf Country. This quirky version of the popular hatchback featured lifted suspension, skid plates, and all-wheel drive—ready for dirt roads and mountain trails.
According to Hagerty, only a handful ever made it out of Europe, making the Golf Country a rare sight and a pioneer of the adventurous, go-anywhere spirit that defines today’s crossovers.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

9. Volkswagen Harlequin Golf

Vw golf harlequin 2 — A rare Volkswagen Harlequin Golf stands out with its patchwork of bold, vibrant colors—an iconic limited edition. | Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels

The Harlequin Golf is as unforgettable as it is unusual. Created as a playful experiment, its patchwork panels in red, yellow, blue, and green made it look like a rolling jigsaw puzzle.
Only a limited number were built, and what started as a quirky marketing stunt quickly turned into a cult classic. Jalopnik highlights how the Harlequin’s bold look and rarity have transformed it into a sought-after collector’s item today.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

10. Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup (Caddy)

1982 volkswagen caddy dsc 4628 2 — A classic Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup, also known as the VW Caddy, stands out as a charming, compact truck. | Photo by Nubia Navarro (nubikini) on Pexels

The Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup, known as the Caddy in Europe, was a compact truck that defied expectations. Based on the Rabbit hatchback, it offered impressive practicality in a small, nimble package—perfect for city dwellers and DIY enthusiasts.
Over the years, its quirky charm and everyday usefulness have earned it a dedicated fanbase. According to The Drive, the Rabbit Pickup’s combination of Euro style and utility keeps it a beloved oddity among VW aficionados.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

11. Volkswagen Polo G40

The Volkswagen Polo G40 injected a blast of excitement into the small-car segment. This pocket rocket featured the innovative G-Lader supercharger, delivering surprising performance in a lightweight package.
As Evo explains, the G40 stood out among its peers with distinctive engineering and genuine hot hatch appeal. Its rarity and unique tech have made it a cult favorite for those who crave something different from their VW experience.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

12. Volkswagen Corrado VR6

1280px vw corrado 16 v 282010 04 1229 ret2 2 — A sleek Volkswagen Corrado VR6 sports coupe shines under the sunlight, showcasing its iconic VR6 engine and bold lines. | Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels

The Volkswagen Corrado VR6 brought sharp, wedge-shaped styling and a dash of sports car attitude to VW’s range. Its innovative VR6 engine packed six cylinders into a compact space, delivering smooth power and a distinctive sound.
According to Classic & Sports Car, the Corrado VR6 achieved a cult following similar to the Nissan 300ZX, thanks to its bold looks, clever engineering, and thrilling drive.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

13. Volkswagen Sharan Syncro

The Volkswagen Sharan Syncro is a minivan that dared to be different, thanks to its rare all-wheel-drive system. Popular across Europe, it offered families a level of versatility that few rivals could match—capable of tackling snowy roads or muddy campsites with ease.
As Honest John Classics notes, the Sharan Syncro’s blend of practicality and offbeat engineering has earned it a loyal following among those who value adventure as much as convenience.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

14. Volkswagen 411/412

The Volkswagen 411/412 marked an ambitious step upmarket with its air-cooled, rear-engined layout—an unusual choice for a family sedan. Featuring independent suspension and a unique fastback shape, it aimed to blend comfort with VW’s trademark engineering quirks.
As Hemmings observes, the 411/412 never found widespread love, but it remains a fascinating, often forgotten classic for die-hard Volkswagen fans who appreciate the brand’s risk-taking spirit.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

15. Volkswagen New Beetle RSI

The New Beetle RSI was a wild departure from the cute image of the standard Beetle. Limited to just 250 units, this ultra-rare model packed a powerful VR6 engine and all-wheel drive under its radically flared bodywork.
As MotorTrend explains, the RSI’s aggressive stance and high-performance credentials made it a true oddball—one that collectors and enthusiasts still dream of spotting in the wild.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

A Fond Farewell to Volkswagen’s Oddballs

Volkswagen’s greatest hits aren’t just about mass appeal—they’re about daring to be different. From military runabouts to rainbow hatchbacks, these eccentric models shaped the brand’s reputation for creativity and innovation.
Though some of these oddballs puzzled buyers or faded into obscurity, each left a mark that continues to inspire nostalgia and admiration today.
Celebrating the weird is celebrating what makes Volkswagen memorable. If you ever spot one of these quirky classics, take a moment to appreciate the boldness behind the badge—and maybe, just maybe, let yourself hope for more oddities in the future.

.article-content-img img { width: 100% }

<< Previous

Volkswagen’s 15 Weirdest Cars—and Why We Secretly Miss Them

1. Volkswagen Thing (Type 181)

2. Volkswagen XL1

3. Volkswagen SP2

4. Volkswagen Phaeton

5. Volkswagen Beetle Dune

6. Volkswagen Routan

7. Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

8. Volkswagen Golf Country

9. Volkswagen Harlequin Golf

10. Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup (Caddy)

11. Volkswagen Polo G40

12. Volkswagen Corrado VR6

13. Volkswagen Sharan Syncro

14. Volkswagen 411/412

15. Volkswagen New Beetle RSI

A Fond Farewell to Volkswagen’s Oddballs

POPULAR