86 Weird And Wonderful Vehicles That Look Like They Rolled Out Of Another Universe

When looking for a new car, most buyers prioritize practicality. They’re focused on finding a safe, fuel-efficient, affordable vehicle that will get them from Point A to Point B. But for those who aren’t scared of thinking outside the box, there are plenty of unconventional options out there. As long as the car is legally allowed on the road, drivers can go nuts.

Now, if you’re wondering what makes a car street legal, Progressive has a detailed explanation for vehicles in the United States. Any car purchased from a dealership should be legally allowed on the road, but you won’t have the same guarantee if you buy from a private party. If they’ve made certain modifications to the vehicle or failed to have necessary repairs done, the car may no longer qualify as street legal.       

To be allowed on the roads, a car must meet the legal requirements for ground clearance and emission control, tires and brakes, bumpers and license plates, headlights and hood, and the mirrors and windshield. If, for example, a car doesn’t have an external side mirror on the driver’s side, it will not be considered street legal.

There are also requirements that the inside of the vehicle must meet. Every seat must have a working seat belt, and the steering wheel must be functioning properly, of course. Something that not everyone knows is that a car’s horn must be audible at a minimum distance of 200 feet from the car. However, it cannot be unnecessarily loud or harsh. And a proper rearview mirror is required for vehicles with a rearview window. 

If a vehicle is not street legal, Progressive warns that it’s going to be very difficult to get insurance for it. But some people still consider it worth it to modify their vehicles in extreme ways. This might include adding a loud exhaust that exceeds the state’s limits on noise. It’s also common for truck owners to get their vehicle lifted past the legal limits. However, if the truck is too high up, it can be considered a danger to the driver and other drivers on the road.     

On the flip side, modifying a vehicle to turn it into a low rider can be illegal as well. Once it starts scraping the pavement or curbs, it might be a problem. Meanwhile, adding underbody neon lights to a vehicle may mean that it’s no longer street legal. Typically, drivers are prohibited from adding any extra lights to their vehicle that might make it easier for them to impersonate police. Even though some additional lights may look cool, they won’t be worth it when they result in you getting an expensive ticket.    

Now, if this list is inspiring you to go out and find your own unique, yet street-legal, vehicle, Hertz has some advice for how to go about doing that. When it comes to tracking down a rare vehicle, they explain that there are magazines, books, and websites full of expert information on where to find rare and classic cars. Buying opportunities will be limited, but you can find out about them if you know where to look. You might need to attend some car shows and chat with rare car owners to get the inside scoop, but the journey is part of the fun!   

Depending on what kind of rare vehicle you’re looking for, Hertz notes that there is likely a car club out there dedicated to it. From there, you may be able to find online forums all about that specific vehicle, as well as tips and tricks on how to purchase one. You might even realize that the car you had been dreaming of isn’t the perfect one for you and that another is actually better. Once you determine which vehicle suits you and your lifestyle best, then you can focus on how to acquire it.           

When it comes to purchasing a rare vehicle, Hertz suggests taking a mechanic with you to inspect the car. You’ll want to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into before you’ve spent thousands on the vehicle. And if any issues are discovered, you might be able to secure a significant discount. There are also many factors to consider when making a purchase like this, such as transportation of the vehicle, if it’s being sold somewhere far from where you live. Ask plenty of questions and do plenty of research to ensure that you’re getting a fair price.   

We would love to hear your thoughts on these unique vehicles in the comments below, pandas. Are there any that you’d like to drive yourself? Or are you happy to stick to your humble Honda instead? Then, if you’re interested in checking out another list from Bored Panda featuring bizarre vehicles, look no further than right here!