Some sports cars never blended in. They looked bizarre, futuristic or downright confusing when new, and many buyers walked right past them. But time has a funny way of changing opinions. The weird designs that once scared shoppers away are now attracting collectors who want something rare, memorable and different. These ten odd looking machines are quickly gaining classic status as people finally appreciate their quirks.
Pontiac Fiero A Wedge Shaped Rebel with Mid Engine Ambition
The Fiero looked like nothing else on North American roads in the 80s. Its sharp lines, tiny cabin and unusual plastic body panels made it polarizing from day one. Yet its mid engine layout and compact size now give it huge appeal among collectors who want affordable exotic flavor. Clean examples are starting to creep up in value as drivers discover how much charm hides under that unconventional shape.
Subaru SVX The Window within a Window Oddball
The SVX arrived in the 90s with one of the strangest designs ever produced. Its aircraft inspired window within a window layout confused buyers, and the sleek but heavy body limited the car’s performance reputation. Today enthusiasts are appreciating its smooth flat six engine, all wheel grip and grand touring personality. The odd styling now feels retro futuristic rather than strange.
Nissan 300ZX Z31 A Boxy Turbo Icon That Time Finally Loves
When the Z31 replaced the curvier 280ZX, many fans thought Nissan had gone too far into angular territory. Its long, squared off nose and sharp fender lines made it look more digital than organic. Yet this shape has aged surprisingly well. Turbo models especially are now in demand thanks to their strong performance and unmistakable 80s attitude. The weirdness became part of the charm.
Saab Sonett III A Sports Car That Looked Like a Space Helmet
Saab’s Sonett III can only be described as delightfully strange. Its long nose, tiny greenhouse and fiberglass body made it stand out even in the bold 70s. At the time, drivers were puzzled by it. Today collectors love how unapologetically quirky it is. Light weight and fun handling add to its appeal, and surviving examples are getting harder to find.
Toyota Sera A Bubble Car with Gullwing Doors
The Sera looked like a concept car that accidentally escaped onto public roads. Its transparent canopy and butterfly doors made it one of the most bizarre small sports cars Japan ever built. North America never officially received it, but imports have built a cult following. The unique design is now the main selling point, and younger enthusiasts are snapping them up as attention grabbing classics.
Fiat X1 9 A Wedge That Looked Too Radical for Its Era
The X1 9 wore a sharp wedge shape long before that style caught on. With a tiny footprint and a removable top, it was strange looking yet brilliantly proportioned for mid engine balance. Many shoppers found it odd when new, but collectors now love that futuristic simplicity. Restored examples are climbing in value as interest in lightweight analog sports cars grows.
BMW M Coupe The Shoe Car That Now Commands Respect
BMW enthusiasts nicknamed it the clown shoe for its long roof and abrupt tail. It looked nothing like traditional BMW styling, and many thought it was simply too weird to succeed. Years later, the M Coupe is one of the most sought after BMW classics, especially with the inline six engines that deliver real performance. The once mocked shape has become an icon.
Lotus Europa A Low Slung Oddity That Handled Like Magic
The Europa looked like someone flattened a sports car with a heavy book. Its extremely low profile, narrow stance and awkward proportions confused buyers, yet underneath was brilliant Lotus engineering. The driving experience was so sharp that owners happily overlooked the strange shell. Collectors now appreciate the Europa as one of the most important cars in Lotus history, and prices reflect that shift.
Matra Bagheera A Three Seat Sports Car with French Flair
This French oddball featured a three across seating layout and a body shape that looked like a stretched wedge. Canadians never officially saw it, but global collectors now understand its rarity and unusual engineering. Its unusual design is a key part of its rising value. The Bagheera shows how charmingly experimental the 70s could be.
Plymouth Prowler A Retro Hot Rod That Looked Like a Toy
The Prowler seemed more like a theme park ride than a production car when it arrived in the late 90s. The narrow nose, exposed front suspension and exaggerated proportions made it one of the strangest vehicles Chrysler ever built. Its performance never matched its appearance, but the design has become nostalgic and collectible. Clean low mile examples are now rising sharply in value.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
