The Land of Misfit Cars
The Land of Misfit Cars
The land of misfit toys has been a part of the storyline of features ranging from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to the Polar Express. It got us thinking about those “swing and a miss” models of cars that were manufactured throughout the years. If there was a land of misfit cars, it may include these vehicles.
The Thing from Volkswagen
This incredibly unattractive vehicle looked like part lunar lander and part Beverly Hillbillies truck. Some thought, perhaps, VW purchased an aluminum siding company and decided to build cars with the materials. It was marketed in the United States for just two years, in 1973 and 1974.
The AMC Gremlin
If a car’s name fits its name, this is it. The Gremlin targeted drivers under 35, and in that area, it was a success. It sold just over 25,000 in 1970 and doubled that in 1971.
The AMC Pacer
The second American Motors entry to make our list is the Pacer, produced from 1975 to 1980. It had massive curved windows and an oddly shaped body, but it did have a large interior space and great views! An oddity about the Pacer is that its passenger-side door was larger than the driver’s side door to facilitate easier rear seat entry and exit. It was, however, expensive to repair, something that was required frequently.
Subaru BRAT
Sold in the US from 1978 to 1987, this was a small utility truck that was designed for drivers looking for something else. Apparently, they are still looking. BRAT, by the way, actually stood for Bi-Drive, Recreational, All-Terrain Transporter.
The Pontiac Aztec
GM produced the Aztec, from 2002 until 2006 in part, to show the world how hip and cool the manufacturer was. GM was neither. The front end looked like it had a beak and innovative interior features included a tissue box in the glove compartment. At a time when other car-makers were making hay with sport utility vehicles, Pontiac tried creating its own niche with its “sports recreational vehicle.” It was just a bit odd.
Are you ready to save money on your car insurance rates? We may be able to help. Our independent auto insurance agents have access to a network of insurance companies and can do the shopping for you. Contact us for your free quote today.
Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder
Search All Blogs
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
Non-Profits Need Protection Too! Safeguarding Your Good Works with Insurance
Non-Profits and Insurance: Myths Busted! Protecting Your Good Works
Beyond the Grave: Burial Insurance vs. Life Insurance Explained
Don’t Be Buried by Confusion: Understanding Burial and Life Insurance
Cracking the Code: Your Car’s VIN and What It Means to You
VIN Decoder Ring: Unveiling the Mysteries of Your Car’s Identification Number
The Aftermath: Proving Your Possessions After a Disaster
Homeowner’s Insurance Hero: How to Prepare for a Claim Before Disaster Strikes
Lost in Translation: Skills of the Past That Young People Might Miss Out On
From Fax Machines to Fancy Footwork: 6 Skills Younger Generations Might Not Have
Beyond the Box Truck: When Does Your Business Need Special Vehicle Insurance?
Business on the Move? Don’t Get Stuck Without the Right Vehicle Insurance
From Bronze Age to Boomers: How Life Expectancy Went From Meh to Magnificent
How Long Will You Live? A Look at Life Expectancy Throughout History (and Why You Might Need Life Insurance)
From Chauffeur to Cheerleader: The Teen Driver’s (and Parent’s!) Guide to Car-Buying Chaos
Teen Driver on the Horizon? This Guide Will Steer You Through Car-Buying Chaos
When Branches Become Brawls: Who Pays When a Tree Attacks Your House?
Neighborly Nightmare: Tree Trouble and Your Homeowner’s Insurance
From Pet Rocks to Pokémania: A Funtastic Journey Through 50 Years of Fads
A Look Back, and a Look Forward