12 Cars That Were Designed by Famous Non-Car Designers
I always thought cars were strictly the domain of grease-stained engineers and industrial designers hunched over drafting tables.
Turns out, sometimes automakers throw a curveball and ask someone from the world of fashion, furniture, or even film to take the wheel of creativity.
That was exactly the case with these 12 vehicles. They were styled by people you’d expect to see at art galleries, not auto shows.
1. Giorgio Armani – Mercedes-Benz CLK Designo (2004)
Yes, that Armani. The Italian fashion king lent his signature understated luxury to a special edition CLK, proving that style doesn’t stop at suits.
With a touch of elegance and sophistication, the CLK mirrors Armani’s flair for minimalism and luxurious fabrics, standing as a statement on the road as bold as his clothing is on the runway.
2. Versace – Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Versace Edition (2006)
High fashion met high horsepower in this ultra-limited Lambo. With bespoke interiors and Versace logos everywhere, it felt more Milan runway than racetrack.
The edition fused Lamborghini’s power with Versace’s opulent style, making it a must-have for both car enthusiasts and fashion aficionados.
3. Pierre Cardin – AMC Javelin (1972)
Cardin didn’t just dabble—he dove into car design with this psychedelic interior package for AMC. Think bold stripes, wild fabrics, and the unmistakable stamp of ’70s flair.
It was a daring move that resulted in a car as vibrant and fashion-forward as the runway shows of the era.
4. Zaha Hadid – Z-Car Concept (2005)
The late, great architect known for futuristic buildings gave us the three-wheeled hydrogen-powered Z-Car. Its curves were so organic, it looked like it evolved rather than was designed.
Hadid’s architectural genius translated into a vehicle that was both innovative and visually stunning, embodying her signature style in every line.
5. Paul Smith – Mini Paul Smith Edition (1998)
The British fashion designer added a splash of vibrant minimalism to the Mini, complete with blue paint and a map of Great Britain under the hood.
Because why not? Smith’s playful yet classic style transformed the Mini into a reflection of British creativity and flair, making it an instant classic.
6. Gucci – AMC Hornet Sportabout Gucci Edition (1972)
Only in the ’70s could Gucci partner with AMC for a luxury trim wagon. It had GG logos on the upholstery and enough attitude to park itself in Studio 54.
This collaboration brought high fashion into the automotive world, creating a vehicle that was as stylish as it was unique.
7. Jean-Charles de Castelbajac – Citroën E-Mehari (2018)
The French designer famous for playful colors and cartoonish style got his hands on the E-Mehari, turning the retro EV into a rolling pop-art project.
Bold colors and whimsical designs made this car a work of art on wheels, embodying de Castelbajac’s unique artistic vision.
8. Ermenegildo Zegna – Maserati Quattroporte Zegna Edition (2014)
Zegna’s textile wizardry found a new canvas in Maserati’s flagship sedan. Think ultra-premium silk-blend interiors and custom color palettes that scream elegance.
This collaboration blended the luxury of Zegna’s fabrics with the performance of Maserati, creating a truly opulent driving experience.
9. David Bowie – Mini Cooper Art Car (1999)
Yes, Ziggy Stardust himself. For BMW’s art car program, Bowie wrapped a Mini in a mirror finish so it would “disappear into its surroundings.” Leave it to him to make a statement by not making one.
This artistic expression transformed a classic car into a work of reflective beauty.
10. Ron Arad – Fiat 500 Ron Arad Edition (2014)
The industrial designer famous for futuristic furniture turned the Fiat 500 into a rolling sketchbook, layering his own drawings onto the bodywork.
Minimalist and maximalist at once, Arad’s design was a playful exploration of form and function, transforming a beloved car into a canvas of creativity.
11. Marc Newson – Ford 021C Concept (1999)
Industrial designer Marc Newson, known for curvy furniture and minimalist watches, created this bubble-like, pastel-colored city car. It looked like the future through the eyes of an Apple designer in 1999.
Newson’s design was a playful and innovative take on urban mobility, blending form and function seamlessly.
12. Virgil Abloh – Mercedes-Maybach Project MAYBACH (2021)
The late Off-White designer and Louis Vuitton visionary helped create an avant-garde, solar-powered Maybach concept. It was part spaceship, part luxury lounge—and pure creative brilliance.
Abloh’s visionary approach reimagined luxury driving, blending sustainability with high-fashion elements in a way only he could.