Motoring history is full of elegant saloons, practical hatchbacks, and performance icons — but some truly peculiar creations defy categorisation. While most car designs follow a tried-and-tested formula of functionality and form, a select few have gone completely off-piste. Whether built for publicity, innovation or sheer eccentricity, these weird and wonderful vehicles have pushed the boundaries of what a car can be.

So buckle up as we enjoy some of the strangest cars ever built.

Peel P50 – The World’s Smallest Production Car

Built on the Isle of Man in the 1960s, the Peel P50 is officially the smallest car ever made. At just 54 inches long and 41 inches wide, it could comfortably fit into a lift — and was famously driven through one by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear.

With one door, one headlight, and no reverse gear, the P50 was a three-wheeled oddity that still draws attention today. It could reach a top speed of around 38mph and was marketed as being able to carry “one adult and a shopping bag.” Despite its size, it still commands classic car prices on the collector market.

Reliant Robin – Three Wheels and Countless Punchlines

If you grew up in Britain, the Reliant Robin needs no introduction. Famed for its three wheels, fibreglass body and tendency to roll on sharp bends, the Robin became the butt of many jokes — but it also carved out a niche in British motoring culture.

It was cheap to buy and run, and you could drive one on a motorcycle licence, which made it oddly appealing to a certain demographic. Over 60,000 were sold between the 1970s and early 2000s despite its wobbly reputation.

Fiat Multipla – Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder

You can’t mention weird cars without mentioning the Fiat Multipla. When it launched in the late 1990s, its styling caused such confusion that it often topped both “worst-looking” and “most innovative” car lists simultaneously.

The Multipla had an unusual two-level headlight arrangement and a broad, flat face that looked more like a fish than a family car. But despite its appearance, it was incredibly practical, offering six full-sized seats in two rows of three. Today, it’s achieved cult status among design enthusiasts.

BMW Isetta – The Bubble Car with a Front Door

In the post-war era, fuel economy was everything, and the BMW Isetta delivered. A microcar resembling a cartoon spaceship than a real vehicle, the Isetta had a single front-hinged door that also served as the steering column mount.

Powered by a tiny single-cylinder engine, it could barely exceed 50mph, but it was immensely popular in 1950s Europe. Its bubble-like shape and minimalist engineering made it one of the most successful microcars of its time.

Pontiac Aztek – Ahead of Its Time?

Frequently voted one of the ugliest cars ever made, the Pontiac Aztek launched in 2000 with a design that baffled almost everyone. Its awkward lines, oddly shaped windows, and plastic body cladding looked more like a collage of leftovers than a coherent car.

But here’s the twist: the Aztek was incredibly practical, with features like a removable cooler, tent attachment, and sliding rear tray — essentially the perfect car for outdoor adventurers before SUVs became trendy. It flopped in its day, but gained pop culture fame as Walter White’s ride in Breaking Bad.

Covini C6W – Six Wheels of Italian Madness

Who said sports cars need four wheels? The Covini C6W, a low-slung Italian supercar, has six—four at the front. Based on a concept first explored by Tyrrell Formula One cars in the 1970s, the C6W uses the extra wheels to improve braking and cornering.

While it looks like something from a science fiction film, the car is fully road legal and powered by a 4.2-litre V8. Only a handful were made, but they remain one of the most unique supercars ever built.

Stout Scarab – The World’s First Minivan?

Designed in the 1930s by William Stout, the Scarab looked like a streamlined silver beetle and was years ahead of its time. It had a rear-mounted engine, a flat floor, and a lounge-like interior, decades before minivans were even a concept.

Only nine were ever built, but their influence on future MPVs and people carriers is undeniable. The Scarab was a glimpse into what personal transport might one day become — proof that weird doesn’t always mean wrong.

Why Do Weird Cars Matter?

While many of these cars were commercial failures or design oddities, they represent the adventurous side of automotive engineering, where boundaries are pushed, rules are broken, and the results are sometimes brilliant, sometimes baffling, but always memorable.

These eccentric machines remind us that motoring history isn’t just about speed or style. Sometimes, it’s about having the nerve to build something different—something that makes people stop and stare.

Thinking About Your Own Motoring Future?

If your current vehicle isn’t quite as thrilling (or weird) as the ones above, but it’s outlived its usefulness, scrapping it could be the best way forward. At Motorwise, we make car disposal easy, fast, and environmentally responsible. Get a free quote online and discover how simple it can be to move on — and maybe make space for something truly exciting (or eccentric) next.

Ready to clear your drive and make room for your motoring adventure? Visit Motorwise.com today.