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Automotive design is a long and tedious process with many steps such as creating a life-size clay model of the prototype. And though the cars are getting sleeker and their design is almost as important as reliability and functionality, there were and still are many flukes that shouldn't have hit the road or seen the light of day.

Any new car starts its life as a sketch and later as a prototype - if it gets confirmed, it goes to the production line. But some of these thoroughly ugly cars somehow skipped the approval of executives and made their way onto the streets, much to our dismay now. Some of these designs could be considered a bold step ahead in the automotive industry, while others look as though the designer just didn't give a hoot about the outcome. Cars that remind us of a boxy drawing by a six-year-old, cars that seem to have no lines or too many of them, and even curiosities such as three-wheelers have made it into our list of vehicles that are so ugly, they've reached sort of a cult status by now.

From Fiat Multipla to Rolls Royce Phantom, we didn't spare any of these monstrosities and put them into our glorious list of objects d'art. Scroll down below to check them out, don't forget to vote for the ugliest, and tell us what you think in the comments!

#1

Dodge A100 Pickup

Dodge A100 Pickup

The flat-nosed, ever-surprised Dodge A100 was a range of compact vans and trucks that arguably was just too weird to gain enough popularity in its six years of production 

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Kjorn
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this one could be use in the d-day for troops transport

Mya Lugar
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The front looks like the back of a car. I would have a wreck if one pulled in front of me.

ƒιѕн
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The A100 is a range of American compact vans and trucks manufactured and marketed from 1964 to 1970 by Chrysler Corporation under the Dodge marque in the United States and the Fargo marque in Canada.

Bacony
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It feels like it should be powered by steam, but it's not.

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    #2

    Fiat Multipla

    Fiat Multipla

    Named a Psychotic Cartoon Duck, this masterpiece has been produced by an Italian company called Fiat. And though buyers enjoyed the roomy interior, the sneers and laughs from beholders of the Multipla's exterior didn't help with the sales. This absolutely unique car was even displayed at the Modern Art Museum (MOMA) in New York as a design exhibit 

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    #3

    Nissan S-Cargo

    Nissan S-Cargo

    The name of this overly cute retro car is actually a double entendre, standing for 'Small Cargo' but sounding similar to 'escargot' which means a snail in French. We think it looks more like a Pope-mobile on steroids 

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    #4

    Bond Bug

    Bond Bug

    Though the Bond Bug looks like a three-wheeled carrot, it was known as a relatively fun car to drive that managed to reach the speed of 122 km/h. Yet, we are not sure if it's a good idea to zoom around at such speeds in a car that has a missing wheel. The Bug was quite a popular car at its time, but being sold for the same prices as more practical cars, it soon fell into demise 

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    #5

    Reliant Robin

    Reliant Robin

    Lovingly nicknamed as the "Plastic Pig" by the British for its distinctive shape and fiberglass body, this ugly three-wheeler is an absolute comedy gag classic 

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    #6

    Sebring Vanguard CitiCar

    Sebring Vanguard CitiCar

    Though the idea of electricity powered CitiCar seemed like a good one, its coal cart design didn't make the right impression to buyers

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    #7

    Nissan Cube

    Nissan Cube

    Though the Cube has won several nominations for its design and has been named a top vehicle pick for dog owners, we aren't convinced that it wasn't made from a sketch by a six-year-old 

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    #8

    AMC Pacer

    AMC Pacer

    Compared to a vehicle from The Jetsons cartoon and dubbed 'The Flying Fishbowl' the Pacer is truly a 70s design icon 

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    #9

    Citroën Ami 6

    Citroën Ami 6

    Incredibly enough, this mish-mash of a car was once the best-selling new car model in France. We, on the other hand, aren't sure how you were supposed to change the rear tires or open the melted hood 

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    #10

    Corbin Sparrow

    Corbin Sparrow

    The Sparrow, also known as the Jelly Bean and Pizza Butt is one passenger, electric battery-powered city car. We truly think its sole purpose is to make your teenage kid feel even more ashamed of you 

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    #11

    Suzuki X-90

    Suzuki X-90

    Suzuki X-90 is probably the only car that looks better with a huge can of Red Bull fixed on its trunk

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    #12

    Lightburn Zeta

    Lightburn Zeta

    Lightburn was an Australian company that produced cement mixers and washing machines. In popular opinion, they should've stayed away from the automotive industry. But they didn't, and now we have this charming little nonsense in our list 

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    #13

    Talbot-Matra Rancho

    Talbot-Matra Rancho

    The Rancho was a French effort to jump into the off-road trend. This boxy vehicle was made almost entirely out of fiberglass and polyester which gave it the 'off-road' look for a lesser price. Interestingly enough, after some facelifting, it became the legendary van called Renault Espace 

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    #14

    Lightburn Zeta Sports

    Lightburn Zeta Sports

    Another masterpiece by an Australian washing machine and cement mixer company Lightburn

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    #15

    Aston Martin Lagonda Shooting-Brake

    Aston Martin Lagonda Shooting-Brake

    The Shooting-brake car body style originated in the 1890s as a wagon used to transport shooting parties. We can't imagine anyone sitting with a double-barrel in this Lagonda's boot, but we can see it being used as a doorstop or for splitting logs

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    #16

    Marcos Mantis

    Marcos Mantis

    Though luxurious, powerful, and relatively cheap, this British Mantis had no success in the market with only 32 cars of the first generation sold. Maybe it was just too beautiful for the classy British people

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    #17

    Bufori Geneva

    Bufori Geneva

    Even though this car can accommodate a cigar humidor, a Chinese tea set, and its back seats have a pneumatic massage device, the Geneva still looks like a very well fattened-up pig 

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    #18

    Mitsuoka Orochi

    Mitsuoka Orochi

    Labeled as a "fashion supercar" the Orochi and its many Anime-inspired editions deserves a proud place in this list of ugly cars 

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    #19

    Chrysler PT Cruiser

    Chrysler PT Cruiser

    Though the PT Cruiser is known to be a very satisfying drive, we think that the designers should steer clear away from the 30s inspirations as it never really works 

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    #20

    Plymouth Prowler

    Plymouth Prowler

    Hot-rod inspired Prowler was supposed to be an everyday use-type of car. Thankfully, this masterpiece wasn't as successful as expected, and we don't have to see it prowling the streets on a daily basis 

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    #21

    Volkswagen 181

    Volkswagen 181

    Commonly known as 'The Thing' this Volkswagen was mainly used for NATO military purposes. Due to its low safety standards, The Thing was sold in the US only for couple short years  

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    #22

    Lamborghini LM002

    Lamborghini LM002

    Amazingly powerful, the LM002 was favorited by the rich of the Arabian Emirates as a desert plaything. We think it looks like someone with repressed anger issues designed it 

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    #23

    Honda Insight

    Honda Insight

    The first generation Honda Insight is still ranked as one of the most fuel-efficient gasoline engine cars ever produced. The efficiency probably has to do with its uber-aerodynamic body that to this day manages to raise some brows with its weirdness

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    #24

    Jensen S-V8

    Jensen S-V8

    Another fluke by the British automotive industry - The Jensen and its cartoon-like design was never meant to be popular

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    #25

    Pontiac Fiero

    Pontiac Fiero

    Nothing screams 'The 80s' louder than the design of this Pontiac. Though the model has been met quite badly with the press because of its quirkiness and unreliability, the GMC Pontiac division had a hard time keeping up with the demand through the years it was produced. No matter its weird design, the Fiero has a cult-like following to this day 

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    #26

    Chevrolet El Camino

    Chevrolet El Camino

    'Business in the front, party in the back,' goes a long way describing the El Camino. It was supposed to be the ultimate car for ranchers that also deal business in town, but to us, this marriage between a pickup and a coupe looks like a total no-go 

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    #27

    Pontiac Aztek

    Pontiac Aztek

    Though marketed as an 'Xtreme' design crossover for the Generation X buyer demographics, the Aztek was only appreciated by the pre-Heisenberg Walter White type of folks 

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    #28

    Tatra 603

    Tatra 603

    Well, the Tatra isn't as bland as the usual Eastern European Communist car, but maybe it should've been. The weird placement of its headlights make it look closely related to a Cyclops 

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    #29

    Saturn SC

    Saturn SC

    Surprisingly enough, the Saturn SC (or Sports Coupe) is still sought after not only by collectors but also by people who admire the longevity, ease of repair and its good mileage. This cross-eyed beast even has quite a few Facebook fan groups and owner support networks 

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    #30

    AMC Gremlin

    AMC Gremlin

    The AMC's Gremlin had more than enough personality even for the 70s - the sawed-off back, the quirky proportions, and unusual trimmings made it stand out from the crowd. It is still debatable whether the unique looks made it awesome or ugly

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    #31

    Isuzu VehiCROSS

    Isuzu VehiCROSS

    Winner of rallies of its time, and praised for its unique design the VehiCROSS still looks to us like at least three cars were mashed together in an afterschool project 

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    #32

    Chevrolet SSR

    Chevrolet SSR

    The SSR perfectly illustrates a failed attempt at creating a retro-inspired, yet modern-looking car. The sales of it were very disappointing, and we definitely can see why 

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    #33

    Subaru Impreza Casa Blanca

    Subaru Impreza Casa Blanca

    Though the Impreza is beloved by many, the Casa Blanca 'luxury' edition truly looks like a cartoon beaver. In a bad way  

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    #34

    FSO Polonez

    FSO Polonez

    Another gem from the Easter European Communist block. No matter how many trimmings were added or how many horses were put in the commercials it still looked like a slab of concrete 

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    #35

    Rolls Royce Phantom VIII

    Rolls Royce Phantom VIII

    Rolls Royce's Phantoms have always been known as the ultimate luxury cars - the incredibly smooth driving experience and unlimited interior personalization gained it a lot of praise. You probably have to have a couple of millions in your bank account, though, to fully comprehend its majestical appearance, because to us, regular humans, it looks ugly as hell 

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    #36

    Ford Taurus

    Ford Taurus

    The third generation Taurus steered away from its predecessors' straight lines, thus creating this oval-shaped, cross-eyed, squishy looking thing. And though buyers thought badly about the design, the Taurus still kept its best-seller status 

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    #37

    Ford Pinto Wagon

    Ford Pinto Wagon

    The Pinto had two significant oversights - the overly 70s design which looks quite cringy now and a technical issue of easily rupturing fuel tank. That meant that getting rear-ended even at low speeds could easily set the Pinto on fire

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    #38

    Pontiac Trans Sport

    Pontiac Trans Sport

    The original concept of Trans Sport had gullwing doors, a glass roof, a built-in Nintendo Entertainment System, and an overall futuristic look. After those details got stripped down, it started to look like a handheld vacuum, which gave it the nickname of 'dustbuster' 

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    #39

    Lancia Thesis

    Lancia Thesis

    Well, the Thesis isn't unpleasant to look at, but this higher end Italian design is one of those that you either love or hate 

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    #40

    Renault Fuego

    Renault Fuego

    The first car to feature a remote keyless system with central locking and the fastest diesel engine car of its time it really lacked in the design department 

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    #41

    Wartburg 353

    Wartburg 353

    The Wartburg was probably the blandest of the bland Eastern European cars ever conceived. No wonder its name starts with a 'wart' 

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    #42

    Subaru Brat

    Subaru Brat

    The BRAT or "Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter" is a total hit or miss. Some adore its absolute quirkiness and great performance, while others hate its overly 'youthful' looks 

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    #43

    Citroën C4 Cactus

    Citroën C4 Cactus

    The Cactus, in addition to its squinty headlights, also had the 'Airbump' side panels that were supposed to guard the car against accidents in parking lots. We didn't know whether it worked in those instances, but it definitely did guard many from buying it 

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