The weirdest cars of all time

In the 1950s people laughed at the books of the future that predicted flying motors and underwater cars. But now we're in the 21st century and anything is possible, which means the weird and wonderful car designs of yesterday are now becoming a reality.

This isn't to say they're going to take the motoring world by storm, but car manufacturers are now investigating these possibilities in the hope some will catch on.

So to acknowledge the efforts of the brave few who are looking to change the face of motoring, we've put together a selection of the weirdest cars out there.


Tango T600



If you're tired of wasting time trying to find a parking space, then the slimline Tango T600 might be the ideal car for you.

At only 99cm wide, the T600 is an electric sports car that uses only one quarter of a normal parking space. It is also able to park sideways.

It's most famous for the first ever model being purchased by Hollywood heart-throb George Clooney, who picked up one of these vehicles back in 2005.

In the long run, Commuter Cars – the company that built the Tango – wants to put 150 million T600s on the road, but cutting the time wasted on parking doesn't come cheap, with this unique-looking runaround setting you back an eye-watering £54,920.


Tryane II



US based car designer Joe Harmon might have caught the headlines over the past few weeks by building the world's first wooden supercar, but he's not the first person to make a car out of trees.

Built using the chassis of a Citroen 2CV, The Tryane II was completely hand-carved out of African mahogany by its creator, Fred Wood (yes, really).

In total it took Mr Wood 2,000 hours to create, and the result is a wooden sports car that weighs just 900 pounds and is capable of achieving 70-90 miles to the gallon.

It also delivers an impressive top speed of 101 mph.


Covini C6W



Based on 1976 Formula 1 race car, the Tyrrell P34, this sexy six-wheeler is inspired by its manufacturer's quest for top road safety.

By having four wheels at the front the car is less likely to career off the road in the event of a tyre explosion. The presence of four front tyres also reduces the risk of aquaplaning in wet weather conditions.

According to the Covini site the car's four steering front wheels “increase braking, comfort and directional stability”.

The project was initially started in the mid-1970s but was later abandoned due to costs. After securing investment, it was picked up again in 2003, and the company is now producing six to eight cars per year.

Putting aside the distraction of its unusual amount of wheels, the Covini wouldn't look out of place in any list of the most stylish supercars.


Splinter: The world's first wooden car



They said it couldn't happen, but one man has defied logic and created the world's first wooden supercar.

Young designer Joe Harmon is currently working on developing the car with other students at the University of North Carolina and has picked up a range of sponsors to help him achieve his goal of getting the car produced.

And while the cynics might have their doubts over whether a wooden car will work, the car’s popularity in UK national newspapers (Daily Telegraph, The Sun and Daily Star) over the past few weeks points to the fact that Joe and his team may be onto something.

Keep coming back to the Orange Cars channel over the coming months to stay in touch with the latest developments of Joe's wooden supercar. Plus, check out our exclusive interview with Joe about Splinter from back in January.


Aptera



This bizarre three-wheeler is being tipped as the future of green cars.

With its ability to achieve an impressive 230mpg, the Aptera can run on electricity and diesel which will help to keep its carbon emissions at a low level.

But don't expect to be winning any races if you purchase one, as it comes with a top speed of just 85mph.


sQuba - The world's first underwater car



The sQuba is the result of years of hard work by Rinspeed boss Frank M Rinderknecht to prove a fully-functioning underwater car can be made.

Inspired by James Bond's submersible Lotus in The Spy Who Loved Me, the sQuba is said to be the world's first green underwater car.

The vehicle is propelled underwater by two powerful jet drives in the bow, but with zero emissions and zero pollution.

Similar to Joe Harmon's wooden supercar, the sQuba made international headlines when it was revealed to the world at the beginning of 2008.

The sQuba goes on display at the Geneva Motor Show on 6-16 March 2008.


Fab 1



To celebrate the launch of the 2004 film adaptation of the classic TV show Thunderbirds, Ford decided to build a lifesize replica of Lady Penelope's famous motor.

Though Parker wasn't anywhere to be seen, the modified Ford Thunderbird had all the characteristics of the famous Thunderbirds motor, including six wheels and a 27ft-long chassis.

Fans of the show will be disappointed to hear it doesn’t come with the Lady included.


Human Car



With increasing concerns over the last couple of years about global warming, the emergence of a people-powered car is easily one of the best solutions to the growing problem.

Owned by Seattle-based HumanCar, the vehicle is built on a steel chassis which is capable of carrying 1,000 pounds of weight.

Amazingly, it is said to be able to achieve speeds of up to 100mph.


Terrafugia's Transition



The flying cars seen in sci-fi flicks such as Blade Runner and The Fifth Element are no longer a distant dream: a number of manufacturers are now working on creating flying motors.

Terrafugia's Transition is one of the stand-out creations that looks most likely to be made.

Described on Terrafugia's website as "a roadable Light-Sport Aircraft that will be able to land at the airport, fold up its wings, and drive on the road", the Transition should cost around £75,000 when it goes on the market in 2009.


Moller M200G Volantor



Shaped like a flying saucer, the Moller M200G Volantor is one of the more unusual attempts to put a flying car on the international car market.

It's already on sale at £45,760, and because of its capability to reach heights of 10 feet and travel at speeds of up to 50mph, it would be ideal for people who want to avoid traffic jams or carry out rescue attempts in difficult off-road conditions.


GEM E825/4



This unusual-looking four seater electric vehicle might look more like a golf buggy, but it is in fact a roadworthy motor – though sadly with a top speed of only 25mph.

So you might be better off with a golf cart anyway.


Jeep Hurricane



Though it is a concept vehicle, and unlikely to make it onto the motor market, the Hurricane is said to be the inspiration for future developments of Jeep products.

The stand-out feature on the Jeep Hurricane is its wheels. All of the car's wheels are steerable and capable of turning in towards each other, which means the Hurricane can spin on its own axis.

The Hurricane is also able to move sideways if all four wheels are turned in the same direction.


Bubble car: Messerschmitt KR175



The Messerschmitt KR175 was, if it's possible, one of the more unusual-looking bubble cars to be produced.

The Bubble car became popular in Germany in the 1950s, with nearly 20,000 of the KR175 version being sold.

The KR175 went on to achieve cult status after it appeared as a personal transporter for Jonathan Pryce's character Sam Lowry in Terry Gilliam's cult film Brazil. Its next most notable appearance on celluloid was as Cousin Itt's ride of choice in The Addams Family.


Yamaha OX99-11



If there were such an award, the Yamaha OX99-11 would definitely be the leading contender in the Strangest Supercar Ever Made category.

It was conceived as a result of Yamaha's desire to build a supercar based on Formula 1 technology.

But the project was affected by numerous design and financial problems, which goes some way to explaining why this unusual motor looks like an ash tray on wheels.