From Ugly Duckling to Icon: 10 Ugly Cars That Aged Like Fine Wine

Car design is a weird beast. What looks offbeat (or downright awful) today might be tomorrow’s cult classic. Turns out, a handful of cars once labeled “ugly” are now enjoying a second life—this time as style icons. Here are 10 examples where time turned cringe into cool.

1. Triumph TR7 (1975)
Dubbed “the shape of things to come,” the TR7’s wedge design confused everyone. Some thought it looked like a doorstop with wheels. Even legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro allegedly joked, “They did it to the other side too!” But today, its sharp angles feel right at home alongside retro-futuristic designs from the ’80s and ’90s.

2. BMW M5 (E60, 2003)
Chris Bangle’s flame-surfacing style sparked major controversy. Critics said it didn’t look like a BMW and even called it “fat.” But that edgy, layered look? It became the new normal. The E60 now stands as a turning point in BMW design history—bold, different, and oddly timeless.

3. Jaguar S-Type (1998)
Accused of being too retro and not retro enough, the S-Type was roasted from all sides. But those round headlights? They eventually showed up in Mercedes’ E-Class. Geoff Lawson’s vintage vibe may not have been understood then—but it aged better than anyone expected.

4. BMW Z4 (E85/E86, 2003)
Another Bangle-era design that got flak for being “overdone,” especially the long, flat hood. But today, its proportions look spot-on, especially next to the overly sculpted designs of recent years. It's aging with serious grace.

5. Honda Crosstour (2009)
Everyone wanted an Accord wagon. Honda gave them the Crosstour instead—and folks weren’t thrilled. The awkward, lifted shape didn’t land. But in hindsight, it was just ahead of its time. Today, it blends right in with lifted wagons like the Outback or Volvo Cross Country.

6. Volvo 240 (1974)
Back in the day, it was mocked for being as boxy as a shipping container. But unlike the swoopy blobs of the ’90s, the 240’s sharp lines held up. It’s now a beloved classic—sturdy, honest, and impossible to kill.

7. Subaru WRX Bugeye (2002)
Those round headlights gave it the nickname “Bugeye,” and not in a good way. But under the quirky face was a rally-bred beast. Today, the early WRX has cult status—not because it aged beautifully, but because it’s a legend.

8. Mazda MX-5 NC (2005)
This gen got heat for looking too “cartoonish” and losing the Miata’s lightweight magic. But the curvy lines and happy face have grown on people. Its design ended up predicting where Mazda—and the whole industry—was headed.

9. Porsche 911 (996, 1997)
Ah yes, the “fried egg” headlights. Fans weren’t kind when this generation dropped. But over time, the smooth integration of those lights and the sleek shape won over many. It's still the most affordable way into a 911—and now, finally, it's getting respect.

10. Honda Element (2002)
Too funky, too boxy, too weird. But also: durable, practical, dog-friendly, and super versatile. The Element was built for people with muddy boots and big dogs. Now that boxy is back, the Element feels more relevant than ever.

Turns out, all it takes is a little time—and a lot of nostalgia—for the world’s “ugliest” cars to find their glow-up moment.