Top 10 Weirdest Vehicles Ever Manufactured
When it comes to transportation, most of us are used to the usual cars, trucks, and motorcycles. However, throughout history, there have been some truly bizarre vehicles that have been created. From flying cars to vehicles that resemble giant shoes, the world has seen some truly out-of-the-box creations. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 weirdest vehicles ever manufactured, and the stories behind their creation. Buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride!
The Amphibious Sea Lion
In the early 1960s, designer Bill Laprade created the Amphibious Sea Lion, a strange vehicle that could drive on land and float on water. While this concept may seem familiar now, it was revolutionary at the time. The Sea Lion was built on a 1960 Plymouth Fury frame, with a retractable hardtop and a boat hull beneath the car’s chassis. However, due to its heavy weight and high price tag, only a few models were ever produced, making it a rare sight on both land and water.
The Flying Car: AeroMobil
One of the most common dreams of humans is to have a car that can transform into a plane and take us soaring through the sky. This dream became a reality in 2018 when Slovakian company AeroMobil released their version of a flying car. The AeroMobil 4.0 is a two-seater vehicle that can transform between a car and a plane in just a few minutes. While it is still in the prototype stage, it has successfully completed test flights and is expected to hit the market soon.
The Giant Shoe Car: Vespiary Factory
In 2016, three Russian artists decided to create a car that resembled a giant shoe, and the Vespiary Factory was born. The car, built on a Piaggio Ape 50 frame, is shaped like a shoe and has six legs that allow it to move and dance around. With its bright colors and quirky design, the Vespiary Factory has become quite popular in the art and design world, appearing in exhibitions and festivals around the world.
The Auto Scooter: Harry’s V1
In 1955, Harry Pell created Harry’s V1, a strange vehicle that combines the features of a car and a motorcycle. The Auto Scooter has three wheels, with the front wheel being the main driving force. The driver could sit in the cockpit of the car, which could rotate 180 degrees and drive in reverse. Sadly, Harry’s V1 never made it into mass production, but its unique design has left its mark on the history of strange vehicles.
The U.S.S. Enterprise Motorcycle
For fans of the popular TV series Star Trek, the U.S.S. Enterprise motorcycle may be the ultimate dream vehicle. Created by custom bike builder, Tim Cotterill, this motorcycle is a replica of the iconic spaceship from the show. It took Cotterill two years and over $100,000 to complete this masterpiece, which has been featured in several bike shows and exhibitions.
The Ice Bike: Ice Cycle II
One of the most unconventional vehicles on our list is the Ice Cycle II, built by Dutchman Wim T. Schippers in 1963. This vehicle is a hybrid between a tricycle and a sled and is designed to glide over ice. While it may not be practical for regular use, the Ice Cycle II is a unique and intriguing invention that deserves a spot on our list of the weirdest vehicles ever manufactured.
The Sky Whale: AirFish 8
Imagine a vehicle that can fly over water without the need for wings or propellers. This may seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the AirFish 8, also known as the Sky Whale, is a real vehicle that was designed to do just that. Built by Singapore-based company Wigetworks, the AirFish 8 uses an aerodynamic shape and a low-altitude flying technique to cruise over water at a speed of 120km/h.
The Loon Copter: An Amphibious Drone
The Loon Copter is a unique invention that combines a drone and a submersible vehicle. It can fly through the air, float on top of water, and even dive to the depths of the ocean. Developed by a team at Oakland University, the Loon Copter can perform a variety of tasks, such as collecting water samples, monitoring marine life, and even search and rescue missions.
The Mud Buggy: Terra Cross
For those who love extreme off-roading, the Terra Cross may be the perfect vehicle. Developed by Gibbs Sports Amphibians, this all-terrain vehicle has the ability to drive through the toughest mud and water obstacles. It has four wheels that can be lowered for driving on land and lifted for driving on water, making it a versatile and exciting vehicle for thrill-seekers.
The Wooden Karren Car
Built by French designer, Rose Cabat, the Wooden Karren Car is a unique vehicle that combines beauty with functionality. With a frame made entirely out of wood, Cabat’s creation is designed to showcase the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly materials. While the Wooden Karren Car may not be the most practical vehicle, its charm and craftsmanship make it a memorable addition to our list of the weirdest vehicles ever manufactured.
From flying cars to giant shoes, the world has seen some truly strange vehicles over the years. While some of these may seem impractical or even ridiculous, they all have a unique story behind their creation. Who knows what bizarre vehicles will be invented in the future – the possibilities are endless! Which one of these 10 vehicles is the weirdest in your opinion? Let us know in the comments below!
