11 Of The Ugliest Sports Cars & 11 Of The Coolest
There’s nothing quite like the polarizing allure of sports cars. Some make you want to live life in the fast lane, while others… well, they make you want to take the bus.
I’ve cruised the streets and perused the history books to bring you a two-part list of sports cars that’ll either make your heart race or your breakfast resurface.
1. Pontiac Aztek
Ah, the Pontiac Aztek! It’s as if a group of designers decided to dare each other to create the most peculiar-looking vehicle they could muster. The result? An angular, clunky heap that looks perpetually confused about whether it’s an SUV or a sports car.
Though it boasts practicality, its appearance is akin to a Picasso painting gone wrong. It’s a vehicle that sparks conversation, just not the kind you might want.
2. Fiat Multipla
Who would win the prize for the most broken nose lookalike? It’s the Fiat Multipla, hands down! Dubbed one of the oddest designs to grace our roads, it’s a wonder how it even made it to production.
With its bulging eyes—er, headlights—and unyielding expression, it’s less about speed and more about staring contests. But hey, at least it’s spacious!
3. Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke blends whimsy with puzzlement. Its front resembles a startled creature, the rear seeming rushed and squeezed.
Compact and lively, its form splits opinions among critics and fans. Some hail it as groundbreaking; others see a wheeled oddity. You’ll remember it, no doubt.
4. Chevrolet SSR
The Chevrolet SSR is what happens when a muscle car and a pickup truck have an identity crisis. With a retro flair that doesn’t know where it belongs, it tries to be both rugged and sleek.
Its convertible top and chunky build scream “look at me!” while whispering “please love me.” It’s an oddball, but one that demands attention nonetheless.
5. Plymouth Prowler
Behold the Plymouth Prowler! A nod to hot rods of yore yet so peculiar that it makes you double-take. Its open wheels and elongated nose call for admiration or disdain, depending on who you ask.
Some say it’s a masterpiece; others see a toy car that got carried away. Regardless, it’s a bold statement in the automotive world.
6. Kia Soul
Enter the Kia Soul, a car with a shape that screams “I’ll square dance if I want to!” With its cube-like structure, it’s less about aerodynamics and more about quirk.
The Soul is loved for its personality, even if its looks tip towards the bizarre. It’s like the misfit toy that found its purpose—and a loyal fan base.
7. Ford Edsel
The Ford Edsel, a name synonymous with failure and style that missed the mark. Its famed “horsecollar” grille turned heads for all the wrong reasons.
Billed as futuristic at its launch, it ended up more of a cautionary tale in design. Today, it stands as a collector’s item with a story, albeit a bit of a tragic one.
8. Subaru Baja
The Subaru Baja—part car, part truck, and entirely puzzling. With its ambiguous identity, it looks like the start of an inside joke that made it to production.
Despite its odd appearance, it has a loyal fan base who appreciate its uniqueness and versatility. It’s a marmite of a car; you either love it or hate it.
9. Lamborghini Veneno
The Lamborghini Veneno dazzles with jagged angles and bold aerodynamics. Picture a spaceship hitting Earth to rule the pavement.
Though some call it more sculpture than vehicle, its daring shape grabs awe from every enthusiast. This machine radiates an elusive cool, matching its steep cost.
10. Vector W8
The Vector W8 looks like a space-age dream from the 80s that fell into a time warp. Its wedge shape and sharp lines scream speed even when standing still.
Though it never reached mainstream acclaim, its rarity and distinctiveness make it a cult classic. A car for dreamers who see possibilities beyond conventional design.
11. Mitsuoka Orochi
Gaze upon the Mitsuoka Orochi: an acquired taste if ever there was one! With a front that resembles a serpent ready to strike, it’s memorable, if nothing else.
Loved in Japan for its eccentricity, it’s less about speed and more about making a statement. You won’t see many, but when you do, you’ll remember it.
12. Ferrari F40
Thsi one is a masterpiece that embodies everything cool about the 80s. It’s got the lines, the speed, and the raw power that make car enthusiasts swoon.
Known for its impressive performance and minimalistic interior, it’s a reminder that sometimes less is more. A car that’s as much about the experience as it is about the appearance.
13. Dodge Viper
The Dodge Viper is what you get when attitude meets horsepower. Its sleek design and roaring engine promise a thrill ride you won’t soon forget.
With a design that’s both aggressive and alluring, it’s a car that commands respect.
14. Jaguar E-Type
Ah, the Jaguar E-Type, often called the most beautiful car ever made. Its long bonnet and elegant curves set the standard for sports car design.
Even Enzo Ferrari, a man not easy to impress, called it “the most beautiful car ever made.” It’s a blend of style, performance, and British eccentricity.
15. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
This car pairs American brawn with smooth flair. It balances style with kick. Its famous split-window shape and robust engine render it a hit among fans.
A beacon of liberty and open highways.
16. Porsche 911
The Porsche 911, a study in evolution. Its iconic silhouette has endured for decades, marrying tradition with innovation.
Beloved by drivers and purists alike, it’s not just a car but a legacy. It’s what happens when design meets engineering perfection.
17. McLaren F1
The McLaren F1 is more than a car; it’s a legend. With its central driving position and groundbreaking design, it set the benchmark for supercars.
Fast, elegant, and undeniably cool, it remains a favorite among enthusiasts and collectors. It’s where innovation meets aspiration.
18. Pagani Zonda
The Pagani Zonda, an ode to extravagance and engineering prowess. It’s a car that turns heads and leaves a trail of gasps in its wake.
Craftsmanship meets performance in a symphony of speed and aesthetics. A car for those who appreciate the art of driving and the thrill of the chase.
19. Bugatti Veyron
The Bugatti Veyron, where luxury and speed collide. This is a hypercar that set records and redefined what was possible.
Its engineering is as impressive as its price tag, making it a dream for many and a reality for a fortunate few. It’s the epitome of automotive excellence.
20. Ford GT
The Ford GT, a modern icon with roots in the racing glory of the 60s. It’s a car that combines retro charm with contemporary performance.
With its aerodynamic design and powerful engine, it’s a nod to the past with eyes firmly on the future. A true American legend.
21. Audi R8
The Audi R8, where elegance meets performance. This is a car that stands out in any lineup, known for its balance of luxury and speed.
As comfortable on the street as it is on the track, it’s a testament to Audi’s commitment to excellence. A car that offers both thrill and sophistication.
22. Lamborghini Miura
Last but not least, the Lamborghini Miura, often hailed as the first supercar, is a blend of beauty and speed. Its mid-engine design was revolutionary, setting the stage for future sports cars.
With its exotic looks and thrilling performance, it’s a car that continues to captivate car enthusiasts around the world. It is a classic that never goes out of style.