Breaking the rules can be risky in many industries, and this is particularly true in the automotive sector. Most brands find comfort in convention, but some stray from the beaten path to achieve something truly unforgettable.
Building a unique vehicle is like venturing into the unknown. The end result could shake up the market or literally crash and burn.
Whether it’s breaking away from industrial norms or departing from the brand’s usual style, these cars defied convention and continue to captivate people worldwide.
1. DeLorean DMC-12
If there’s one car that fits the definition of a defiant, it’s the DeLorean DMC-12. Overall, it performs poorly. It’s slow and has issues with its suspension, clutch pedals, and alternators.
However, this iconic vehicle features a stainless steel body with gull-wing doors and a timeless design. It became famous as the time machine in the Back to the Future trilogy. However, it’s costly to purchase and maintain one.
2. Citroën DS
Despite its frog-like appearance, the Citroën DS spearheaded the production of aerodynamic cars in the 1950s. With its modern features, the DS was way ahead of its time. The industry didn’t follow until several decades later. The Citroen DS could rightly be called the official car of innovation.
Its sleek design helps reduce air resistance, while the bulging headlamps turn for increased visibility. This vehicle was truly ahead of its time.
3. Peel P50
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson drove this tiny three-wheeler to promote his film Black Adam (2022). The actor weighs nearly twice the size of the vehicle. Only 50 of these microcars were produced, holding the record for the smallest car in the world. This 1962 car is like a chair on wheels, with no passenger seats and featuring only a single door.
It weighs nearly as much as a portable suitcase, and its 4.2 horsepower engine only gets it to a top speed of 38 mph. It came back in production in 2010 by popular demand. Ironically, it sold more units than a Lamborghini Veneno or a Pagani Zonda Cinque.
4. BMW Z1
The Z1 deviates from BMW’s traditional design. It fulfills your dreams of driving with open doors and tackles all your door-banging problems. This futuristic two-door roadster stunned the world, allowing riders to see the road run beneath them with each mile.
The Z1’s retracting doors take the limelight as a novel and bizarre innovation. The plastic panels on it are removable, allowing for easy color swapping. With reasonable gas mileage, a pioneering style, and a sporty and classic flair, it stands out in a crowd.
5. Reliant Robin
Successor to the famous three-wheeler that always tipped over in Mr. Bean, the Robin is less reliant on corners. Stability is an area of trouble for this compact cruiser. This affordable car ran the longest in the post-microcar era.
When the reverse gear is disabled, the car is classified as a small motorcycle. The Reliant Robin was also featured in an episode of Top Gear, which many deem the funniest.
6. Lamborghini LM002
Lamborghini’s specialty ranges from farm tractors to supercars, but a Lamborghini SUV is a rare sight. The LM002 was initially built for military operations and shares a V12 engine with the iconic Lamborghini Countach.
Its angular frame packs a hefty engine that can climb a gradient of 120 degrees. Its specialized run-flat tires allow it to conquer various terrains and tracks. It represents the ultimate off-road utility vehicle.
7. Lotus Europa
You might be too captivated by this automobile’s bizarre rear end to notice just what a great car it is. It doesn’t belong to a complex group of vehicles — it is simple, agile, and maneuvers smoothly.
With round headlamps, a slanted windshield, and a boxy back, its looks are an acquired taste. It’s wise to pick a brighter color, as they’re almost too small to notice on loaded highways.
8. Ferrari FF
Ferrari takes immense pride in creating some of the best racing cars. The Ferrari FF was built to traverse many paths, and the engine’s roaring howl reminds bystanders of its serious power.
It can accommodate 800 liters of luggage and comfortably seats four passengers. It’s a four-wheel-drive car, which makes it great for snowy days. It’s undoubtedly one unusual Ferrari.
9. Stout Scarab
This bubbly minivan was designed by an aircraft designer, with only 9 to roll around. Many would consider this vehicle unattractive, but it was the first of its kind. With many innovative components to spur the automotive industry into motion, it marked remarkable progress.
Its prototype was revolutionary, with swivel seats, air suspension, and a fiberglass shell. Unfortunately, due to its premium price point of $5,000 at the time, it couldn’t capture the market.
10. Amphicar
Is it a boat? Is it a car? Well, it’s both, although not the best of either. The Amphicar was mass-produced for civilians in the 1960s. It’s a little impractical, having to be disassembled after each swim to ensure functionality.
Most of these vehicles are owned by Walt Disney World for tourist rides. At least they can turn one’s Grand Theft Auto Online dreams of driving and boating in the same car into reality. However, the Volkswagen Schimmwagen better achieved this goal 20 years ago with more units produced, although it was meant for military operations.
11. Chevrolet SSR
The Super Short Roadster (SSR) was a hot retro icon. It borrows its looks from a pick-up truck and a convertible sports car and is painted in vibrant colors. A retractable hard-top and low ground clearance attract both leagues of car enthusiasts.
The century it was produced in also produced cars like the Volkswagen Beetle and Fiat MINI. This Chevy was on the stranger side of stardom, with its divisive appearance and undeniable appeal.
12. Morgan Plus Six
The Morgan Plus Six caused controversy when it was unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. It has a classic design and still pushes up to 170 mph. It’s lightweight and nimble and runs as the fastest Morgan so far.
A contemporary gearbox doesn’t complement its bulky build. Despite mixed reviews, witnessing this rarity rolling down the street is always an awe-inspiring experience. The Worcestershire-based company never fails to bring something exceptional to the table.
13. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Trackhawk
It’s challenging to balance performance with stability in most modern SUVs. Still, the Cherokee SRT manages to go above and beyond in all departments and offers a smooth drive.
With its bold and brilliant design, this beast is loud and proud (in price, too). It makes its presence known with its roar and stance, all owing to the turbocharged engine borrowed from the Dodge Challenger Hellcat.
14. Lamborghini Urus
Another outlier for Lamborghini is the speedy Urus. This vehicle may not look the part, but it’s incredibly stable and surprisingly tall for a sports car.
It retains the aggressive look of supercars and runs like a robust SUV. The Urus packs the functionality of a high-rider and the speed of a sports car, condensing this Italian carmaker’s legacy into one vehicle.
15. Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6
This off-roader feels like a fever dream. With novelty and peculiarity in mind, the German automakers conspired to create a one-of-a-kind beast. A G-Class style body frame sits atop a half-dozen wheels.
Though expensive and rare, a six-wheeler sold to the general public defines an unconventional approach. While unbeatable in the desert, it may be the least ideal car for city parking.
