The 6 best ugly-beautiful cars from the past 50 years

In a modern world of slinky and curvaceous styling, these cars might take some getting used to.

Mar 10, 2025 - 01:24

The 6 best ugly-beautiful cars from the past 50 years

Some cars are unequivocally stunning: cars such as the Lamborghini Miura, the Ferrari 250 GTO, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing”, and the Jaguar E-Type, just to name a few. Beauty, however, can be subjective in the automotive world. Some cars manage to be so unconventional, so polarizing, that they transcend traditional aesthetics and become icons in their own right.

These cars are often called “ugly beautiful” — vehicles that defy conventional good looks but possess an undeniable charm and appeal. We celebrate six of the best ugly beautiful cars, vehicles that are as captivating as they are unconventional.

1. BMW Z3 M Coupe (1998–2002)

Unlike its fetching convertible sibling, the M Coupe was a weird offering from Bavaria. Affectionately dubbed the “Clown Shoe” by enthusiasts, the first-generation BMW M Coupe is one of the most divisive designs in BMW’s storied history. Based on the Z3 roadster but with a shooting brake-style hardtop, the M Coupe’s elongated roofline and stubby proportions look unlike anything else on the road. Looking more like an angry squatting frog on wheels than a sports car, the M Coupe thumbed its nose at convention.

But what this oddball car offers goes far beyond its quirky appearance. Under the hood lies BMW’s legendary inline-six engines, including the S52 and the high-revving S54 from the E46 M3 in later models. With near-perfect weight distribution, a rigid chassis, and aggressive suspension tuning, the M Coupe is an absolute blast to drive. Its bizarre looks only add to its cult appeal, making it one of the most beloved “ugly beautiful” cars ever made.

2. Porsche Panamera (2009-2016)

2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo
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When Porsche introduced the Panamera in 2009, purists were aghast. A four-door Porsche sedan with a bulbous, awkwardly long profile? Blasphemy! But despite its ungainly roofline and rear end, coupled with heavy proportions, the first-generation Panamera has aged into a sort of misunderstood beauty. It was replaced by the current model, which is certainly more appealing to a wider audience. We find the original less conventional and, therefore, special in its own right.

The Panamera’s design choices were driven by function. Its sloping roofline allowed for impressive rear headroom, and the spacious interior made it a genuine four-seater sports sedan. More importantly, the Panamera delivered performance worthy of the Porsche badge, with powerful V6, V8, and even hybrid options offering blistering acceleration and nimble handling. Over time, the Panamera’s quirks have become part of its appeal — a reminder that form sometimes follows function in spectacular ways. The current Panamera might have better lines, and gone is the bulbous back end, but our hearts remain with the funky original.

3. Lamborghini LM 002 (1986-1993)

Long before the Urus, there was the LM 002 — an exotic, high-performance SUV so outrageous it almost defies description. It was the answer to a question nobody asked, and it was as crazy to drive as it was to look at. Lamborghini’s attempt at an off-road luxury SUV in the late ’80s and early ’90s resulted in what’s often described as a “Rambo Lambo.” The LM 002 is a massive, blocky, military-esque machine with a towering stance and a front end that looks more suited to an armored vehicle than a supercar manufacturer. It was anything but subtle.

Under the hood, however, lies pure Lamborghini madness: a 5.2-liter V12 borrowed from the Countach. This combination of off-road capability and exotic engine performance made the LM 002 a completely unique beast. You could also opt for a monstrous 7.2-liter V12 from powerboat applications if you were insane (and rich) enough. Only 301 LM 002s were ever made, and they symbolize the righteous excess of the ‘80s in its finest form. Its strange, aggressive design and insane powerplant make it an unforgettable entry in the ugly beautiful pantheon.

4. Volvo 200 Series (1974–1993)

The Volvo 200-Series cars are the best boxy Swedes of all time and a perfect example of how function can evolve into a kind of unexpected elegance. Their boxy, slab-sided design was the epitome of practicality. Huge rectangular headlights, windows, and side mirrors combined with tank-like boxy doors gave the cars a delightfully industrial-nerdy appearance, and the 200-Series Volvos look even better today than ever before. The cars prioritized safety, space, and visibility over any semblance of traditional beauty — and yet, its uncompromising approach has made it an icon.

Our favorite is the 240 wagon, which has gobs of space, huge glove-friendly switchgear, and insanely thick sheet metal. The wagon’s simple lines and no-nonsense aesthetic have aged into something almost stately. College professors, architects, and upscale hippies seem to flock to it. Enthusiasts celebrate its durability, reliability, and unmistakable profile. Whether in sedan or wagon form, the 240’s angular shape has become a symbol of honest engineering and Scandinavian cool.

5. Saab 900 (1978-1998)

The Saab 900 is the automotive equivalent of a charming eccentric. This Swedish oddity combined unconventional styling with innovative engineering. Its distinctive upright wraparound windshield, elongated hood, sloping rear window, and high beltline made it instantly recognizable — and unlike anything else on the market. The Saab 900 kept its distinct look over the course of twenty years, even after being facelifted in 1987.

It came in sedan, coupe, convertible, hatchback, and even wagon forms, with a consistent look across body types. But the 900’s appeal wasn’t just skin deep. It offered a turbocharged engine long before forced induction became mainstream, and its front-wheel-drive layout delivered surprising performance. The quirky cockpit, with its driver-focused controls and unique ignition placement between the seats, only added to its idiosyncratic charm. The Saab 900’s individuality and spirited performance make it a classic example of ugly beauty. It still turns heads on the road today, which is a great indication of how well the quirky look has held up.

6. Scion xB (2003-2006)

The first-generation Scion xB, introduced in 2003, took the concept of a box on wheels and made it cool — at least to some. Its unapologetically square design, mad front underbite bumper, slab sides, and tall greenhouse made it look more like a rolling toaster than a conventional car, but that’s what made it so special. Even the similarly squared-off Nissan Cube couldn’t pull off the same look as well as the xB managed to do. The xB’s quirkiness became its greatest strength. All of that boxy goodness was ruined by the larger, puffier, second-generation xB.

The first-generation xB’s practicality was undeniable. Its boxy shape provided incredible interior space relative to its small footprint, and its simple, no-frills approach made it an affordable and reliable choice. You could even configure the xB with a manual transmission, adding even more driving fun to the mix. The xB became a favorite canvas for customization, with owners embracing its weirdness and adding their own personal flair. Over time, the xB’s oddball design has gained a devoted following, securing its place among the best ugly beautiful cars.

Final thoughts

Ugly beautiful cars remind us that automotive design doesn’t always have to conform to conventional standards of beauty. A car that has character and uniqueness, one that dares to push the envelope of design and defy conventional views of automotive style, is one that stands out in the crowd.

Sometimes, the most memorable vehicles are the ones that take risks, embrace individuality, and deliver something unexpected. Sometimes, it takes decades to truly appreciate what they achieved. These six cars prove that there’s a certain charm in the unconventional — and that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

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