Concept cars are often wild, imaginative creations that push the boundaries of automotive design and technology. While some go on to become production models that revolutionize the car industry, others are best left in the drawing room.
These 10 concept cars were bold, strange, or just plain bizarre, and while they may have turned heads at auto shows, most car enthusiasts are probably relieved that they never made it to the streets.
From absurd styling choices to impractical features, these cars were better off as ideas rather than real, drivable vehicles.
Chevrolet Corvette XP-895 (1970)

The Corvette XP-895 was an experimental concept that took the iconic Corvette design and threw it into the weird zone. With a futuristic body shape that featured an overly angular and almost alien appearance, it looked like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
The car’s proportions were awkward, and its design had no real relation to the Corvette’s performance heritage. While it might have wowed at an auto show, the XP-895 never saw the light of day on the streets, and honestly, most are glad it didn’t.
Ford Nucleon (1958)

The Ford Nucleon was a concept car with a truly outlandish idea: a nuclear-powered car. The Nucleon featured a giant, exposed nuclear reactor in the rear, making it look more like a missile silo than a roadworthy vehicle.
While the idea of nuclear propulsion was intriguing at the time, the practicality (and safety) of having a nuclear reactor under the hood was highly questionable. Thankfully, this bizarre concept was never mass-produced, and we’re all probably better off with conventional engines.
Chrysler Phaeton (1997)

The Chrysler Phantom was a luxurious, ultra-wide concept car that looked like it was designed to glide through the streets with its futuristic, bullet-like form. With its ridiculously large dimensions, it was almost more art installation than car, boasting a truly impractical design.
It was equipped with a giant, luxurious interior that would’ve been more at home in a luxury living room than on the road. Though it made a splash at the Detroit Auto Show, this lavish, over-the-top vehicle was a concept that most were glad stayed in the concept stage.
BMW Gina Light Visionary (2008)

The BMW Gina Light Visionary was a concept car that took the idea of flexibility to the extreme. Featuring a body made entirely of fabric, it was a car that could change shape depending on the situation—allowing the panels to morph, stretch, and adjust to the car’s needs.
While it was a fascinating design and a breakthrough in materials, the practicality of a fabric-bodied car that required constant adjustments was less than ideal. It looked like a science experiment rather than a real-world vehicle, and it’s safe to say most people were happy it remained a concept.
Volkswagen GX3 (2005)

The Volkswagen GX3 was a strange three-wheeled concept that looked like a cross between a motorcycle and a car. It was a minimalist vehicle designed for high performance, but with its low profile and lack of stability, it was clear that the GX3 wouldn’t be suitable for everyday use.
Although it had sporty appeal, the lack of doors and the weird, uncomfortable seating arrangement made it a dangerous option for the road. VW eventually abandoned the project, and honestly, most people were probably thankful they didn’t have to see it on the streets.
Mercedes-Benz F-015 Luxury in Motion (2015)

The Mercedes-Benz F-015 was a self-driving concept that looked like something straight out of a futuristic sci-fi movie. With a sleek, egg-shaped design, the F-015 was meant to represent the future of autonomous driving.
While the car’s interior was a luxurious lounge with rotating seats and high-tech features, the exterior was just a bit too extreme for real-world driving. The thought of a car that looked like it was meant for a flying saucer made us glad this one stayed on the concept stage, as its wild looks didn’t seem to have a place on the streets.
Cadillac Sixteen (2003)

The Cadillac Sixteen was an ambitious concept car that featured a 16-cylinder engine (hence the name) and a hybrid drivetrain. While the car’s design was impressive, the over-the-top engine and complex powertrain made it feel like a car that was more focused on being extravagant than practical.
It was a symbol of excess that seemed more about flaunting engineering prowess than addressing real-world driving needs. Most of us are probably relieved it didn’t make it past the concept stage, as a 16-cylinder engine in everyday traffic would’ve been absurd.
Toyota RSC (2001)

The Toyota RSC (Recreational Sports Coupe) was a sporty concept car that tried to combine the practicality of an SUV with the performance of a sports car. With its high ride height, clunky design, and strange proportions, the RSC looked like a weird hybrid of a jeep and a coupe.
While it may have been able to tackle dirt roads, it wasn’t particularly stylish or functional for regular use. Toyota ultimately decided that the world didn’t need this oddball SUV-sportscar combo, and we’re probably all better off for it.
Buick Blackhawk (1999)

The Buick Blackhawk was an elegant, retro-inspired concept that drew inspiration from classic cars of the past. However, its design was a strange mix of old and new, with an awkward attempt at blending luxury and performance.
The car’s lines were overly heavy and not quite refined, and its design seemed more about gimmicks than genuine style. While it had some appeal, it didn’t really fit in with Buick’s future vision, and it didn’t translate well as a street-ready vehicle. Most were glad it didn’t make the leap to production.
Peugeot Oxia (1988)

The Peugeot Oxia was a futuristic concept car that looked like it belonged in a high-speed chase scene in a sci-fi movie. With a bold, angular design, the Oxia featured a 680-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine and an advanced suspension system.
While the performance was impressive, the design was so aggressive and impractical that it looked almost cartoonish. With its bizarre body shape and ultra-low height, it’s safe to say the Oxia would have struggled to make its way through everyday traffic, and its failure to hit the streets was probably a good thing for all involved.