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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 

CZmarlin Report

#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 

www.motor1.com Report

#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 

Koyata Iwasaki Report

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캉 홍빈
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel a bit embarrassed, some of the cars on the list look like cars I'd buy😅

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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 

Mick Report

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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 

Barracuda Report

#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

www.motor1.com Report

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Alexandru Bucur
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Heh. Inventor, Youtuber and self-styled "queen of s****y robots" Simone Giertz has a yellow one which she nicknamed "Cheese Louise" because it's resemblance to a piece of cheese. She once turned it into a car-sized computer mouse.

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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 

wheelsage.org Report

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Marcellus the Third
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Especially popular with minecraft-obsessed owners; their cube-shaped dogs and kids and luggage fits perfectly.

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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 

Charles01 Report

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

The AMC Pacer is a two-door compact car produced in the United States by the American Motors Corporation from 1975 to 1979, sold out in 1980.

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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 

wheels.ae Report

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Dirk Zooks
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As the Citroën Ami 6 / 8 and the Citroën Dynam (Ami 6 in Spain) are based on the 2CV, changing wheels and opening the hood is very easy ... when opened, there is much more space to work then in todays cars. Opened hood looks like this: 57-29-1599...1066-1.jpg 57-29-1599x1066-1.jpg and a 2CV prepared for changing the wheel looks like this: 2cv_wartun...005g-1.jpg 2cv_wartung005g-1.jpg no fuss

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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 

Alfvanbeem Report

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Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw a guy drive one of these and whilst they are ugly, it was also adorable because it is so small.

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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

MNXA Report

#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 

carmrades-blog.com Report

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캉 홍빈
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really? I think this car is good for when you have a lot of groceries or go on a trip. Personally I'd buy it but not for a leisure stroll around the city y'know. Maybe I'm just not "fashion savvy" with cars?🤔

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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 

Александр К. Report

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#14

Lightburn Zeta Sports

Lightburn Zeta Sports

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

carmrades-blog.com Report

#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

exc911ence Report

#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

RETROCK Report

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Mindy Megas-Loucks
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it were a person, it would have buck teeth that no amount of orthodontics could correct.

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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 

El Monty Report

#18

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 

Juliano Scotini Report

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Sara MacFarland
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bought a PT Cruiser in 2003...I think that was the first year they were out. I'm still driving it today...'Henrietta' (when you've driven the same car for 16 years, it has earned a name) has been reliable and runs economically. She has just about 77,000 miles on her--the frame around my license says 'Go Granny, Go Granny, Go Granny, Go'. I didn't know when I bought the car that it would be my last car, but at 72, I know I won't be driving much longer. I've promised to donate Henrietta to an animal rescue organization which, I anticipate, will put her to good use.

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#19

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 

TTTNIS Report

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Hard 2 Guess
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope looks pretty, if I had means and don't require practical car I'd buy it.

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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 

Ildar Sagdejev Report

#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  

Mr.White Report

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Kusotare
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The accompanying caption is wrong. VW sold The Thing/Safari/Type 181 in the US in the early '70s.

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#22

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

Aleksey Report

#23

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 

wheelsage.org Report

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Victor Botha
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome piece of machinery, V12 power plant, luxurious comfortable seating for 4 plus a load bed, pity about the eye watering price and high maintenance. Used by Italian forces during Desert Storm very successfully.

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#24

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 

Manhattan Report

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Gonzalo Terán
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Argentina, and other spanish speaking countries, "fiero" means "Ugly" in slang...

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#25

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

Hilton & Moss Report

#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 

Cadillac Report

#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 

Bonneville Report

#28

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

I, Bob DuHamel Report

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Stacy Hayes
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a 77 Gremlin in college in 98. My license plate was GIZMOE. I loved it. Got plenty of thumbs up on highway. Although I had nightmares about driving it sometimes. The stick shift on the floor was like 3 ft long and very hard to find gears.

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#29

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 

Александр К. Report

#30

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 

naddir Report

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Victor Botha
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great cars, rear engined, air cooled V8 motors. Were pretty tail happy because of the rear engine weight so could get you into serious trouble very quickly if you didn't know how to drive one.

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#31

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 

IFCAR Report

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Podunkus
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Demand for the Saturn was overwhelming and GM couldn’t keep up. The underlying forces behind Saturn's demise was GM's tight-fisted insistence on managing all its divisions centrally, and leadership at both GM and the UAW demanding that Saturn get in line with traditional ways of doing things. They never really wanted a “different kind of company” or a “different kind of car” and killed it through mismanagement.

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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 

Cadillac Report

#33

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 

Владимир Беляев Report

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Victor Botha
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Polish version of the VW Passat, which again was a good modern car in it's day

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#34

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  

Tennen-Gas Report

#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 

Porlamfer Report

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Podunkus
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

‘’Ah yes, the Rolls Royce of automobiles.” - Johnny English

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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 

IFCAR Report

#37

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' 

AG84 Report

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Marcellus the Third
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The cross-eyed lights and "wha?"-mouth below the plate don't help to make it look like you know where you're going either.

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#38

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

Cadillac Report

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Beverly
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Two" oversights. And they actually did cause several horrible, fatal crashes.

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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 

autocar.co.uk Report

#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 

Рустам Report

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Victor Botha
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This was actually a rather good looking car in it's day. Comfortable, safe, modern and pretty fuel efficient.

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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' 

Pudelek Report

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Zelda Blue
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The name and that paint color, it looks like split pea soup with jaundice.

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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 

Sbocha Report

#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 

M 93 Report

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Marcellus the Third
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My parents not too long ago bought one in overstock. Indeed unsellable, so really great car for its price. 1L engine on car with little glass (hence, lighter for same safety) = good mileage. And in black, it's really easy to get to like it; this however looks like a zebra in minecraft.

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