17 Stange Vehicles That Make You Thankful for Modern Cars

The history of automobiles is littered with fascinating designs that make us ponder how far we’ve come in car engineering. Some of these unique creations were ahead of their time, while others simply missed the mark. Each of these vehicles offers a window into the creative minds of their designers, and a reminder of why some innovations were better left on the drawing board.

1. **Peel P50**: The Peel P50 holds the Guinness World Record as the smallest car ever produced. With a minuscule 50CC engine, it was more suited for a single passenger and maybe a small grocery bag. Despite—or perhaps because of—its tiny size, it’s a cult favorite, fetching prices today that could buy you a decent sedan.

2. **Nissan S-Cargo 1989**: Unofficially known as the ‘Snail Car’, the S-Cargo was Nissan’s attempt at combining retro vibes with utility. While snail-like in its appearance, it sadly didn’t win any races for style or speed. With its 1.5L engine, it was more about quirky charm than performance.

3. **Toyota Sera 1990**: Sporting butterfly doors and an all-glass roof, the Toyota Sera was not your typical early ’90s ride. It seemed to say, “Why not bring a little DeLorean flair to everyday driving?” It might not have taken off like the Back to the Future car, but it sure made a statement.

4. **Mini Moke 1964**: With its humble golf cart aesthetic, the Mini Moke wasn’t winning any beauty contests. Designed for utility, it became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture, proving that function can sometimes overshadow form—barely.

5. **Dodge Dakota Convertible 1989**: This curious blend of pickup truck and convertible wasn’t exactly a match made in automotive heaven. With sluggish sales, it’s a reminder that just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

6. **Subaru SVX 1992**: Known as Alcyone in some regions, the SVX was Subaru’s quirky foray into performance cars. It featured futuristic windows-within-windows and had the kind of bold styling that was either loved or hated, with few opinions in-between.

7. **Fiat Multipla 1999**: Often topping lists of the ugliest cars ever made, the Multipla’s bulbous design and odd interior layout were polarizing, to say the least. It’s a prime example of when innovative design goes too far off track.

8. **1994 Toyota Previa S/C**: Dubbed the egg on wheels, the Previa’s design was as unconventional as they come. Its three-door setup didn’t help its case, but it remains a testament to Toyota’s willingness to push the envelope.

9. **1986 Lamborghini LM002**: Dubbed the ‘Rambo Lambo,’ this was Lamborghini’s first SUV. It was a beast in terms of power and presence, but its polarizing looks meant it never quite found its audience.

10. **2014 Mercedes-AMG G63 6×6**: A luxury off-road beast that could tackle any terrain, the 6×6 G-Class was over-the-top in every way. It wasn’t a necessity, but it sure was a statement piece that turned heads everywhere it went.

11. **2018 Morgan 4/4**: Traveling back to an era where classic elegance and modern technology intertwine, the 2018 Morgan 4/4 takes us on a ride of nostalgia. This charming British sports car, with its vintage design and contemporary equipment, is a rare gem that combines the best of both worlds. A perfect blend for those who cherish the past but live in the present.

12. **2010 Acura ZDX**: Picture a vehicle that can’t quite decide what it wants to be—a crossover, an SUV, or perhaps a coupe? That’s the Acura ZDX for you. This mid-size crossover SUV, produced by Honda’s luxury division, Acura, looks like the automotive equivalent of a Swiss Army knife. It’s a little bit of everything, yet it somehow ends up being more confusing than convenient.

13. **2009 Nissan Cube**: Square peg, round hole? More like square car, round tires! The Nissan Cube is as boxy as they come, but that’s part of its peculiar charm. Designed with practicality in mind, its polarizing shape makes it look like a toy car brought to life. Despite its functionality, it remains one of Nissan’s quirkiest creations.

14. **1973 Reliant Robin**: A three-wheeler that made heads turn for reasons both good and bad, the Reliant Robin is a testament to British inventiveness. Famous for its instability and comedic toppling antics, it’s a vehicle that left an indelible mark on pop culture, appearing in numerous TV shows and films. Yet, it was a hit in its day, thanks to its cost-effectiveness.

15. **1974 Vanguard-Sebring CitiCar**: An electric avant-garde wonder from the 1970s, the CitiCar was ahead of its time in many ways. Despite its odd appearance, akin to a futuristic golf cart, it pioneered the electric car movement. It wasn’t the most reliable or powerful, but it certainly left a footprint in the sands of automotive history.

16. **2014 Volkswagen XL1**: Known as the 1-liter car, the Volkswagen XL1 is an engineering marvel that focuses on efficiency above all. With its unique aesthetic and lightweight carbon fiber body, this limited production vehicle pushed the limits of fuel efficiency. It’s the car of the future that almost seems too futuristic for the present.

17. **2017 Citroen C4 Cactus**: The Citroen C4 Cactus stands out with its peculiar air bump panels designed for added protection. While practical in theory, these quirky additions gave the car a distinctive look that didn’t exactly scream “buy me!” Yet, it demonstrates Citroen’s daring approach to car design, even if it didn’t quite hit the mark.

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