The world of automobiles is full of strange and wonderful creations, from the sleek and stylish to the downright bizarre. Here are ten of the strangest cars ever built:
The Peel P50 (1962) This tiny bubble car, measuring just 56 inches long and 39 inches wide, is the smallest production car in the world. It was designed to be a cheap and easy-to-park city car, but its cramped interior and lack of basic features made it impractical for everyday use.
The BMW Isetta (1955-1962) This quirky three-wheeled car was one of BMW's first post-war models. It featured a single door at the front that opened like a refrigerator, and its rear was filled with a motorcycle engine. The Isetta was a popular car in Europe, and it was even produced under license in Brazil.
The Chrysler Turbine Car (1962-1964) This experimental car was powered by a gas turbine engine, which was a radical departure from the piston engines that were used in most cars at the time. The turbine engine was smooth and powerful, but it was also inefficient and expensive to produce. Chrysler only built a few hundred Turbine Cars, and they are now highly sought-after collectibles.
The Ferrari Modulo (1970) This concept car was designed by Pininfarina, and it featured a sleek, aerodynamic body with a futuristic cockpit. The Modulo was never put into production, but it is considered to be one of the most beautiful concept cars ever built.
The Fiat Multipla (1998-2009) This minivan was known for its strange and ugly appearance. It had a tall, boxy body with an oversized front grille, and its headlights were mounted in the bumper. The Multipla was a sales flop in Europe, but it has gained a cult following in recent years.
The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile (since 1936) This hot dog-shaped car is a marketing vehicle for Oscar Mayer, a meat processing company. The Wienermobile has been around since 1936, and it has become an iconic symbol of American culture.
The BMW Gina (2001) This concept car was designed to showcase BMW's future technology. It featured a skin-like body that could change shape, and its interior was made from flexible materials that could adapt to the needs of the driver and passengers. The Gina was never put into production, but it is a fascinating example of automotive innovation.
The Rinspeed sQuba (2005) This amphibious car was designed to be both a road car and a submarine. It could drive on land at speeds of up to 120 mph, and it could submerge underwater for up to 80 feet. The sQuba was never put into production, but it is a reminder of the potential of amphibious vehicles.
The Learjet Limo (1992) This stretch limousine was based on a Learjet business jet. It was 38 feet long and had a luxurious interior with a bar, a TV, and a conference room. The Learjet Limo was a popular choice for celebrities and executives, but it was also very expensive.
The Toyota FV2 (2014) This concept car was designed to be an autonomous vehicle that could communicate with other cars and infrastructure. It featured a sleek, futuristic design with a glass canopy that allowed passengers to see the sky. The FV2 was never put into production, but it is a glimpse into the future of automotive technology.