Not everyone wants to drive a typical, mainstream vehicle like a Honda Civic or Hyundai Palisade. Some car enthusiasts seek unique designs, odd shapes, or vehicles with a rich backstory. Throughout automotive history, manufacturers and independent designers have created some truly eccentric vehicles. Some of these made it into production, while others remained prototypes or promotional models. This article explores some of the most unusual vehicles ever built, from a car shaped like a pea to the infamous Tesla Cybertruck.
1. Chevrolet El Camino: The Car-Truck Hybrid
The Chevrolet El Camino was one of the most unique vehicle designs in automotive history. Introduced in 1959, it was a blend of a coupe and a pickup truck. Initially built on a full-size platform, Chevrolet later based it on the midsize Chevelle. The El Camino was popular for its powerful engine options, including a 450-horsepower 454 V8 in the 1970 model. Despite its practicality and performance, Chevrolet discontinued it in 1987. Today, the El Camino is a sought-after classic car, commanding high prices among collectors.
2. Pea Car: A Promotional Marvel
The Pea Car was built as a promotional vehicle for Birds Eye, a frozen vegetable company, for a 2005 television commercial. This lime-green, pod-shaped vehicle was constructed on an off-road go-kart chassis, featuring Volkswagen Beetle headlights and a Honda engine. It was made with fiberglass body panels designed to fall apart on cue. Today, the Pea Car is displayed at the Unilever Ice Cream and Frozen Foods Co. in England, serving as a reminder of creative advertising in the automotive world.
3. 1964 Austin Mini Moke: A Military Reject Turned Cult Classic
Originally designed for the British Army in the 1960s, the Austin Mini Moke was rejected due to its low ground clearance. However, it found a second life as a recreational and farm-use vehicle in England, Portugal, and Australia. Despite its short initial production run, later versions of the Moke became popular, and it is now sold as an electric vehicle in the U.S. The new models feature vibrant colors, improved seats, and better ground clearance, making them an appealing option for those who want a quirky, open-air driving experience.
4. 1970 AMC Gremlin: A Gas Crisis Special
The AMC Gremlin gained brief popularity during the 1970s oil embargo, when fuel-efficient vehicles were in demand. Essentially a shortened version of the AMC Hornet, the Gremlin had awkward proportions and an unusual design. Despite its questionable aesthetics, it became an iconic vehicle of its era. Interestingly, former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush both owned Gremlins at some point in their lives. Though not widely remembered for its performance, the Gremlin remains a nostalgic relic of the 1970s.
5. 1999 Fiat Multipla: The King of Ugly Cars
The Fiat Multipla is widely considered one of the ugliest cars ever built. This compact MPV, which was never sold in the U.S., featured an unusual configuration with two rows of three seats. The car’s insect-like appearance, oversized windows, and oddly placed headlights made it a design outlier. The Multipla remained in production until 2003, and while it gained a cult following, it is more often remembered for its bizarre styling than its functionality.
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6. Oscar Mayer Wienermobile: The Ultimate Advertising Gimmick
The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, often called the “hot dog car,” has been an American icon since its creation in 1936. Originally designed as a mobile advertisement, it continues to cruise the roads today, with six Wienermobiles in operation at all times. Built on an Isuzu NPR commercial truck chassis, it features a Chevrolet V8 engine and a ketchup-and-mustard-themed interior. While it doesn’t serve actual hot dogs, lucky fans can snag a plush wiener or the famous wiener whistle during promotional events. Oscar Mayer even hires “Hotdoggers” to drive the Wienermobile, making it a dream job for some.
7. 1921 Leyat Helica: The Propeller-Driven Experiment
The Leyat Helica was one of the most unusual cars ever created. Designed by French engineer Marcel Leyat, this propeller-driven vehicle was meant to be lightweight and aerodynamic. Unlike conventional cars, it lacked a transmission and rear axle, relying solely on an 18-horsepower engine and a massive airplane propeller at the front. While it achieved impressive speeds, safety concerns and impracticality prevented it from gaining widespread popularity. Only 30 units were ever built, and today, the Helica remains a fascinating yet impractical automotive experiment.
8. Tesla Cybertruck: The Polarizing Modern Marvel
The Tesla Cybertruck has been one of the most hotly debated vehicle designs in recent years. After years of delays, Tesla finally began delivering the Cybertruck in late 2023. With its ultra-hard stainless-steel exoskeleton, strong armor glass, and quiet acoustic cabin, the Cybertruck is undeniably unique. It boasts a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds and multiple storage compartments. However, since its release, it has faced quality issues and recalls, raising questions about its long-term success in the electric vehicle market.
9. 1942 L’Oeuf Electrique: The Original Tiny EV
The L’Oeuf Electrique, or “Electric Egg,” was a futuristic electric car designed by Paul Arzens in 1942. Created during a gasoline shortage in World War II, this three-wheeled vehicle featured a dome-shaped aluminum body and a small electric motor. It could travel up to 63 miles on a single charge, an impressive feat for its time. Weighing only 771 pounds, the L’Oeuf Electrique provided a 270-degree panoramic view for the driver. Today, it is displayed in the Cité de l’Automobile museum in France, showcasing early innovation in electric mobility.
10. 1997-2002 Plymouth Prowler: A Retro Hot Rod Revival
Designed to resemble a 1930s Ford hot rod, the Plymouth Prowler (later rebranded as the Chrysler Prowler) was a strikingly unconventional vehicle. Its exposed front suspension and cycle fenders made it look like a custom-built street rod. However, despite its bold design, the Prowler was powered by a relatively modest V6 engine borrowed from Chrysler’s LH sedans. With limited trunk space, drivers often had to purchase an additional trailer for extra cargo. Though it never achieved mainstream success, the Prowler remains a collector’s item for those who appreciate retro-inspired styling.
The automotive world has seen countless unique and unconventional vehicles over the years. Some, like the Chevrolet El Camino and Plymouth Prowler, became beloved classics, while others, like the Pea Car and Leyat Helica, served as bold experiments or promotional tools. Whether these vehicles were successful or not, they all share one common trait: they stand out from the crowd. For car enthusiasts seeking something different, these oddities provide endless fascination and inspiration, proving that the road is far from boring.
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