Vehicles come in all shapes and sizes as car manufacturers build different types of vehicles to cater to the varying needs of their potential customers. Today, there is a generally agreed on design for a specific type of vehicle such as a truck, SUV or a car and they are all built for various purposes.
However, innovations will always find a way to challenge the norm. For the past decades, a few vehicles were presented to the public with a weird and unique design that challenges the standard.
Peel P50 - Your 3-Wheeled Wonder
One of the most iconic and unique vehicles ever made is the Peel P50. Built during the 60s and currently on limited production, it's a three-wheeled vehicle made for one person to effectively traverse traffic. It's small - 54" x 39" for its length and width and powered by a 49cc engine with top speed of up to 80kph.
If you're interested in getting one of these vehicles, you're in luck because they can be purchased online with an EV option that has an impressive range of up to 400 kms for every full charge. You could get the classic version like the one they used in BBC's Top Gear or opt for a roof-less version for more space.
Stout Scarab - A Glimpse to the Future of Minivans from the Past
In 1936, Stout Engineering Laboratories headed by William B. Stout unveiled the Stout Scarab. Longer than the traditional car but smaller than a bus, it's a unique invention that proves to be a concept vehicle for the future. Powered by an 85HP V-8 engine, its top speed is at 80mp6 and can go from 0-60 in 15 seconds.
Due to an interesting design that actually offers some form of functionality for more passengers, the Scarab is often touted as the "first minivan". Only nine were built and five have survived to this day.
Amphicar Model 770 - When You Really Need to Get in the Water Fast
In 1961, Quandt Group introduced the Amphicar Model 770 - an amphibious vehicle made in West Germany. As the name suggests, it's an amphibious vehicle that can easily transition from land to water and vice-versa. The name "770" is derived from its speed - 7 knots on water and 70mph on land. It's not the fastest vehicle - far from it but it pushes the boundaries of water and land transportation.
According to Classic.com, only 3,878 Amphicar Model 770 were made during its four year production (1961-1965). If you're interested in getting one, a beautifully restored model can reach up to $165,000 but you can still get your hands on one of these for half the price depending on its quality.
Renault Twizy - A Modern Electric Quadricycle
When electric vehicles started gaining traction, car manufacturer Renault offered something truly unique that perfectly represents the creative possibilities of electric mobility: the Renault Twizy.
Introduced in 2009 and officially made its public availability in 2012, this two-seater vehicle is a rear-wheel drive vehicle with top speed of up to 50mph and range of up to 56 miles. It's slow, but it's more than capable of taking two persons from point A to point B without any problem.
According to Renault's Official Press Release, the Twizy is built for function and ease of parking, thanks to its compact size. The Twizy comes with a MB L7e engine that delivers up to 17 horsepower (13 kW).
These innovative vehicle designs can easily turn heads anywhere they go. Their unique designs coupled with varying capabilities, have redefined what a vehicle can be.
