22 Shocking Car Designs
Some cars were born to turn heads—others did it by accident. Over the decades, automakers have taken some… let’s say bold liberties with vehicle design, ranging from jaw-dropping concept cars to production models that somehow made it past multiple rounds of approval.
Whether it’s a frog-eyed front end or a tailfin taller than your uncle Bob, these 22 rides prove that ‘normal’ was never on the blueprint.
1. Fiat Multipla (1998–2010)
Let’s be honest: the Multipla looks like two cars were copy-pasted on top of each other—and the file glitched. Functional? Yes. Forgivable? Still up for debate.
2. Pontiac Aztek (2001–2005)
This SUV looked like it was designed during a conference call that no one was paying attention to. At least Breaking Bad gave it cult status.
3. BMW i3 (2013–2022)
Tiny wheels, tall windows, and asymmetrical doors—this futuristic cube-on-wheels made it clear that BMW was feeling experimental.
4. Stout Scarab (1936)
Way ahead of its time… and not in a good way. The Scarab looked like an art deco loaf of bread with a license plate.
5. Tesla Cybertruck (Unreleased as of 2025)
It’s either the future of transportation or something Elon drew on a napkin at 2 a.m. Still, we’re all curious to see it hit the roads (or crash through them).
6. Nissan S-Cargo (1989–1991)
It’s called the S-Cargo, and yes, that’s a pun on “escargot”—because it looks like a snail. Japan, never change.
7. Lamborghini Veneno (2013)
Aggressive doesn’t even begin to describe it. With sharp lines and a Batmobile vibe, this Lambo looked like it escaped from a racing video game.
8. Peel P50 (1962–1965)
This microcar makes Smart cars look like SUVs. With three wheels and no reverse gear, it was basically a motorized lunchbox.
9. Subaru Baja (2003–2006)
Half pickup, half wagon, all confusion. The Baja tried to be everything and ended up in design limbo.
10. Chrysler PT Cruiser (2000–2010)
Designed to channel retro vibes, the PT Cruiser came off more like a rejected prop from Grease. You either loved it or asked to be dropped off a block away.
11. AMC Pacer (1975–1980)
It looked like a goldfish bowl on wheels—wide, round, and heavy on the glass. Some say it was ahead of its time; others are still squinting at it in disbelief.
12. Toyota WiLL Vi (2000–2001)
Ever wonder what a car would look like if it borrowed styling cues from a steampunk toaster? Meet the WiLL Vi, complete with reverse-slanted rear windows.
13. Citroën Ami (2020–present)
It’s electric, it’s boxy, and it kind of looks like it was assembled out of leftover Ikea parts. Somehow charming, but mostly confusing.
14. Buick Rendezvous (2002–2007)
This one tried blending SUV ruggedness with minivan sensibilities, and the result was…well, unblendable. Picture a design committee with commitment issues.
15. Renault Avantime (2001–2003)
Two doors, minivan size, and a panoramic glass roof? The Avantime was a French design fever dream with a very short production run.
16. Ferrari 512S Modulo (1970 concept)
This wedge-shaped spaceship on wheels had a roof that slid forward to let you in. It screamed “futuristic” while whispering “please don’t stub your toe on me.”
17. SsangYong Rodius (2004–2013)
This one made critics question everything they knew about symmetry. Designed for practicality, but wound up being a masterclass in design dissonance.
18. Cadillac Cimarron (1982–1988)
Cadillac slapped its badge on a Chevy Cavalier and called it luxury. The design was shockingly plain—mostly because people expected more Cadillac and less Cavalier.
19. BMW X6 (2008–present)
What happens when a coupe and an SUV walk into a bar? The X6—part sports car, part family hauler, all eyebrow-raiser.
20. Dome Zero (1978 concept)
Japan’s take on the wedge car craze resulted in this brutalist beauty. Sleek? Yes. Shocking? Absolutely. Practical? Not even close.
21. Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion (2015 concept)
It looks less like a car and more like something you’d board to colonize Mars. With lounge-style seating and LED light strips, it made sci-fi dreams feel awkwardly real.
22. Fiat Panda Jolly (2006 concept)
Imagine taking a beach buggy and grafting it onto a city car—with wicker seats and no doors. The Panda Jolly is what happens when designers go on vacation mid-project.