10 Notorious Bad Cars That Surprisingly Won Our Hearts

Here in Austin, where the skyline is as much a part of the city’s identity as the live music scene on Sixth Street, it’s hard to imagine a car so visually jarring that it could make even the most seasoned gearhead do a double-take. Yet, automotive history is littered with vehicles that defy conventional beauty—and somehow, against all odds, they’ve carved out a cult following. These aren’t just disappointing cars; they’re bad cars You can’t help but love, the kind that spark debates in local garages from Mueller to South Congress. And while Austin’s streets are more likely to be graced by a Tesla or a vintage Mustang these days, the legacy of these automotive oddballs raises a question: What is it about a car’s design that makes it unforgettable, even when it’s unforgivable?

Take, for example, the 1998 Fiat Multipla—a vehicle so polarizing that it’s been described as looking like “a car with a second, tumor-like growth emerging from its hood.” If you’ve ever driven past the Austin Public Library on Guadalupe and spotted something that made you question your eyesight, you’d understand the Multipla’s effect. Its bulbous windshield and bug-eyed headlights give it the appearance of a mutant frog that might have escaped from a nuclear power plant, yet it’s become a darling among automotive enthusiasts who appreciate its quirky practicality. The Multipla’s interior space is surprisingly generous, a trait that resonates in a city where ride-sharing and carpooling are as common as food trucks on Rainey Street. It’s a reminder that sometimes, function can triumph over form—even when the form is, well, questionable.

Then there’s the 1960 Edsel Villager, a wagon that represents Detroit’s last-ditch effort to salvage a brand that had already become synonymous with failure. The Edsel’s infamous “horse collar” grille was toned down in its final year, but the rear end? A chrome-drenched modern art installation gone wrong, complete with rocket-inspired taillights that look like they were stolen from a carnival ride. It’s the kind of car that might have been laughed out of the parking lot at the Domain, yet it’s endured as a symbol of automotive ambition gone awry. The Edsel’s story is a cautionary tale for Austin’s burgeoning tech industry, where innovation often outpaces practicality. Sometimes, even the best intentions can lead to products that are more meme than machine.

But not all “ugly” cars are accidents of design. Some were deliberate attempts to push boundaries, like the 1969 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Shooting Brake. This one-off creation took Ferrari’s iconic Daytona and gave it a mullet—sleek and elegant up front, but with a bizarre, elongated rear that defies all logic. It’s the automotive equivalent of a high-end boutique on South Lamar suddenly deciding to add a neon sign and a drive-thru window. Yet, it’s precisely this audacity that makes it fascinating. Austin’s creative class thrives on such contradictions, where the unexpected often becomes the most celebrated. The Daytona Shooting Brake is a testament to the idea that beauty isn’t always about perfection—sometimes, it’s about character.

Why Austin’s Car Culture Embraces the Unconventional

Austin’s relationship with cars has always been a little different. In a city where food trucks can become Michelin-starred sensations and a bat colony under Congress Avenue Bridge draws more tourists than some museums, it’s no surprise that the local car scene has a soft spot for the unconventional. The University of Texas at Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering has long been a hub for innovation and its graduates have gone on to perform at companies like Tesla and SpaceX, where pushing boundaries is the norm. This culture of experimentation trickles down to the streets, where Austinites are more likely to admire a car for its story than its sleekness.

Consider the annual Austin Auto Show, where rare and unusual vehicles often steal the spotlight. In 2023, a modified 1970s AMC Gremlin—another car that frequently tops “ugliest” lists—drew crowds not because it was beautiful, but because it was unapologetically itself. The Gremlin’s design, with its chopped-off rear end and asymmetrical windows, is a far cry from the polished sedans that dominate the showrooms along North Lamar. Yet, it’s precisely this kind of bold, unfiltered design that resonates in a city where individuality is celebrated. The Gremlin’s legacy is a reminder that sometimes, the cars we love aren’t the ones that fit in—they’re the ones that stand out.

This embrace of the unconventional extends beyond just aesthetics. Austin’s growing electric vehicle (EV) scene, fueled by incentives from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, has seen a rise in quirky, homegrown EV conversions. Local shops like ATX Electric Vehicles have turned everything from vintage VW Beetles to old postal trucks into zero-emission oddities. These projects often prioritize function and sustainability over traditional beauty, much like the Fiat Multipla or the Edsel Villager. In a city where sustainability is as much a part of the culture as breakfast tacos, these conversions aren’t just vehicles—they’re statements.

The Socioeconomic Ripple Effect of “Bad” Cars

The love for so-called “bad” cars isn’t just a quirk of automotive enthusiasts—it has real-world implications for local economies. In Austin, where the cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years, the affordability and practicality of unconventional vehicles have made them a lifeline for some residents. The Fiat Multipla, for instance, is often praised for its spacious interior and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for families or small business owners who require to stretch every dollar. The Austin Independent School District has even incorporated discussions about automotive design into its STEM programs, using examples like the Multipla to teach students about the intersection of form and function.

Then there’s the collector’s market. While a pristine Ferrari might fetch millions at an auction, cars like the Edsel Villager or the Gremlin have become niche collectibles, often selling for surprisingly high prices to enthusiasts who appreciate their uniqueness. Local auction houses like Capitol City Auto Auctions have seen a surge in interest for these “ugly ducklings,” with buyers traveling from as far as Houston and Dallas to snag a piece of automotive history. This trend has created a secondary economy in Austin, where restorers, customizers, and parts dealers thrive on the demand for these unconventional vehicles.

But perhaps the most significant impact is cultural. Austin’s identity has always been tied to its willingness to embrace the weird, and these cars are a physical manifestation of that ethos. The city’s annual East Austin Studio Tour often features art cars that blur the line between vehicle and sculpture, drawing inspiration from the same design philosophies that gave us the Multipla or the Gremlin. These cars aren’t just modes of transportation—they’re rolling pieces of art, reflecting the city’s creative spirit.

When “Bad” Design Becomes a Movement

The fascination with “bad” cars isn’t just about nostalgia or irony—it’s part of a broader cultural shift toward redefining what we value in design. In Austin, where the tech industry has a strong presence, this shift is particularly evident. Companies like Dell and Indeed have long championed the idea that innovation isn’t always about perfection; sometimes, it’s about iteration and learning from failure. The Edsel Villager, with its ill-fated design, is a perfect example of this philosophy. It’s a reminder that even the most spectacular flops can teach us something valuable.

This mindset is too reflected in Austin’s growing maker and DIY culture. Local makerspaces like ATX Hackerspace are filled with tinkerers who see potential in the unconventional. Whether it’s converting an old school bus into a tiny home or turning a Gremlin into an electric vehicle, these projects embody the same spirit that makes cars like the Multipla or the Daytona Shooting Brake so compelling. They’re not just about transportation; they’re about reimagining what’s possible.

Even the city’s transportation policies are starting to reflect this shift. The Austin Transportation Department has been exploring ways to make the city more bike- and pedestrian-friendly, but it’s also recognized the role that unconventional vehicles can play in reducing congestion. Programs like the Austin Car Share initiative have experimented with offering unique vehicles—including some that might be considered “ugly”—as part of their fleet, catering to residents who want something different. It’s a small but significant step toward normalizing the idea that not every car needs to look like it rolled off a showroom floor.

Given My Background in Automotive Journalism, If This Trend Impacts You in Austin, Here Are the Three Types of Local Professionals You Need

If you’re an Austinite who’s fallen in love with one of these automotive oddballs—or if you’re just curious about how to embrace the unconventional in your own vehicle—you’ll want to connect with the right local experts. Here’s what to look for when hiring professionals in the Austin area:

Classic Car Restorers with a Niche for the Unusual

Not all classic car restorers are created equal. If you’re working with a vehicle like the Edsel Villager or the Gremlin, you’ll need someone who understands the unique challenges these cars present. Look for shops that specialize in rare or unconventional models and have a track record of sourcing hard-to-find parts. Ask for references from other owners of similar vehicles, and check their portfolio to see if they’ve worked on anything as quirky as what you’re restoring. In Austin, where the car scene is as diverse as the music scene, you’ll discover restorers who aren’t just technicians—they’re historians and storytellers who can help bring your vehicle’s unique character to life.

What to ask: “Have you worked on any vehicles that were considered design failures? How did you approach restoring their unique features?”

Custom Fabricators and EV Conversion Specialists

For those looking to turn an unconventional vehicle into something even more unique—like converting a Gremlin into an electric car—you’ll need a custom fabricator with experience in EV conversions. Austin’s growing green energy sector has led to a surge in shops specializing in electric vehicle conversions, but not all of them have the creativity to work with non-traditional designs. Look for professionals who have experience with both mechanical and electrical systems, and who can demonstrate a portfolio of projects that pushed the boundaries of conventional design. These experts should also be familiar with local regulations, such as those set by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, to ensure your conversion is street-legal.

What to ask: “Can you show me examples of EV conversions you’ve done on unconventional vehicles? How do you handle the structural modifications required for these projects?”

Automotive Historians and Appraisers

If you’re considering buying or selling a rare or unconventional vehicle, you’ll want an appraiser who understands its historical and cultural significance. Austin is home to a number of automotive historians who specialize in niche markets, from muscle cars to European oddities. These professionals can help you determine the true value of your vehicle, taking into account factors like rarity, provenance, and the growing demand for “ugly” cars. They can also connect you with local collectors and auction houses, like Capitol City Auto Auctions, where these vehicles often find their next home. Look for appraisers who are affiliated with organizations like the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) or the Hagerty Drivers Foundation, which are respected in the collector car community.

What to ask: “How do you assess the value of a vehicle that’s considered a design failure? What factors do you consider beyond just condition and rarity?”

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