31. Dekotora – Modified Trucks
Year Made: Various
Estimated Cost: Various*
Being a trucker can be a long and boring career – and a lonely one, at that. Riding in a cab all day can get a little bit isolating, but things changed slightly in Japan after the movie Torakku Yaro was released back in the ‘70s. Suddenly, an exclusive band of truckers started to decorate their trucks with neon lights.
Dekotora – Modified Trucks @Barcroft Cars / Youtube.com
This tradition became known as Dekotra. Not only are these incredible makeovers impressive design feats, but they also bring joy to pedestrians and other motorists, too. There’s nothing quite like seeing one of these speed by.
32. Mitsubishi HSR-V concept
Year Made: 1995
Estimated Cost: Unknown*
Mitsubishi has always prided itself on trying to stay one foot ahead of the game. Back in 1987, it created a whole new project of futuristic concept cars called Highly Sophisticated-transport Research, or HSR for short. Although the company released several in this range, the V was slightly different.
Mitsubishi HSR-V concept @OctaneMatthew / Twitter.com
Arriving in 1995, this car was anything but linear, with bodywork that resembled the Batmobile. While it was fun to look at and a kick for anyone lucky enough to drive it, the HSR-V started and ended as a concept car, albeit one that many lusted after.
33. Japanese Van
Year Made: Various
Estimated Cost: Various*
It’s no secret that Japan has a thriving custom car scene, but it’s not all Lambo’s and supercars. In fact, some of the most incredible vehicles are vans that have been totally tricked out. Hit the highways at the right time and you might see some truly incredible shapes zooming past.
Japanese Van @fumiechiba / Pinterest
Some of these vans started out as basic models, before being completely overhauled and turned into stunning examples of custom bodywork. The bigger the spoiler and the higher the wings – the closer to van heaven. You won’t catch cars like this on Amazon.
34. Subaru 360
Year Made: 1958
Estimated Cost: $20,000*
The Subaru 360 was the company’s very first model back in 1958. Weighing a measly 965 lbs, it was known as ‘The Ladybug’. It was compact and inexpensive and had some success in Japan at the time because of its affordable price.
Subaru 360 @crwcrw / Pinterest
The small car was promoted with images of a Sumo Wrestler stepping out, to imply that there is plenty of room indoors. In the end, this car did not do well internationally and was called ‘cheap and ugly’ as well as being dubbed ‘The worst sold car in America’. Today Subaru is renowned for its safety and design, it’s done a full 180 since this 360.
35. The Eliica
Year Made: 2004
Estimated Cost: $320,000*
This concept car was designed by a team at Keio University in Tokyo. Led by Professor Hiroshi Shimizu, the Eliica can accelerate to 100km/ph in four seconds, which at the time was faster than the Porsche Turbo.
The Eliica @carbuzzteam / Pinterest
The name stands for ELectric LIthium-Ion CAr as it runs on a lithium-ion battery. It has eight wheels which are smaller than standard wheels, allowing the car to drive closer to the ground giving it maximum aerodynamic ability. The Eliica reached 370km/h, though the team were not yet satisfied and would like to break the speed record of 400km/h.
36. Suzuki Sharing Coach
The first element of this design is the PIXY, which is basically a single person-sized pod that would be used when you just weren’t in the mood to walk. These are meant for all environments, including the outdoors and of course simply the large shopping mall. I mean, who wouldn’t want to drive around in this little pastel pod?
Then when you need to get from one location to the next, you drive your little PIXY pod into the SS (sharing coach) which is just big enough for two PIXY pods. The PIXY operator can then drive the pods within a car to the next destination. The future is here and social distancing is made a whole lot easier.
Suzuki Sharing Coach @ridehomehappy / Pinterest
37. Toyota Avalon
Year Made: 1991
Estimated Cost: Unknown
This four-door, convertible 1991 Toyota Avalon never made it into production. The roof was designed to close completely flat and just looking at the images it is no wonder this car never got past the concept stage.
Toyota Avalon @jrjones1956 / Pinterest
It’s fairly important to be able to see when you are driving and when the roof is completely level to the trunk of the car, it is hard to understand how that will work. This car came before the full-size Avalon that was produced but has no connection with it, either in design or function.
38. Tang Hua Detroit Fish
Year Made: 2008
Estimated Cost: Unknown
This car was designed to resemble a fish, which is plausible, though one can’t help but to think of the Minions when looking at this bubbly, yellow design. Though the resemblance to a brightly colored fish is not where the likeness ends.
Tang Hua Detroit Fish @DelanaTavakol / Twitter.com
This car is actually designed to float. The idea is that you can drive it into the water and it will float, with just the tires under the water. The car goes a maximum speed of 23mp/h and has a maximum range of 90 miles before running out of battery. Not ideal for cold or windy weather, though perhaps great for a day of golfing.
39. Nissan Pivo
Year Made: 2016-2017
Estimated Cost: Unknown
The answer to our parallel parking concerns has arrived. This genius design featuring three seats rotates, negating the need for a reverse gear. To go backward, you simply rotate the entire cabin to face the other direction and go!
Nissan Pivo @CornwallNissan / Twitter.com
The wheels also rotate, allowing you to turn 90 degrees suddenly without having to rotate the car sideways. So in other words, instead of doing an Austin Powers trying to get in or out of parallel parking, you’d simply rotate the wheels 90 degrees, rotate the cabin, and boom!
40. Custom Nissan GT-R
Year Made: 2019
Estimated Cost: $127,000*
Limited to just 50 units in Europe, this custom Nissan GT-R relaunched in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Just like the original, it’s powered by a 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V6 that makes 565 PS (557 hp / 416 kW) and 633 Nm (467 lb-ft) of torque.
Custom Nissan GT-R @rsunnilee / Twitter.com
The cars were all the same color, the signature Bayside Blue with blue accents on the 20-inch wheels. Renowned for its innovative technology, comfort, and pristine leather, luxury finishing. In their own words, the Nissan GT-R is a supercar that lives up to its name.