From Cars With Three Headlights to One That Blew Up: 10 of the Most Outrageous Cars NASCAR Has Seen

NASCAR, known for its iconic American stock cars, has had its fair share of surprising and out-of-place vehicles that have graced the racing scene. From failed automotive ventures to European imports, these cars have left their mark on the sport in the most unexpected ways.

Let us delve into the world of NASCAR’s most outrageous and weird cars, exploring their unique features and the flaws that made them stand out from the crowd.

1958 Edsel:

The Ford Edsel, touted as a futuristic car for its time, faced a dismal fate in the automotive industry. Despite its radical styling, the Edsel struggled with poor sales and ultimately became one of the biggest flops in history and almost resulting in a loss of $2 Billion Dollars. In NASCAR, the Edsel made appearances in races such as the Daytona 500, where it faced challenges due to engine issues and a notorious fuel filter mishap that resulted in an engine fire. The last driver to drive the Edsel was Mike Saathoff in 1961; he finished 19th.

Jaguar XK120:

During the early 1950s, NASCAR introduced the International 200, pitting American cars against European counterparts. The Jaguar XK known for their sleek design and performance, made a noteworthy appearance like the 100 Mile Stock Race won by Paul Goldsmith. While they showcased their capabilities on the track, a lack of sustained success prevented their long-term participation in NASCAR races.

Austin Healey:

The Austin Healey, a British sports car, found its way into NASCAR’s International 200, providing a distinctive touch to the races. However, the Healey’s struggled to adapt to the demanding oval tracks, resulting in subpar performances and limited success. Besides that, Healey was made fun of for having “Bug Like” headlights, which made Healey a laughingstock. The best finish for Healey was by Doc Lee finishing 15th in place. 

MG 1954:

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The MG, characterized by its distinctive fenders, made its presence felt in NASCAR, albeit with mixed results. From the five MGs that participated in the 1954 International race at Linden Airport to subsequent races at Bowman Gray Stadium, these British cars faced challenges, with mechanical issues, overheating problems and performance limitations hindering their results.

Alfa Romeo:

With the introduction of the Grand Touring series in the late 1960s, NASCAR allowed smaller European cars like the Alfa Romeo to compete. While the Alfa Romeo GTA excelled in rally competition, its transition to oval tracks proved challenging. The Alfa Romeo struggled to match the horsepower advantage of American cars, resulting in less-than-stellar performances and limited success.

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Porsche 911:

In a surprising turn of events, NASCAR races once featured the Porsche 911, a renowned sports car. Renowned road racer Peter Gregg and Volkswagen dealer Jack Ryan pushed the limits of these iconic vehicles on tracks like Darlington and Rockingham. Despite their agility and road-course prowess, the Porsche 911s faced significant challenges on oval tracks, impacting their overall performance.

Citroen ID 19:

The Citroen ID 19, known for its fuel efficiency, surprised everyone by excelling in NASCAR’s first race at Riverside in 1958. With its ability to make fewer pit stops due to excellent mileage, the Citroen ID 19 finished first and second in its class. However, the car’s limited power and performance capabilities on high-speed ovals prevented further success in NASCAR.

Tucker 1950:

The Tucker, an innovative rear-engine car with three headlights, stirred up excitement in the late 1940s. However, due to a combination of challenges, including financial difficulties and accusations of stock fraud, the Tucker’s production was short-lived. In NASCAR, the Tucker made a brief appearance in 1950, driven by Joe Merola. Unfortunately, mechanical issues caused an early exit from the race, limiting its impact on the sport.

Mini Cooper:

In 1968, a surprising contender joined the NASCAR ranks: the 1967 Austin Mini Cooper. This compact British car took to the dirt tracks of Richmond Speedway, defying expectations. While it showcased its agility and maneuverability, the Mini Cooper’s lack of raw power limited its ability to compete with the dominant American muscle cars on larger tracks.

Volkswagen Beetle:

Perhaps the most unexpected entrant in NASCAR’s history, the Volkswagen Beetle made its mark in the sport. From its participation in the International 200 in 1953 to the modified Beetles that raced at Martinsville in the 1980s, these iconic compact cars brought a touch of whimsy to NASCAR. However, due to their limited horsepower and unconventional design, their performance was often overshadowed by their larger, more powerful competitors.

NASCAR’s history is not solely filled with American muscle cars but also includes a lineup of truly outrageous and unexpected vehicles. From the ill-fated Edsel to European imports like the Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, and Porsche, each car brought its unique charm and flaws to the racing scene. Despite their challenges, these cars added diversity and intrigue to NASCAR, proving that even the most unconventional entries can leave a lasting impression on the sport.

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