16 Cars That Missed The Aesthetic Mark: Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder?

When we talk about cars and aesthetics, it’s often the Ferraris and Aston Martins of the world that capture our attention. These are the high-priced beauties that adorn the walls of car enthusiasts everywhere. But when it comes to the vehicles that we see on our daily commutes, the story can be quite different. Some cars, despite their best efforts, just don’t meet the aesthetic expectations we have for them. Here, we dive into the fascinating world of car aesthetics and review some of the least aesthetically pleasing cars according to mathematical principles and public perception.

1. **Fiat Multipla**: The Fiat Multipla is a classic example of a car whose internal brilliance couldn’t overcome its external shortcomings. While it boasted a cleverly designed interior that offered ample space, its exterior design left a lot to be desired. It was as if the designers forgot to apply the concept of beauty to the outside. With a shape that some might say resembles a rolling brick, the Multipla is a car many would prefer not to be seen driving. Despite its practical advantages, the Multipla’s aesthetic missteps have made it a staple on lists of unattractive cars.

2. **Volkswagen Type 181 (Trekker / Thing)**: With a name like ‘Thing’, you might wonder if Volkswagen was just being honest about this vehicle’s looks. Originally designed for military use, the Type 181 found its way into civilian life, though its boxy, utilitarian design didn’t win many style points. It’s as if the designers took inspiration from a battered biscuit tin. Despite its less-than-stellar appearance, the Type 181 has a certain charm that some enthusiasts appreciate, perhaps for its quirky appeal.

3. **Nissan Cube**: As the name implies, the Nissan Cube is all about embracing the boxy aesthetic. While some might argue that it’s simply a matter of personal taste, the Cube’s asymmetrical rear window and straight lines haven’t done it any favors in the aesthetics department. It’s practical for city driving due to its compact size, but when it comes to looks, this car’s unique shape is more of an acquired taste.

4. **Cadillac Seville**: The Cadillac Seville of the 1980s is another car that didn’t quite hit the mark aesthetically. Its sloping rear gave the impression that the back end was melting, a feature that hasn’t aged well in the eyes of car collectors. Yet, for some, the Seville’s idiosyncratic design is precisely what makes it a collectible classic, fetching surprisingly high prices in certain circles.

5. **Sbarro Autobau Concept**: Concept cars are often daring in their design, sometimes pushing the boundaries of conventional aesthetics. The Sbarro Autobau is one such vehicle. Resembling a mix between a Batmobile and a Bond Bug, this concept car is not for the faint-hearted. Despite being powered by a Ferrari engine, its design leaves much to be desired, proving that even concepts with exceptional mechanics can falter aesthetically.

6. **Chrysler PT Cruiser**: The PT Cruiser was Chrysler’s attempt to bring the retro hot rod feel to the modern market. Unfortunately, it missed the mark, with many people finding its design too kitschy. While some appreciate the nod to classic car culture, the Cruiser’s aesthetics have been divisive, to say the least. Its unique shape and retro styling haven’t aged well, making it a staple on lists of less attractive modern vehicles.

7. **Aston Martin Lagonda**: Now prized by collectors, the wedge-shaped Lagonda of the 1980s stands out as Aston Martin’s least attractive design by some margin. Its futuristic interior featured a single-spoke wheel and digital instruments, but the exterior was less about style and more about straight lines, leaving much to be desired.

8. **Nissan S-Cargo**: This quirky little van looks like a cross between an ice cream truck and a snail. While it may have been inspired by the Citroën 2CV, the S-Cargo’s rounded body and peculiar proportions have left it as more of an oddity than a design masterpiece.

9. **Fiat 600 Multipla Marinella**: A diminutive vehicle that appears more suited to an amusement park than public roads, the 1958 Fiat 600 Multipla Marinella is often described as bearing a resemblance to a shrunken milk float crossed with a Riva speed boat. Its quirky looks make it a conversation starter, if not a head-turner.

10. **Plymouth Prowler**: This attempt to capture the spirit of 1950s hot rods fell flat with its over-the-top retro styling. The exaggerated wheel arches and elongated front end, combined with a less-than-impressive powertrain, made it more of a gimmick than a classic.

11. **Tesla Cybertruck**: With its bizarre, angular design, the Cybertruck looks like a child’s drawing of a futuristic vehicle. This electric truck was meant to be a bold statement, but its awkward lines and boxy shape have sparked more jokes than admiration.

12. **SsangYong Rodius**: Designed with the intention of embodying the essence of a luxury yacht, the Rodius might have been better off sunk. The bulky and awkward design left many wondering if it was a van, an SUV, or something entirely different.

13. **Rolls-Royce Camargue**: A boxy and straightforward design, the Camargue stands out as an awkward moment in Rolls-Royce’s history. Its slab-sided appearance lacks the elegance usually associated with the brand, making it a curious case of style over substance.

14. **Ford Scorpio Mk2**: The wide-mouth grill and uninspired design elements make the Scorpio a relic of the 1990s that few are nostalgic for. Its estate version didn’t improve on the visual aesthetics, making it a model that remains controversial among Ford enthusiasts.

15. **Lincoln MKT**: While known for luxury, Lincoln missed the mark with the MKT’s massive grille and uninspired design. With styling cues that felt out of place for its time, this model struggled to win over buyers despite its spacious interior.

16. **Mitsuoka Galue**: Known for its eccentric designs, Mitsuoka crafted the Galue to mimic vintage Bentley styling. Unfortunately, it ended up looking like a poorly executed retrofitted attempt, with a front end that feels excessively stretched and out of proportion.

Aesthetic beauty in cars is a subjective matter, often sparking debates and discussions among car enthusiasts and casual observers alike. This diverse array of the least aesthetic cars serves as a reminder that even the most well-intentioned designs can sometimes go awry. Whether they become cult classics or fade into obscurity, these cars have left their mark on automotive history, proving that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

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