We’re enthusiasts of all things automotive, from the sleek and stylish to the downright bizarre. And when it comes to the latter, the annals of car history are replete with some truly mind-boggling creations. Just in case you might be wondering, all the cars listed have alternators in them. So, brace yourselves for a journey into the realm of the eccentric, where practicality takes a backseat to pure automotive audacity.
Lego Bugatti Chiron
Imagine a full-sized drivable Bugatti Chiron made entirely out of Lego pieces. Lego made this dream a reality by creating a masterpiece using over 1 million Technic pieces. The Lego Bugatti Chiron is not just a model, it’s a functioning vehicle. With over 2,000 Lego power function Motors, it can actually move. Although it won’t break any land speed records, reaching speeds of around 13 miles per hour, it’s still a remarkable engineering feat. The Lego Bugatti Chiron also features doors that open and close, a lifting and lowering spoiler, and a fully functional speedometer built out of Technic pieces. This Lego creation is truly stunning.
Eight-Wheeled Toyota Vios
For those who think sedans are boring, meet the eight-wheeled Toyota Vios limousine sedan in Bali, Indonesia. Created by mechanic Ronnie Gunawan, this unique vehicle breaks all the rules. Ronnie welded two front ends of a Toyota Vios together to create the six-wheeled car, and then added an additional two wheels for a total of eight. The drive of the free axle is achieved by the friction of the tires on the middle axle. This engineering marvel not only turns heads, but it’s also fully functional.
Bloodhound SSC
The Bloodhound SSC is not your average car. This rocket-powered vehicle broke the land speed record by hitting over 1,000 miles per hour. With a Rolls-Royce jet engine and an additional rocket thruster, the Bloodhound SSC is designed to break the sound barrier. It requires an incredible amount of power, with 20 tons of force needed to reach its peak speed. The car uses an auxiliary power unit to drive its rocket oxidizer pump, which supplies 800 liters of high test peroxide equivalent to 40 liters per second. The Bloodhound SSC is a triumph of engineering and innovation.
The Sea Lion
The Sea Lion is not your ordinary car. It’s an amphibious vehicle designed to compete for the title of the fastest in the world. With a Mazda rotary engine, the Sea Lion can reach speeds of up to 180 miles per hour on land and 60 miles per hour on water. Its sleek and stylish design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This vehicle is a testament to the years of design and experimentation put into its creation.
BMW Isetta 300
The BMW Isetta 300 is a microcar that quickly became popular due to its affordable price, frugal fuel consumption, and unique design. With its egg-shaped body and front door, the Isetta stands out from the crowd. It features a small but powerful engine that provides reliable performance. Despite its compact size, the Isetta can comfortably seat a couple of adults and a small child. This quirky car has become a beloved classic.
1978 Subaru Brat
The 1978 Subaru Brat was a clever solution to hefty tariffs on compact trucks imported from Japan. By adding rear-facing jump seats in the bed, Subaru was able to classify the Brat as a passenger vehicle and qualify for a lower tariff. The Brat also featured a part-time all-wheel drive system and fun features such as a spring-loaded hidden door, a T-top split roof, and a spare tire in the engine bay. The Subaru Brat became a hit in America and even caught the attention of President Ronald Reagan.
Polaris Slingshot
The Polaris Slingshot defies classification. Is it a car or a motorcycle? With its unique three-wheel design, the Slingshot is a powerful machine that turns heads wherever it goes. It features a new engine and transmission for the 2020 model, providing more power and a smoother driving experience. The Slingshot is made for those who want to stand out and are not afraid to be different.
Mercedes AMG G63 6×6
The Mercedes AMG G63 6×6 is a pickup truck with six-wheel drive, making it one of the most capable off-roading vehicles ever. It features a powerful twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers impressive performance. The 6×6 is not just about power, though. It also boasts a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials and finishes. This vehicle is a true engineering masterpiece.
Chrysler Turbine
The Chrysler Turbine was an alternative fuel vehicle ahead of its time. It could run on anything from jet fuel to perfume. With its distinctive bronze paint and powerful turbines, the Turbine stood out on the road. Each vehicle was meticulously designed and built, gathering valuable service information and customer reactions. The Turbine is a part of automotive history.
Layoff Electric
The Layoff Electric was an electric car made in 1942 during a gasoline shortage. This three-wheeled vehicle ran on an electric motor and battery pack, providing a range of 63 miles per charge. Its egg-shaped body made of aluminum and Plexiglas set it apart from other cars of its time. The Layoff Electric was a lightweight and efficient vehicle ahead of its time.
Layette Helica
The Layette Helica was a unique vehicle designed by Marcel Layette in 1921. It featured a propeller-driven design without wings, inspired by Layette’s background in biplane design. The Helica was powered by a Harley-Davidson V-twin engine and had a lightweight plywood body. Despite its unconventional appearance, the Helica achieved a top speed of 106 miles per hour and became a testament to Layette’s innovative thinking.
Oscar Meyer Wienermobile
The Oscar Meyer Wienermobile is a cultural icon that has been around since 1936. This giant hot dog on wheels has captured the imagination of people of all ages. The Wienermobile has appeared in countless advertising campaigns and events, bringing joy wherever it goes. It’s a fun and quirky marketing gimmick that has become a beloved symbol of American history.
PCar
The PCar, also known as the Volkswagen P Car, was commissioned by Bird’s Eye Sellers of frozen vegetables for a television commercial. This mismatched vehicle features a blend of different car parts, including headlights from a VW Beetle. It was specifically designed to be destroyed for the commercial, showcasing the durability and reliability of fresh peas. The PCar may be unconventional, but it certainly leaves an impression.
Terrafugia Transition
The Terrafugia Transition is a revolutionary vehicle that combines driving and flying capabilities. With the ability to convert from a car to a plane in less than a minute, the Transition offers a unique and adventurous commuting experience. It has a flying range of up to 400 miles and can reach heights of 9,000 feet. The Transition is a game-changer in personal air mobility.
Pal V Liberty
The Pal V Liberty is the ultimate solution for those tired of traffic and flight delays. This vehicle can drive on the road and fly through the skies, offering the best of both worlds. With its unique design, the Pal V Liberty can be parked in a standard parking space or garage. It’s certified to fly and comply with road safety regulations. The Pal V Liberty is a groundbreaking vehicle that brings personal air mobility to a new level.
From the Pal V Liberty micro-car proportions to the Terrafugia Transition’s ostentatious opulence, these automotive oddities stand as testaments to the boundless creativity and occasionally questionable judgment of car designers throughout history. While they may not have achieved mainstream success, they’ve undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape, reminding us that sometimes, the most memorable cars are the ones that dare to be different.
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