Weird cars! We all love them, but depending on the actual level of weirdness, some may be best appreciated in photos or at car shows rather than actually taking up residency in the driveway. That said, this is The Autopian, so I’m confident most of you are willing to get pretty weird, especially when the notions of practicality (if not downright feasibility) and cost constraints are removed in the interest of a fun Autopian Asks sesh.
As for me, I think it’d be a hoot to own a Fiat Multipla, and that actually would be a practical choice as long as it’s reliable. It’s definitely weird looking, but the weirdness doesn’t compromise it being a good mover of people and stuff. I must confess, though, I would tire of the interior pretty quickly.
I mean, look at this mess:
Antti was also Multipla-minded, and opined:
You say weirdest … I’d *like* to own. That changes the situation a bit, as there are a bunch of weird cars I’d love to drive and experience but I’m happy not owning them. I think it rules out cars such as the Citroen CX and SM due to their complexity.
I think the answer has to be the Fiat Multipla. They’re great to drive and well packaged! A Multipla would fit my family life perfectly well, as long as I found one that wasn’t rusty, didn’t have a sticky dash, an interstellar mileage on the odometer, or a hideous price tag due to being an actually nice example…
Yes, yes, no rust or sticky dash or big miles, of course, of course, of course. These are all forgiven in the fantasy realm of Autopian Asks, so consider a factory-fresh Multipla to be on its way to you, Antti. As for a Multipla driving report from the real world, have a peek at “How Driving ‘The Ugliest Car In The World’ Helped Me Discover The Masterpiece’s Real Flaws” from another pal across the pond, Adrian Clarke.
Back to my weird picks with this jolly Ukrainian offroader, the Sherp. Obviously, this thing isn’t road-legal, but in the universe where I have acres of land to tear up with all manner of dirt bikes and ATVs and the like, I’m absolutely getting a Sherp. Mostly because “just look at it.” You know it’s gotta be a barrel of unstoppable fun.
I can also get weird on two wheels, and bikes don’t come much weirder than the Alligator. Dan Gurney (as in “The Legendary Dan Gurney”) is the man behind this mostly-completely-normal motorcycle, save for the low low LOW seat height. The old motorcycle-review saw of “you feel like you sit in it rather than on it” is quite literally true for the Gator, and it’s reportedly a blast to ride. You can read more about it from Mercedes Streeter here.
OK, that’s enough of me. What weird wheels would you actually own?
Top graphic image: Sherp
It took all my common sense and dirty looks from my wife to keep me from buying that Dominos delivery fail vehicle. I still want it super bad. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-tritan-a2-dominos-pizza-delivery-car/
I’d 1000% be into one of those Icelandic modified Arctic Toyotas.
I really want a hydropneumatic Citroën, make mine a GSA station wagon for obscurity and long roof, or a CX Loadrunner. I also like the Multipla and a Unipower GT because it’s a mid engine sports car using the drive train from a Mini. Also for sheer insanity throw in a TVR Sagaris, and a Daimler Ferret armored car as the practical AFV, since it fits in your garage and here in the US you can get a,working machine gun for it
Volvo C303 or Tp21 and an Alvis FV101 Scorpion scout tank – not for the gun, I just think it would be funny to drive it to work a few times a year when drivers are being particularly stupid/aggressive.
A WWII flat fender Willys or Ford “Jeep” is also high on the list, but also not nearly weird enough.
I have an old Alfa. That’s about as weird as I can stand.
A Rheinmetall Wiesel, which for the uninitiated, is a very small tank. Smaller and lighter than a Hum Vee in fact, which means it’s an entirely practical form of transportation. (I’m pretty sure it would be road legal in the UK).
Easy: Messerschmitt KR200.
I’ve always liked the1996–1997 Suzuki X-90. My 1st gen xB has also been considered weird.
X-90 is a great answer. Mild lift and some all terrains would make one of those things an absolute hoot.
Citroën DS19.
I would have the world’s most normal (by way of being the world’s most common at the time of production) car, the Panhard et Levassor, ideally in Voiture à 4 places forme wagonette trim.
Heinkel Kabinenroller
Mazda Luce R130 (looks down to check “wierd is good” tee, appropriate for today and appropriately printed off-center) fwd, rotary x2 for the bonus, and Bertone style for the win!
Are there wierder cars? Of course. Would I like to own one? Not really, unless it came with acres or an ice rink.
Street sweeper.
A Vosin. Any Vosin.
Ok, a C26.
Ok, maybe that’s too fragile and valuable for modern traffic.
I know! A Mohs Ostentatienne Opera Sedan. That thing would cut through traffic like a sledgehammer through an accordion.
Hard to narrow it down to just one so here’s a few:
Volvo TP21 Sugga
Sherp (with the Arc driven trailer)
Mazda Roadpacer
Toyota Megacruiser
Landrover Perentie 6×6
Okay, I honestly didn’t think any one else would even know that vehicle, and I sure as hell didn’t expect any one to list it.
AMC Pacer wagon . . . yeah, I’m weird!
Nice choice! I’m very disappointed that the Pacer wasn’t able to live up to the vision, and thus wasn’t able to save AMC.
Citroen HY van. Saw one in Ireland that was converted to a food truck.
Word. I saw one up close at the Lane museum. So hawt.
Multipla, but different flavor – 600 Multipla
lovely
I want a third gen EV Multipla. The first two were both amazing feats of packaging .
Triton A2 – Domino’s 1985 delivery space pod.
Tatra 87. Air cooled, engine in the back, 3 headlights etc. Though it’s not the star of the Happy Journey video, it probably has all of that fun in it’s DNA.
https://www.theautopian.com/this-old-tatra-603-promo-film-is-gleefully-bonkers/
There was a design school that made the most amazing concept interior inside a Tatra, probably 20 years ago or more. I lost the photos of it, but man, it was incredible.
There is a Tatra T87 as part of the permanent collection (rightfully so), at the Minneapolis Mesuem of Art
Had a Fiat Multipla as a rental for 6 weeks in Israel 25 years ago while in Beer Sheva on business. Great ride, comfortable, spacious, economical, but exterior and interior design, well, just look at the photos. Got the Multipla after 2 Toyota Corollas were stolen on 2 previous trips (what a PITA dealing with the police and Budget), and I requested something no one would want to steal; Budget came through on my request.
Unimog. . .or convertible evoke
Ford Comète. I’d never heard of them until I saw a reference to them here, and then one came up for sale soon after. The price amps up the weird factor:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1187727006647997/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Terrawind
A first or second generation Chevy Montana or Tornado 5-speed Mexican or Latin American little truck.
https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/2011-chevrolet-montana00-1285966417-1024×530.jpg
This would be like an early Geo Metro with a pickup box.