When discussing car aesthetics, it’s typically the Ferraris and Aston Martins that steal the spotlight, embodying the high-priced beauty that adorns car enthusiast walls everywhere. Yet, when we shift our focus to the vehicles we encounter in our daily lives, the aesthetic narrative takes a surprising turn. Some cars, despite their functional capabilities, simply don’t align with our visual expectations, leading us to explore the intriguing realm of automotive aesthetics and examine some vehicles that have been deemed less pleasing to the eye, based on both mathematical principles and public opinion.
1. **Fiat Multipla**: The Fiat Multipla stands out as a prime example of a vehicle whose internal genius couldn’t quite compensate for its external flaws. Although it featured an ingeniously designed interior that maximized space, its exterior left much to be desired, seemingly as if the designers had overlooked aesthetic considerations altogether. With a shape reminiscent of a rolling brick, it’s a car that many would hesitate to be seen driving. Despite its practicality, the Multipla’s design missteps have solidified its place on many lists of unattractive automobiles.
2. **Volkswagen Type 181 (Trekker / Thing)**: With a name like ‘Thing’, you might wonder if Volkswagen was just being honest about this vehicle’s looks. Originally designed for military use, the Type 181 found its way into civilian life, though its boxy, utilitarian design didn’t win many style points. It’s as if the designers took inspiration from a battered biscuit tin. Despite its less-than-stellar appearance, the Type 181 has a certain charm that some enthusiasts appreciate, perhaps for its quirky appeal.
3. **Nissan Cube**: True to its name, the Nissan Cube embraces a distinctly boxy aesthetic, inviting varied opinions about its appeal. While some enthusiasts argue that its unique design is merely a matter of personal preference, the Cube’s asymmetrical rear window and rigid lines certainly haven’t helped its case in the aesthetics department. Although it excels in practicality for urban driving due to its compact form, its unconventional look is undoubtedly an acquired taste for many.
4. **Cadillac Seville**: The Cadillac Seville of the 1980s is another car that didn’t quite hit the mark aesthetically. Its sloping rear gave the impression that the back end was melting, a feature that hasn’t aged well in the eyes of car collectors. Yet, for some, the Seville’s idiosyncratic design is precisely what makes it a collectible classic, fetching surprisingly high prices in certain circles.
5. **Sbarro Autobau Concept**: Concept cars are often daring in their design, sometimes pushing the boundaries of conventional aesthetics. The Sbarro Autobau is one such vehicle. Resembling a mix between a Batmobile and a Bond Bug, this concept car is not for the faint-hearted. Despite being powered by a Ferrari engine, its design leaves much to be desired, proving that even concepts with exceptional mechanics can falter aesthetically.
6. **Chrysler PT Cruiser**: Chrysler’s PT Cruiser aimed to blend retro hot rod vibes with modern flair, yet it ultimately missed the goal, with many perceiving its design as overly kitschy. Some may appreciate its homage to classic automotive culture, but the Cruiser’s aesthetics have sparked significant debate among fans and critics alike. Its distinct shape and retro design have not aged gracefully, ensuring its presence on lists highlighting less attractive modern cars.
7. **Aston Martin Lagonda**: Now prized by collectors, the wedge-shaped Lagonda of the 1980s stands out as Aston Martin’s least attractive design by some margin. Its futuristic interior featured a single-spoke wheel and digital instruments, but the exterior was less about style and more about straight lines, leaving much to be desired.
8. **Nissan S-Cargo**: This quirky little van looks like a cross between an ice cream truck and a snail. While it may have been inspired by the Citroën 2CV, the S-Cargo’s rounded body and peculiar proportions have left it as more of an oddity than a design masterpiece.
9. **Fiat 600 Multipla Marinella**: This charming little vehicle from 1958 seems more at home in an amusement park than on public roads, often described as resembling a shrunken milk float fused with a Riva speedboat. Its quirky design certainly makes it an icebreaker, even if it doesn’t quite turn heads in the traditional sense.
10. **Plymouth Prowler**: This attempt to capture the spirit of 1950s hot rods fell flat with its over-the-top retro styling. The exaggerated wheel arches and elongated front end, combined with a less-than-impressive powertrain, made it more of a gimmick than a classic.
11. **Tesla Cybertruck**: The Tesla Cybertruck’s outrageous, angular design resembles a child’s imaginative sketch of a futuristic vehicle rather than a polished product. Initially intended as a bold statement in the realm of electric trucks, its unconventional lines and boxy form have elicited laughter more than admiration from the public, highlighting the risks of pushing design boundaries.
12. **SsangYong Rodius**: While intended to capture the essence of a luxury yacht, the Rodius might have fared better submerged than on the streets. With its bulky and awkward silhouette, many viewers are left puzzled, unsure whether it’s a van, an SUV, or something entirely out of the ordinary, straying far from the intended luxury aesthetic.
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13. **Rolls-Royce Camargue**: A boxy and straightforward design, the Camargue stands out as an awkward moment in Rolls-Royce’s history. Its slab-sided appearance lacks the elegance usually associated with the brand, making it a curious case of style over substance.
14. **Ford Scorpio Mk2**: With its wide-mouth grille and uninspired design elements, the Scorpio Mk2 stands as a relic from the 1990s that fails to evoke nostalgia for most. Its estate variant didn’t do any favors to its visual appeal either, making this model a contentious topic among Ford aficionados.
15. **Lincoln MKT**: Known for its luxurious reputation, Lincoln struggled with the MKT, which featured an oversized grille and a lackluster design. With styling choices that felt out of sync with its era, this model faced challenges in attracting buyers, even though it boasted a spacious interior.
16. **Mitsuoka Galue**: Known for its eccentric designs, Mitsuoka crafted the Galue to mimic vintage Bentley styling. Unfortunately, it ended up looking like a poorly executed retrofitted attempt, with a front end that feels excessively stretched and out of proportion.
The perception of beauty in automotive design is ultimately subjective, igniting spirited discussions among car lovers and casual onlookers alike. This eclectic mix of the least aesthetically pleasing vehicles serves as a poignant reminder that even the most well-meaning designs can sometimes miss the mark. Whether these cars evolve into cult classics or fade into the backdrop of automotive history, they undeniably leave an imprint, illustrating that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.
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