The video titled “Even Billionaires CAN’T Own This Car” takes viewers on a journey through the motley world of automotive design, showcasing some of the most peculiar and revolutionary cars in history. From the 1942 O Electrique by Paul Arens to the 1975 City Car, these vehicles are not only testaments to human engineering and creativity, but also reflections of the times in which they were created.
One standout from the video is the 1942 O Electrique, also known as the “electric egg car” for its unique rounded design reminiscent of an egg. Built out of necessity during World War II, the O Electrique was a practical yet odd-looking vehicle that ran purely on electricity, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to transportation.
Another highlight is the 1953 General Motors Firebird 1 XP-21, a vehicle that resembled a spacecraft with its jet aircraft-inspired design and gas turbine engine. While not practical for daily commuting, the Firebird 1 XP-21 marked a significant leap forward in automobile technology and sparked excitement about the future of transportation.
Overall, the video sheds light on the groundbreaking innovations and daring designs that have shaped the automotive industry, proving that even billionaires can’t own every car, especially ones as unique and ahead of their time as those featured in the video.
Watch the video by Top Discovery
Video Transcript
Cars a testament to human engineering and creativity throughout history they have not only served as tools of Transportation but also as canvases for the wildest imaginations we now delve into the motly world of automotive design starting with the 1942 o Electrique by Paul arens number one 1942 o electric egg car by
Paul aren dubbed the egg the 1942 o electric is the brainchild of Paul aren a French industrial designer known for his contributions to French Railways in an era dominated by conventional designs aren decided to step away from the norm and dream up something extraordinarily different the O Electrique French for
Electric egg truly lived up to its name the car boasted a highly unusual rounded design reminiscent of an egg a stark contrast to the boxier designs prevalent in the 1940s its quirky design was not merely aesthetic it was born out of the necessity of paris’s narrow streets and
The scarcity of materials during World War II aren built the car using hand formed aluminum and plexiglass creating a light and efficient vehicle that was as practical as it was oddl looking the body composed entirely of aluminum had a rounded rear end that housed the electric motor and batteries giving it
An egg-like appearance the front was covered with a large curved plexiglass windshield providing an almost 360° View for the driver an early nod to the concept of a panoramic view in vehicles the O Electrique was not only peculiar in design but also in terms of its power source it ran purely on
Electricity an Innovative concept at a time when gasoline was the main stay arzens equipped the vehicle with a 10hp electric motor powered by a 72v battery this setup was capable of propelling the car to a top speed of 60 kmh 37 mph with a respectable range of
100 km 62 Mi on a single charge despite its promising features the O Electrique was not intended for mass production it was more of a personal project for arzen reflecting his vision of what future Transportation could be like in a world that was experiencing the ravages of War
Or and fuel scarcity as such only one unit of the car was ever made which arens himself used as his personal vehicle for many years number two 1953 General Motors Firebird 1 xp21 in the realm of peculiar automobiles few can stand their ground against the 1953 General Motors Firebird 1
Xp21 this iconic vehicle turned heads not only with its unusual Aesthetics but also o with its revolutionary engineering representing a bold stride into the unknown territory of gas turbin powered automobiles at first glance the firebird 1 xp21 could easily be mistaken for a spacecraft or a relic from an old
Science fiction movie with a design that mimicked the form of a jet aircraft the vehicle exuded an aura of futuristic appeal that was unparalleled in its time a testament to the 1950s fascination with Aviation and space travel the firebird 1 xp21 was crafted to mirror a
Jet complete with a bubble canopy a tail fin and wings however the Firebirds resemblance to an aircraft didn’t stop at its exterior underneath the hood it housed a gas turbine engine known as the Whirl fire Turbo Power which was a direct take from Aviation Technology the engine developed by General Motors was
The first ever application of gas turbine propulsion in a car it could produce an impressive 370 horsepower an extraordinary figure for the 1950s further amplifying the car’s Space Age Persona despite its power the firebird 1 xp21 wasn’t designed with practicality in mind with a seating capacity of just
One person and a noise level that mirrored a Jet Plane it wasn’t exactly a candidate for daily commuting it also guzzled fuel at an alarming rate and emitted exhaust gases hot enough to potentially cause injury to anyone standing too close to the car’s rear additionally its ride was less than
Smooth and its gas turbine power source had difficulties operating at low speeds or standing idle for long periods however these impracticalities did little to deter the significance of the firebird 1 xp21 as the world’s first gas turbine powered car it marked a significant Leap Forward in automobile technology challenging the dominance of the
Internal combustion engine furthermore its bold aircraft inspired design sparked the imagination of the public fostering a sense of optimism and excitement about the possibilities of future transportation number three 1970 Ferrari penin Farina 512s modulo enter the 1970 Ferrari 512s modulo a vehicle that challenges conventional automobile design with its bizarre beautiful form
And futuristic appeal born out of the partnership between Ferrari and famed design house pinina this concept car is renowned for its radically distinctive Aesthetics and its impressive performance credentials the first encounter with the modulo is bound to raise eyebrows its low flat body design only 93 CM High
Renders the vehicle almost pancake like the 512s modulo doesn’t so much seem to to sit on its Wheels as it appears to envelop them with the wheel arches almost entirely concealed by the Bodywork the car’s body is characterized by a series of extreme curves and straight lines creating a strikingly
Bold visual effect that sets it apart from anything else on the road one of the most distinctive features of the modulo is its cockpit a glass Dome that allows a full panoramic view of the surroundings the cockpit is nestled into the chassis further accentuating the low
Profile of the car entry to the vehicle is as unconventional as the car itself instead of doors the entire glass canopy slides forward providing access to the interior underneath its alien-like exterior the modulo houses a ferari 512s engine a 5.0 L V12 that boasts an impressive 550 horsepower despite its
Strange form the modulo was built for Speed with its powerful engine enabling it to reach a a top speed of around 220 mph however the modulo was not designed with practicality or production in mind its impractical low height the unconventional entry system and the lack of rear visibility rendered it unfit for
Regular Road use moreover its engine while delivering exhilarating speed was incredibly loud and its design provided no provision for silencing this noise number four 1935 Stout Scarab the 1935 Stout Scarab is an example of a car that was so ahead of its time it seemed almost alien when it was introduced this
Early experiment in automotive design bore the fruit of a visionary’s dream despite its initial reception as strange and outlandish William Bushnell Stout an aviation engineer by profession designed the Scarab with the goal of creating a mobile office his vision was not limited by the design conventions of the day and
And as a result the Scarab bore little resemblance to any car seen before its design was inspired by the scarab beetle which in Stout’s eyes embodied the ideas of efficiency and compactness the Stout scarabs strikingly unique design could be attributed to its entirely distinct construction method
Unlike most cars of the time which were built by adding a body onto a separate frame the Scarab had a unitized body construction this approach created a seamless aerodynamic shape with a focus on interior space long before the concept of minivan came into existence the Scarab had a remarkable exterior
Characterized by a teardrop profile fenders integrated into the body and a rear engine layout all revolutionary ideas at the time this rear engine design allowed for a spacious flexible interior the inside of the Scarab was almost van-like featuring movable reconfigurable seats excluding the driver’s seat a folding table and ample
Space essentially the first mobile office despite its revolutionary design and features the Scarab had its share of problems the rear engine made the vehicle’s handling somewhat challenging and the cost of the Scarab was incredibly high for the time given its Cutting Edge design and construction the pricing made it inaccessible to most
Consumers leading to a very limited production run number five 1975 City Car long before the term electric vehicle became mainstream A peculiar little car was Making Waves as the harbinger of a new era The 1975 City Car also known as the Sebring Vanguard City Car stands out
As one of the earliest attempts to challenge the dominance of gasoline powered vehicles with a practical albeit quirky electric alternative the city car was a small two-seater electric vehicle designed by Robert Bowmont with a distinctly boxy shape and a simple compact design the city car was nothing
Short short of peculiar its wedg shaped body reminiscent of a cheese wedge was composed of ABS plastic panels mounted on an aluminum frame with a length of just 2.5 M the city car was small enough to fit into the tightest parking spaces underneath its unconventional exterior
The city car was powered by a 3.5 horsepower electric motor connected to a series of 6vt lead acid batteries the vehicle boasted a range of approximately 40 m and a top speed of 38 mph although these figures might seem modest by today’s standards they were quite impressive for an electric vehicle in
The mid 10970s yet the city car’s Allure was not in its speed or performance but in its potential as an economical environmentally friendly alternative to Conventional cars it was an answer to the oil crisis of the 1970s offering an option for urban dwellers who primarily needed a vehicle for short commutes
Despite these drawbacks the city car found a niche market by the time production ended in 1977 over 2,000 units had been produced making it one of the most produced electric vehicles of its time although the city car might not have been the Breakthrough that brought electric vehicles to the mainstream it played a
Crucial role in showcasing the potential of electric propulsion for urban commuting number six 1959 Cadillac cyclone in a league of its own for sheer audacity of design the 1959 Cadillac Cyclone stands as a fascinating symbol of the jet age aesthetic that dominated the late 1950s conceived under the direction of Harley
Earl General Motors legendary head of design the Cyclone was a showstopping concept car that pushed the boundaries of conventional automotive design and Technology the Cyclone striking silhouette was unmistakably jet inspired its two-seater design featured a sweeping aerodynamic IC profile punctuated by a pair of large tail fins reminiscent of Rocket fins however the
Most eye-catching element was its front end featuring a pair of nose cones believed to house radar-based crash avoidance technology a concept far ahead of its time adding to the Cyclone spaceship-like Aesthetics were its futuristic bubbletop canopy made of silver tinted plexiglass and its sliding electric doors the canopy could be
Retracted into the trunk revealing a futur ISC cockpit complete with bucket seats and a chrome Laden dashboard the Cadillac Cyclone was more than just a Marvel of design it was an exhibition of groundbreaking technology the car was fitted with an intercom system for communication between the driver and the
Outside world a necessity considering the canopy’s insulation further as mentioned the car supposedly housed a radar-based collision avoidance system in its front cones an innovation that foreshadowed the driver assist Technologies of the 21st century yet the impracticality of the Cyclone did not diminish its significance it served as a
Physical representation of a future that at the time seemed just around the corner the car encapsulated the spirit of the jet age an era marked by optimism and a fascination with space travel and futuristic technology number seven 1970 Lancia Berton Stratos hf0 an unforgettable site even in the realm of
Concept cars the 1970 Lancia Stratos hf0 challenged all conventional Notions of what a car could look like developed by Italian automaker Lancia in collaboration with the renowned Design House beron the Stratos hf0 made a bold statement with its ground hugging profile and futuristic appeal unveiled at the tourin motor show in 1970 the
Stratos hf0 immediately Drew attention with its radical wedge-shaped design the the car was incredibly low standing at a mere 33 in high which required drivers to enter through a flip up wind screen as conventional doors were not feasible its body characterized by straight lines sharp angles and a dramatically sloping
Windscreen lent the Stratos hf0 and otherworldly aesthetic the metallic silver finish enhanced its spaceship-like appearance making it seemed like a vehicle straight out of a science fiction movie Inside the cockpit housed two custom built seats positioned in a staggered layout to conserve space the driver faced a minimalist dashboard featuring only essential instruments
Contributing to the vehicle’s futuristic Vibe the view from the cockpit thanks to the large upward tilting windscreen was expansive offering an unparalleled panoramic view powered by a mid-mounted Lancia fulvia 1.6 HF engine the Stratos hf0 was more than just a design exercise it was fully drivable although it’s
Extremely low ground clearance made it suitable only for smooth surfaces despite its mesmerizing design and road-going capability the Stratos hf0 was not intended for mass production its radical design and unconventional entry system were impractical for everyday use relegating the car to the status of a concept model yet the car’s Design
Elements significantly influenced the Lancia Stratos rally car that came a few years later and won the World Rally Championship three times in a row number eight 1989 Nissan sargo an eccentric blend of utility and Whimsy the 1989 Nissan sargo is a testament to the sometimes playful nature of automotive design this unusual
Vehicle whose name puns on escargo the French word for snail is a fitting homage to its namesake with a design that humorously mimics the shape of a snail introduced by Nissan at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1989 as part of the pike series the sargo was a small two-seater
Utility van aimed at small businesses needing a compact delivery vehicle it borrowed heavily from the design Aesthetics of the French citro and 2 CV delivery van resulting in a Charming retro look the S cargo’s exterior design was full of whimsical elements the rounded roof line mimicked the coiled
Shell of a snail and the side panels featured a unique wave pattern adding to the theme the spare wheel was located at the rear resembling a snail ‘s tail despite its playful design the sargo was practical it offered ample cargo space making it a popular choice for small
Business owners powered by a modest 1.5 L inline 4 engine it was no speed demon but it got the job done providing reliable transportation for light delivery tasks in total Nissan produced around 12,000 units of the sargo before discontinuing it in 1992 despite its brief production run the vehicle developed a cult following
Duee to its quirky charm and utility today it stands as an iconic symbol of the fun Creative Design language of the era number nine 1956 BMW Isetta the 1956 BMW Isetta affectionately known as the bubble car is an unforgettable entry in the annals of automotive design with its
Diminutive size unusual shape and unique front door the assetta is a car that stretches the very definition of what a car can be originating in Italy but gaining Fame after being licensed and produced by BMW the assetta was born out of the need for affordable fuele efficient transportation in post-war Europe it
Featured a unique front opening door a design chosen for ease of entry and exit in tight Urban spaces despite its small size the assetta was a fully functioning car it came equipped with a tiny 247cc single cylinder engine which while not powerful was sufficient for City
Driving it had a maximum speed of around 53 mph and its compact size made it perfect for navigating narrow crowded city streets the Etta’s design characterized by a large rounded body and Tiny Wheels earned it the nickname bubble car its distinct look and practicality made it popular and it was
Produced in significant numbers the Etta’s role in Reviving BMW’s fortunes post World War II cannot be overstated the little car was a sales success providing crucial Revenue at a time when the company was struggling the BMW Etta represents an important chapter in the history of automotive design it demonstrates how Innovation can arise
From challenging circumstances resulting in a vehicle that while peculiar by conventional standards was perfectly suited to its time in place today the aceta remains a beloved symbol of post-war Ingenuity and resilience its distinctive design and enduring charm have ensured its place as one of the strangest and most endearing cars
Ever made number 10 1947 Norman Tim’s special a Marvel of automotive engineering and design the 1947 Norman Tims special is one of the most iconic custombuilt cars ever created named after its creator Norman Tims a mechanical engineer with a background in designing racing cars this vehicle is a
Testament to Tim’s vision and Talent with its swooping lines and elongated shape the Norman Tim special was reminiscent of European race cars of the era specifically the auto Union Racers its most distinguishing feature was its rear end which featured a streamlined elongated shape that housed the car’s engine remarkably this entire rear
Section could be raised revealing the car’s hidden power plant and drivetrain Tims equipped the car with a Buick straight 8 engine position positioned behind the driver effectively making the vehicle a precursor to today’s mid-engine sports cars its Sleek aerodynamic design was not only aesthetically pleasing but also served to enhance the vehicle’s performance
Despite its impressive design and Engineering the Norman Tim special was a one-off creation its complex construction and the cost associated with such a unique design made mass production impossible however it gained recognition as a Marvel of custom car building and it is still celebrated today for its innovative design the
Norman Tim special is an extraordinary example of Automotive Ingenuity and craftsmanship it exemplifies the spirit of creativity and innovation in the realm of custom car design though it stands as one of the strangest cars ever made its aesthetic appeal and Innovative design have secured its place in the
Annals of Automotive History number 11 2001 Rin speed advantage rone in a world of unique cars the 2001 rined Advantage rone stands out with its revolutionary take on personal Transportation created by Swiss automaker rinspeed known for its unconventional designs the advantage rone represented a bold vision for the
Future of Mobility presented as a oneperson commuter vehicle the advantage rone was small compact and designed for maximum efficiency its slim three-wheel design was aimed at reducing its footprint both physically and environmentally its single seat layout and lack of storage space made it more akin to a motorbike than a traditional
Car the advantage Ron’s most unique feature was its tilting technology it was designed to lean into turns similar to a motorbike which not only made it fun to drive but also increased stability and safety this leaning mechanism was controlled by a hydraulic system that responded to steering inputs
Despite its novel design the advantage rone was not destined for mass production the concept was deemed too unconventional for the market and thus it remained a unique prototype however it offered a glimpse into potential future Trends in urban Mobility focusing on efficiency compact design and a fun Driving Experience in the pantheon of
The world’s strangest cars the 2001 renp speed Advantage ran occupies a special place its Visionary design and Innovative features reflect a willingness to challenge traditional norms and explore new ideas in Mob ility as an emblem of rinp speed’s unconventional thinking the advantage ran serves as an inspiration for future designs in personal transportation
Number 12 1948 Tasco the 1948 Tasco an acronym for the American sports car company is a unique gem in the world of automotive design conceived as a post World War II sports car for the American Market the Tasco stands out for its peculiar design inspired by Aviation
Engineer heing a testament to the era’s fascination with the aeronautical industry the brainchild of the industrial designer Gordon buig Tasco featured a streamlined aluminum body designed to reduce drag and optimize aerodynamics its unique design Hallmark was the protective canopies over the driver and passenger compartments a feature derived from fighter
Aircraft this Aviation influence extended to the car’s controls with a steering wheel that resembled an airplane’s yolk powering the Tasco was a modified Ford V8 engine housed beneath its elongated streamlined Hood it was also the first car to have a T-top roof a design later popularized by cars like the Chevrolet
Corvette however Tasco futuristic design did not resonate with consumers of the time it was seen as too radical and the company failed to secure the funding needed for mass production as a result the 1948 Tasco remained a one-off prototype nonetheless Le Tasco holds a unique place in Automotive History its
Innovative design and Aviation inspired features make it one of the strangest and most forward-looking cars ever built it stands as a bold Testament to the spirit of innovation and vision of its creator forever etched in the annals of automotive design number 13 1961 aicar an unusual combination of car and boat the 1961
Ampar is a unique chapter in the story of automobile design as the first amphibious vehicle mass produced for the consumer Market the ampar embodies a daring and distinctive approach to Mobility the ampar was the brainchild of Hans Triple A German engineer with a Fascination for amphibious vehicles it was designed to
Operate both on land and in water a unique dual-purpose function that set it apart from any other car on the market on the road the ampar was powered by a rearm mounted four-cylinder engine that could reach spe speeds of up to 70 mph when entering water the driver could
Engage the twin propellers enabling the car to cruise at speeds around 7 knots transitioning from land to water and back was as simple as flicking a lever its most distinctive feature was its boat-like body designed to be watertight the steel body featured a high waistline and a raised front pointing nose to keep
Water out the overall aesthetic was quirky with a design that looked part car part boat contributing to its overall charm despite its novel design and functionality the ampar faced challenges its performance was modest both on land and water compared to specialized Vehicles additionally it was expensive to produce and buy which hindered its
Popularity approximately 3,878 units of the aaar were produced between 1961 and 1968 making it the most successful civilian amphibious car to date although it was not a commercial success The ampar Remains a beloved curiosity in the automotive world it is a testament to the creativity and Ingenuity of its time
Marking an adventurous foray into the realm of amphibious transportation number 14 2007 Fiat zagato 500 zanzara the Fiat 500 is one of the most recognizable cars in Automotive History a classic blend of Italian style and practicality in 2007 zagato an Italian design house famed for its work with sports cars
Reimagined the iconic Fiat 500 in a unique and daring form the Fiat 500 zanzara designed to embody the spirit of freedom and Adventure the zanzara Italian for mosquito was characterized by its unusual design choices it featured a two- seat open top design with a roll bar structure that added not
Only safety but also a distinctive aesthetic to further enhance its outdoor oriented nature the zanzara came equipped with large off-road tires and skid plates an unusual choice for a city car the car retained the 500’s compact Dimensions making it well suited for urban environments yet with its raised suspension and protective body cladding
The zanzara projected an image of ruggedness typically associated with off-road vehicles the interior continued The Adventurous theme with waterproof seats and a minimalist approach to controls and instruments despite its innovative design the Fiat 500 zanzara remained a concept vehicle and was not put into production however its creative
Blend of City Car convenience and off-road elements makes it a unique and bold experiment in car design number 15 2008 P p50 the P p50 holds a distinctive record it is officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the smallest production car in the world produced by by the British company peel
Engineering the p50 is a testament to minimalism in automotive design first manufactured in 1962 and revived in 2008 the P p50 measures just 54 in long and 39 in wide it’s designed to seat one person and has just one door on the left side despite its tiny size the car comes
With a functional rear view mirror and windscreen wiper the p50 is powered by a small 49cc two-stroke engine similar to what you’d find in a moped its top speed is modest at around 28 mph but given its size and intended use for short Urban trips this was more than sufficient
Perhaps the most amusing aspect of the p50 is its manual handling ability the car is so light weighing approximately 130 lb that it features a handle at the rear allowing it to be physically picked up and moved around the Peele p50s production numbers have always been limited due to its Niche appeal however
It has gained Fame through various media appearances and is a beloved figure in the automotive world for its uniqueness and charm the PE p50 is more than just a car it is a statement of minimalistic design and efficiency making it one of the most memorable and strange cars ever made
Video “Even Billionaires CAN’T Own This Car” was uploaded on 02/12/2024 to Youtube Channel Top Discovery