3 Weird and Wonderful Cars

Throughout motoring history, weird and wonderful cars have been conceived, loved, hated, and even manufactured. Some are aesthetically pleasing, while others are downright confusing. Whatever you may feel toward them they are part of the automotive world. They speak of ingenuity and showcase what dreams are made of. Being a car enthusiast is not just about going fast, it is about innovation and creating a legacy. So let’s dive into some of the most amazingly odd cars to grace the stage.

1936 Stout Scarab

The Stout Scarab came out at a time when luxury was the most important aspect of travel. William Stout designed the vehicle. His background was in aircraft engineering. He pioneered the collaboration of luxury and transportation by introducing flight attendants and meal carts to flights. The Scarab had the engine located in the rear. It was a Ford V8. The car sold for around $ 5,000 (about $90,000 today) but was unsuccessful. Other competing brands were cheaper which made them more attractive to most families at the time. Fewer than 10 were ever made.

1955 Chrysler (Ghia) Streamline X "Gilda"

The Ghia launched at the Salone di Torino in 1955. The car was designed to have an edgy design and showcase high performance. Though this is standard for most car makers these days, back then it was still about luxury. Just at the cusp of getting into groundbreaking automotive innovations. The car was nicknamed after Rita Hayworth’s performance in the 1946 film noir classic Gilda. It also went on tour after its debut in Europe and the US. Giovanni Savonuzzi designed the vehicle. He was an aerodynamicist and engineer and took inspiration from the Rocket Age of American design.

1964 Austin Mini Moke

The Austin Mini Moke was manufactured for the British Army in 1964. It was ultimately rejected due to its low ground clearance. The car was a front-wheel-drive car that was only produced for four years. British Motor Corporation was the car manufacturer and was designed as a soft top with no doors, like many army vehicles of its era. Eventually, the car lost any popularity points until today. Nowadays you can find restored ones and others that have been converted to electric.

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