When Sports Cars Turn Heads for All the Wrong Reasons

In the world of sports cars, beauty is often in the eyes of the beholder, or so we’ve been told. While some cars are celebrated for their sleek lines and breathtaking performance, others make us scratch our heads and wonder, ‘What were they thinking?’ Today, we delve into the latter group – those sports cars that missed the mark on looks but left an indelible impression on the automotive world.

1. **Pontiac Aztek**: It’s hard to start this list without mentioning the Pontiac Aztek. With its bulbous front end and awkward proportions, it looks like it was designed by committee, with each member drawing a different section without consulting the others. But hey, it served as Walter White’s ride in Breaking Bad, which is more fame than many prettier cars ever achieve.

2. **Fiat Multipla**: Ah, the Fiat Multipla. At first glance, it seems to have been designed with a sense of humor. The bug-eyed front and double-decker windows leave even the most seasoned car enthusiasts speechless. Yet, for those who dare to embrace its unconventional looks, the Multipla offers practicality that’s hard to beat.

3. **Nissan Juke**: The Nissan Juke is a love-it-or-hate-it kind of car. With its frog-like appearance and peculiar silhouette, the Juke stands out in a crowd – not always for the right reasons. Yet, it’s gathered a cult following, proving that sometimes weird works.

4. **Aston Martin Lagonda**: When Aston Martin decided to merge luxury with futuristic design, they produced the Lagonda. Its elongated body and sharp edges were ahead of its time, but not quite in the way Aston Martin intended. Even so, its avant-garde style keeps it memorable.

5. **Lamborghini Countach**: While the Countach is an icon in its own right, it’s fair to say it has more sharp angles than your average geometry textbook. It’s a car that screams for attention, and whether you regard it as beautiful or beastly, it’s impossible to ignore.

6. **DeLorean DMC-12**: Thanks to a certain time-traveling movie, the DeLorean DMC-12 achieved fame beyond its capabilities. With its stainless-steel body and gull-wing doors, it has a certain charm, albeit in a quirky, retro-futuristic sense. Not the fastest, but certainly one of the most recognizable.

7. **Subaru XT**: The Subaru XT was an ambitious attempt to capture the aerodynamic trends of the 1980s. Its wedge shape and pop-up headlights were daring, but the resulting design left many puzzled. Yet, it’s these eccentricities that have made it a beloved oddball among Subaru fans.

8. **BMW Z1**: The BMW Z1 is a fine example of when innovation takes a wild turn. The retractable doors were a novel idea, but practicality took a back seat. Nonetheless, its audacious design choices make it a standout in BMW’s history, even if it’s for all the wrong reasons.

9. **Ferrari Mondial**: The Ferrari Mondial, though bearing the prancing horse badge, didn’t quite gallop into the hearts of Ferrari enthusiasts. Its chunky proportions and lackluster performance left many wanting more. Yet, as an entry-level Ferrari, it still holds an odd affection among those who seek a gateway into the brand’s storied lineage.

10. **Marcos Mantis**: The Marcos Mantis is not for the faint-hearted. With its outrageous styling and impracticalities, it could be mistaken for a prop from a sci-fi movie. However, for the brave few who embrace its eccentric nature, the Mantis offers a unique driving experience that’s hard to replicate.

11. **Reliant Robin**: Who could forget this three-wheeled wonder? Infamous for its tendency to tip over, the Reliant Robin has become a cult classic. With its awkward balance and teetering design, it’s more of a circus act than a sports car. Yet, for those daring enough to take the wheel, it offers an experience as thrilling as walking a tightrope.

12. **Chevrolet SSR**: The Chevrolet SSR attempted to blend the features of a convertible, a pickup truck, and a sports car, resulting in a vehicle with an identity crisis. Its bulky shape and retro styling didn’t win many hearts, but its odd charm has made it a favorite among collectors of quirky cars.

13. **Ford Edsel**: The Ford Edsel was intended to be a revolutionary design, but instead, it became synonymous with automotive failure. With a grille that resembled a horse collar, the Edsel’s looks were as off-putting as its marketing strategy was misguided. Despite its flaws, it’s a must-have for those fascinated by automotive history.

14. **Bricklin SV-1**: Marketed as a safety vehicle, the Bricklin SV-1 was anything but with its heavy, gull-wing doors that frequently trapped occupants. Its blocky design and frequent mechanical issues make it a staple on lists of ugliest cars ever, yet its rarity gives it a certain allure among collectors.

15. **AMC Gremlin**: With its stubby rear end and unconventional styling, the AMC Gremlin is often a punchline in the automotive world. Despite its odd appearance, it was one of the first subcompact cars in America, and its quirky looks have earned it a dedicated fan base.

16. **Cadillac Cimarron**: The Cadillac Cimarron was an attempt to compete in the compact luxury segment, but its underwhelming performance and uninspired design left much to be desired. Yet, its very existence serves as a reminder of how even the mightiest brands can falter.

17. **Suzuki X-90**: More akin to a toy than a vehicle, the Suzuki X-90’s compact body and T-top roof give it an appearance more suited to a child’s plaything than a serious car. Its impracticality is precisely what makes it delightfully memorable.

18. **Plymouth Prowler**: An attempt to pay homage to hot rods, the Plymouth Prowler’s exaggerated fenders and open-wheel design make it a standout in the best possible way. While it may not be everybody’s cup of tea, it’s a prime example of a car that’s so bad, it’s good.

beauty automotive world — Holden J-Car, the Camira | 1983 Australian brochure Wheels M… | Flickr, Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

As we wind down this gallery of oddities, one thing becomes clear: beauty in the automotive world is subjective, but the impact these cars have made is undeniable. While they may not win any beauty contests, each one stands as a testament to the boldness and creativity that drives the automotive industry forward. These unique designs remind us that sometimes, it’s the most unconventional choices that create the most lasting impressions.