10 Famous Cars That Could Have Looked Completely Different

Automotive design is a delicate process. Designers often go through dozens—or even hundreds—of styling proposals before settling on the final look of a new vehicle. Some of those rejected concepts are truly fascinating. Here’s a look at how some of the world’s most famous cars could have turned out.

1. BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series could have looked like this.

This concept dates back to 1982, when BMW had just launched the E28-generation 5 Series. Shortly afterward, the company's chief designer, Ercole Spada, began exploring ideas for its successor. This was one of those proposals, but BMW ultimately considered it too modern and too bold.

2. Cadillac Seville

This Cadillac Seville design was eventually approved—but years later.

Most drivers have probably seen this car. So why is it on a list of concepts? Because the design was originally created in 1973 and rejected for several reasons. A few years later, the company revisited the prototype and eventually put it into production—but not until 1980.

3. Nissan 300ZX

Three potential design proposals were created for the Nissan 300ZX Z32. Only the top one made it into production. Looking at the other two, it’s easy to see that the car was intended from the very beginning to appeal to the American market. The pop-up headlights alone make that clear.

4. Volkswagen Beetle

The story of how one of the most hated figures of the 20th century influenced the appearance of the legendary Beetle is well known. When the Volkswagen Beetle was shown to Adolf Hitler, he criticized its styling. Because he considered himself an artist—not just a dictator—he confidently offered design suggestions, and they were taken into account. Adolf clearly chose the wrong career path.

5. Volvo 480

This project was the boldest in the company's history. So bold, in fact, that Volvo was willing to abandon many of its signature design cues. Perhaps that very boldness ultimately worked against the company. Despite its advanced engineering, the Volvo 480 struggled from the very beginning.

6. Plymouth Barracuda

This is what designers did to the Plymouth Barracuda.

The 1973 oil crisis sparked a wave of new design work. Every automaker wanted to create a car that would stand out while still delivering solid performance. That creative search produced Barracuda concepts like this one.

7. Ford Mustang

The entire company took part in redesigning the Ford Mustang.

At the height of the oil crisis, Ford also decided to modernize its flagship model. As a result, the design team built more than eight full-scale concept models before selecting the final direction.

8. Mercedes C-111

Even the Mercedes C-111, which never entered production, had numerous design proposals.

The Mercedes C-111 was never mass-produced, yet several styling variations were created that the company ultimately rejected. One of those versions is shown here.

9. LaFerrari

Ferrari’s flagship could have looked like this.

More than eight proposals competed for the design of the company's flagship model. Naturally, only one could be selected. This concept was left behind. Incidentally, every proposal was built as a full-scale model.

10. Bugatti Veyron

This is how legendary designer Walter de Silva envisioned the Bugatti Veyron. The prototype debuted in 1999 and, as you might expect, was rejected. Even so, several of its styling elements were eventually carried over.