11. Nissan Boga
Year Made: 1989
Estimated Cost: Unknown*
When most of us think of the ‘80s, we think of style decisions that should never have seen the light of day. However, Nissan was busy creating a new concept car in 1989 that looks like it should’ve been born in 2017. The Nissan Boga debuted at the Tokyo Auto Show, much to the delight of attendees.
Nissan Boga @Only9built / Twitter.com
In many ways, the Boga was way ahead of its time. Not only was the silhouette purposely designed to give passengers extra space, but the car even came with fingerprint sensors to allow easy access. Sensors like this are prevalent now, but 30 years ago this was a mind-altering feature. Sadly, the Boga never went into mass production.
12. Hello Kitty Car
Year Made: 2014
Estimated Cost: $13,000*
Hello Kitty has a long history, first popping up onto the scene in 1974. The small cartoon cat has managed to maintain a huge fan base as the decades have ticked by. Some supporters love the character so much that they’ve even dedicated their cars to it. This particular motor looks more like a moving shrine than a vehicle.
Hello Kitty Car @ILUVDOGS4LIFE / Pinterest
You can buy Hello Kitty merch on tons of websites, including Amazon, but it looks like this car owner has even reupholstered the seats to match. While we’re not sure exactly what model this particular cruiser is, Mitsubishi released a special edition Hello Kitty car in 2014 for $13,400 per unit.
13. Daihatsu Midget II
Year Made: 1996-2001
Estimated Cost: $5,600*
Some cars stumble onto the scene and leave jaws agape thanks to their sleek appeal and high specs, while others come and leave a decidedly smaller, yet still palpable, impression. The Daihatsu Midget first hit the market back in the ‘50s, sticking around until production ended in the ‘70s.
Daihatsu Midget II ©Mytho88 / Pinterest
Thankfully for fans of the low-cost three-wheeler, mark II was released in 1996. This time, the Midget was still tiny, but had four wheels and was more van-shaped. For a small car the design proved popular, especially in the densely populated urban areas where parking is often difficult.
14. Pink Van
Year Made: Unknown
Estimated Cost: Unknown*
Deciding what color to paint your van can be a laborious process, but there’s one shade that never goes out of style: pink. The owner of this tricked-out transporter clearly got the memo, but they didn’t stop at a little pop of fuschia.
Pink Van @buzzfeed / Pinterest
The oddly-shaped pointed bonnet, the modified wheels, and the pipes all create a truly eye-catching spectacle that won’t be missed at any car meet. Wallflowers wouldn’t want to get behind the wheel of this, but a Jetson might. Don’t be surprised if you see a flying alien tailing just behind.
15. Leopard Print Car
Year Made: Unknown
Estimated Cost: $200,000+*
Lamborghini’s come in many shapes and sizes. Some are plain black, some are bright pink – some are covered head to toe in leopard print. Considering the model of this car and the extensive customizations, the owner likely spent upwards of $200,000 on it.
Leopard Print Car @blackdynamite19 / Pinterest
Leopard print comes in and out of fashion, so it’s a risky choice of decal. One thing is for certain – there’s nothing safe or shy about this car. Why go for plain black when you can turn up to the school run in this bad boy and make a lasting impression?
16. Flying Car
Year Made: 2020
Estimated Cost: $37 million in funding*
Japanese start-up SkyDrive has managed to pair up with one of the world’s leading car manufacturers to bring the future of driving even closer. After receiving a huge cash injection from Toyota of $37 million, SkyDrive was able to produce a prototype for its very first single-seat flying car.
Flying Car @Time4KnowIedge / Twitter.com
While it may not be quite the same as loading up the Ford and going on a family road trip, there are many avid motorists who would love to take a ride in this craft. The flying car hasn’t gone into mass production yet, but if tests continue to be promising it could hit the market as soon as 2023.
17. Electric Bolts Car
Year Made: Unknown
Estimated Cost: Unknown*
Can you imagine hopping into this spectacle and rocking up to Thanksgiving Dinner? This whip isn’t something you would see in the suburbs of Idaho, or even New York City. It’s a distinctly Japanese invention – which is why it works so well.
Electric Bolts Car @abeer0975 / Pinterest
The make and year of the car isn’t clear, but what we do know is that the owner spent a lot of time (and money) painstakingly transforming this four-wheeled wonder into something that pedestrians won’t forget in a hurry. It looks like something that you’d see on AT&T’s Cartoon Network.
18. Toyota FXV concept
Year Made: 1985
Estimated Cost: Unknown*
The Toyota FXV Concept was first made all the way back in 1985, but it wasn’t just any old concept car. This one was specially designed to predict what the future of motoring would look like. Interestingly, some of the features really did become standard. For instance, the heads-up display.
Toyota FXV concept @Sean_Hebdon / Twitter.com
To look at, the FXV really is a child of the ‘80s, with its slick silver exterior and low pointed bonnet. The headlights were tiny slits instead of full headlights, while the overall look of the car was undeniably futuristic – or at least, so Toyota thought at the time.
19. Daihatsu Naked
Year Made: 1999-2004
Estimated Cost: $15,000*
The Daihatsu Naked has a distinct army feel to it, combining a Hummer aesthetic with a box on wheels. The five-door car first arrived in 1999, taking design prompts from popular off-road cars and turning it into something distinctly urban. The interior of the car was largely influenced by the Fiat Panda.
Daihatsu Naked @PreLoved Items CDO / Facebook.com
The car remained in production for a solid five years before eventually bowing out, but it helped open the door for a different type of on-road car. Other cars like the Citroen C3 XTR took notes from Naked’s use of rugged bodywork and flaunted some similar features.
20. Pikachu Car
Year Made: Unknown
Estimated Cost: $13,000+*
Pokemon has been a sensation since bursting onto the scene in the mid’90s, so it’s only natural that cars would eventually be modeled after the little yellow character himself, Pikachu. Numerous owners and car companies have made over their vehicles over the years, including Toyota.
Pikachu Car @delaneyhopera / Pinterest
This bright yellow version looks remarkably like the anime character, even if it has got four wheels. It’s difficult to imagine casually driving in a car like this, which is probably why this one looks like it’s purely for show. It’s the ultimate collectable for fans that have to catch them all.