7 Most Bizarre Vehicles in the World
They're weird, they're quirky, and yes--they're bizarre. And while these vehicles may not fall under the "General Interest" category, we think they can settle quite well with the term, "Special Interest," or if not, under the "Acquired Taste" line-up. Whatever the case, they're not for those who find square designs the most daring of all shapes in the universe.
So without further ado, here are the strangest vehicles we've seen on the road (so far):
1942 Oeuf Electrique
This whimsical vehicle is an eye-catcher, to say the least. And it came at a time when the Nazis had occupied Paris.
Paul Arzens, who created this three-wheeled, extremely light electric vehicle nicknamed this the L'Œuf (The Egg), which became L'Œuf Electrique (The Electric Egg) after a couple of years.
It consisted of aluminum and Plexiglass body, and weighed only 90 kilograms with an added electric motor and 350 kilograms when batteries are added.
2001 BMW GINA Concept
This vehicles is unique in that its body is made from fabric. GINA, which stands for "Geometry and functions In 'N' Adaptations," was designed by BMW's head of design, Chris Bangle.
The fabric they used was made of polyurethane-coated Spandex, a water-resistant, very durable, translucent, and resilient man-made material. It's also invulnerable to temperature and size changes. Actually, they almost look like metal when fully-stretched, and their translucent features allow light to shine through them.
1947 Norman Timbs Special
Created by Norman E. Timbs, this strange-looking vehicle was inspired by the 30's vehicles Mercedes-Benz W25 Avus and the Auto Union Type C Streamlined GP racers.
It took two years to create, with a cost of around USD10,000. The Special was fitted with a 1948 Buick straight 8 engine, with 'Compound' carburetors and dual exhausts. It weighed 2,200 lbs, with a speed that can reach around 193 kph.
1962 Peel P50
It was listed in the 2010 Guinness World Records as the smallest production car ever made, and if given the chance, we'd also like to create a special category for it: the "Most Squashed-Looking Car".
This three-wheeled micro-car was first manufactured from 1962 to 1965 by the Peel Engineering Company, and was brought back later in 2010 as an electric vehicle and as a petrol-running vehicle (2011).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=M2g9ZGTbWvgMarketed as a car that can seat "one adult and a shopping bag," the Peel P50 is still considered "road legal" in the UK. The original versions had a top speed of 60 kph, with a three-speed manual transmission with no reverse gear. However, the more recent ones made in 2010 and above have reverse gears. They also have upgraded drivetrains and suspensions.
1973 Reliant Robin
It almost looks like a car--except when you look down, it has three wheels instead of four. Made by Reliant Motor Company in Tamworth, England, the Reliant Robin is considered the second most popular fiberglass car in history, with several versions (Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3) made over a period of 30 years.
This car is fondly called "Plastic Pig" in the U.K., with the three-wheeler almost a part of British culture over the years.
2008 The Dream Car 123
This is certainly a dream come true for those who would love to "drive a pyramid".
The 65-foot vehicle Dream Car 123 is the brainchild of Greg Zanis. He claims that it's "safe as a tank," with a fuel efficient engine. One notable feature it has are the solar panels and wind turbine that gather sun and wind power on top.
This vehicle uses a joystick, not a steering wheel. You also have to charge it for around 3.5 hours to drive it 240 miles--at 40 miles per hour.
Don't expect that the interiors are fit for a pharaoh's life, though. Once you get inside, you'll be bombarded by an over-abundance of bubble wrap lined up in the entire cabin. So in case you get stressed or bored out, then you can pop some "bubbles" to while your time away.
Now here's the fun part: it can light up and look like a UFO when you drive it at night.
1999 Fiat Multipla
If a car would have a double chin on top, then it would probably look like a Fiat Multipla.
This compact MPV was created by Italian car maker Fiat from 1998-2010, and was actually voted the "Ugliest Car of the Year" by Top Gear Magazine.
It was completely restyled in 2004, and that "double chin" was taken out to attract more buyers. The Telegraph was once quoted in saying that the designers were "desperately sad that the new Multipla no longer resembles a psychotic cartoon duck."
Whatever the case, the upgraded version has received critical acclaim for its versatility.
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