Italian cars are renowned worldwide for their sleek designs, blistering speed, and passion-infused engineering. The likes of Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Maserati have painted a picture of perfection and refinement when it comes to Italian automotive design.
However, not all Italian cars can be classified as works of art. Even the land of the supercar has its fair share of design disasters. Here, we take a light-hearted look at those Italian cars that didn’t quite hit the mark in the aesthetics department.
Fiat Multipla
Regarded by many as the ugliest car ever, the Fiat Multipla is a prime example of Italian design gone wrong. Released in 1998, this compact MPV was meant to be a practical family car, but its unusual, bulbous design and awkward proportions made it a laughing stock in the automotive world.
Fiat intended to make the Multipla stand out, and they certainly accomplished that – just not in the way they’d hoped. The car’s most noticeable features are its oversized, bug-eyed headlights and a second pair of lights in the middle of the car. Despite its lackluster looks, the Multipla was surprisingly comfortable and spacious, proving that beauty really is only skin deep.
Lamborghini Veneno
While Lamborghini is typically known for its beautiful, aggressive designs, the Veneno is an exception to that rule. Unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, this limited-edition hypercar was created to celebrate Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary. However, its over-the-top, spaceship-like design left many enthusiasts scratching their heads.
The Veneno is arguably the most polarizing Lamborghini ever made. Its extreme aerodynamics, massive rear wing, and myriad of air intakes make it look more like a prototype race car than a road car. While it certainly stands out, its overly complicated design lacks the elegance and simplicity that characterizes most Italian supercars.
Alfa Romeo Arna
The Alfa Romeo Arna is the unfortunate result of a failed partnership between Alfa Romeo and Nissan during the 1980s. The idea was to combine Japanese reliability with Italian styling, but the Arna ended up with the worst attributes of both brands.
The Arna’s boxy, uninspired design was a far cry from Alfa Romeo’s typically stylish offerings. Meanwhile, its poor build quality and lackluster performance only added to its woes. The car was a commercial flop and it’s now remembered as one of the ugliest and least successful cars in Alfa Romeo’s history.
Maserati Biturbo
The Maserati Biturbo was released in the 1980s, a period when Maserati was struggling financially. Unfortunately, the Biturbo’s bland design did little to help the brand’s image. Its boxy shape and generic looks made it difficult to distinguish from other cars of the era.
The Biturbo’s uninspired design was matched by its subpar reliability and performance. Mechanical issues were common, and the car’s build quality was poor, leading to a disappointing ownership experience for many. The Biturbo is now considered one of the most forgettable cars Maserati has ever produced.
Fiat 500L
The Fiat 500L is a prime example of how a successful design can be ruined by scaling it up. The original Fiat 500 is a charming, well-proportioned city car, but the 500L’s attempt to stretch this design into a larger MPV resulted in a car that looks awkward from every angle.
The 500L’s oversized headlights, bloated body, and strange proportions make it one of the least attractive cars on the road today. Despite its practicality, the 500L has struggled to win over buyers, proving that good looks do indeed matter in the automotive world.
Lancia Thesis
The Lancia Thesis is a luxury sedan that was produced from 2002 to 2009. While it was praised for its comfort and technology, its quirky, polarizing design failed to win over many buyers.
The Thesis’s unusual front end, with its large, chrome grille and oddly shaped headlights, is its most distinctive feature. The rest of the car’s design is equally eccentric, with a high waistline and a short, stubby boot. Unfortunately, these unconventional looks didn’t translate into sales, and the Thesis is now remembered as a commercial failure.
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Even Ferrari, the epitome of Italian automotive elegance, has had its off days. The 612 Scaglietti, produced from 2004 to 2010, is widely considered one of the least attractive Ferraris ever made.
The 612’s awkward proportions, with its long front overhang and bulbous rear end, make it look unbalanced and ungainly. Its design lacks the grace and balance that’s usually associated with Ferrari cars. Although it delivered impressive performance, the 612 Scaglietti’s lacklustre aesthetics have made it one of the least desirable Ferraris on the used car market.
Alfa Romeo SZ
The Alfa Romeo SZ, also known as “Il Mostro” (The Monster), is a sports car that was produced from 1989 to 1991. Its bold, wedge-shaped design and angular lines made it a standout car, but not necessarily for the right reasons.
The SZ’s design was a departure from Alfa Romeo’s typically elegant, flowing lines. Its unusual looks have been divisive, with some appreciating its uniqueness and others considering it a design disaster. Despite its controversial looks, the SZ is now a sought-after collector’s car due to its rarity and performance.
Fiat Croma
The Fiat Croma was a mid-size car produced from 1985 to 1996. While it was a competent family car, its bland, boxy design was far from inspiring.
The Croma’s design was a product of its time, with many cars of the 1980s featuring similar boxy shapes. However, compared to its more stylish rivals, the Croma was decidedly dull. Despite its uninspiring looks, the Croma was a popular family car in Italy, proving that practicality can sometimes trump aesthetics.
Lamborghini LM002
The Lamborghini LM002, also known as the “Rambo Lambo”, is a military-style SUV that was produced from 1986 to 1993. Its blocky, utilitarian design was a far cry from the sleek, aerodynamic supercars that Lamborghini is known for.
The LM002’s design was heavily influenced by its intended military use, but its boxy shape and lack of aerodynamics made it look out of place in Lamborghini’s lineup. Despite its ungainly looks, the LM002 is now a collector’s item due to its rarity and unique place in Lamborghini’s history.
Ferrari Mondial
Produced from 1980 to 1993, the Ferrari Mondial is often cited as one of the least attractive Ferraris. Its boxy shape and awkward proportions didn’t live up to the brand’s usual high standards of design.
The Mondial’s design was a product of the 1980s, a period known for its boxy car designs. However, compared to the sleek, curvaceous Ferraris that preceded and followed it, the Mondial looked decidedly out of place. Despite its lackluster looks, the Mondial is now appreciated by some for its practicality and usability.
Fiat Doblo
The Fiat Doblo is a panel van and leisure activity vehicle that has been in production since 2000. While it’s a practical and versatile vehicle, its design leaves a lot to be desired.
The Doblo’s boxy shape, high roof, and oversized headlights give it a cartoonish appearance. Its design prioritizes function over form, but that doesn’t make it any more pleasing to the eye. Despite its looks, the Doblo has been a commercial success, proving that there’s a market for practical, no-nonsense vehicles.
Lancia Ypsilon
The Lancia Ypsilon is a tiny car that’s been in production since 1995. While it’s been a popular city car in Italy, its quirky design isn’t to everyone’s taste.
The Ypsilon’s unusual proportions, with its high roof and short length, give it a distinctive look. However, its design lacks the elegance and sophistication that’s usually associated with Italian cars. Despite its unconventional looks, the Ypsilon remains a popular choice for urban drivers due to its compact size and affordability.
Alfa Romeo Brera
The Alfa Romeo Brera is a sports car that was produced from 2005 to 2010. While it’s not an ugly car by any means, its design is controversial and has divided opinions.
The Brera’s bold, muscular design is a departure from Alfa Romeo’s typically elegant, flowing lines. Some appreciate its uniqueness, while others feel that it’s too bulky and lacks the grace of other Alfa Romeo models. Despite its divisive looks, the Brera has gained a cult following due to its character and performance.
Fiat Sedici
The Fiat Sedici is a compact SUV that was produced from 2006 to 2014. Its design is a mishmash of styles that fails to come together in a cohesive way.
The Sedici’s awkward proportions, with its high roof and short length, give it a top-heavy appearance. Its design lacks the charm and elegance that’s usually associated with Italian cars. Despite its lackluster looks, the Sedici was a practical and affordable option for those in need of a compact SUV.