Different makes and models have come and gone throughout the years, but there have been many a car, truck, or van that have been created—and very quickly swept under the rug. You’ll see why when you take a look at our list of strangest cars.
Amphicar Model 770
In terms of peculiarity, this one arguably takes the cake for creativity alone. Containing an engine and a propeller, the vehicle is—as its name implies—a perfectly viable option for both transportation on land and water. While the components of the car are mostly traditional, it does have a few features to ensure safety in the water, including double-hinged doors topped with rubber plugs. View the video to watch this vehicle take a dip.
The 1936 Stout Scarab
When car lovers discuss strange vehicles of the past, this one is always a no-brainer. Viewed as the first ever minivan, the Stout Scarab was inspired by William Bushnell Stout’s career and interest in aviation. The six-passenger sedan is appropriately named after the Egyptian beetle. Sadly, only 10 cars were created.
The ETV
If outer space is to your liking, this is the car for you. No, it doesn’t fly, but it sure looks like it will float into the air at any moment. Built by Mike Vetter, the vehicle boasts a 40 miles per gallon average and has omitted the traditional side and rear-view mirrors for cameras. What’s underneath that UFO-like exterior? A stripped Chevrolet Aveo, but kits are available that can be added on to a wide variety of vehicles.
The Electric Egg
You’re not imagining it. The car looks like and is named after an egg. The 1942 Oeuf Electrique ran on battery power and was created for personal use by its maker, French artist, designer, and engineer Paul Arzens. It travelled at an impressive top speed of 37 miles per hour.
The Peel P50
This car still holds the record for being the smallest production car ever. Considered one of the rarest cars in the world (less than 30 exist today), this vehicle was built in the 1960s and could average an astounding 100 miles to the gallon. Because of its size, however, larger drivers may have more of an impact on that number than they would like. Jeremy Clarkson, the host of the television show Top Gear, managed to squeeze himself into one of these babies, which you can view here. That’s no easy feat when the car measures only 4 feet 5 inches and weighs little over 120 pounds.
Don’t be fooled by these unique features. As attorney Sherry Cross of Simmrin Law Group points out, “Too many consumers purchase automobiles based on exterior characteristics alone.” Putting it simply, driving on a highway in a 120-pound car may not be the best idea. But it is fun to consider that, one day, you could be scooting along to work in a scarab, an egg, or a UFO.
