Throughout military history, tank designs have often prioritized functionality over aesthetics, leading to some of the most unconventional and awkward vehicles ever conceived. A recent video explores the 15 ugliest and weirdest tank designs, showcasing how experimental features can sometimes yield bizarre results.
One standout example is the British super heavy tank prototype from World War II, which resembled a rolling fortress with its enormous flat hull and elongated chassis. The disproportionate small turret atop this behemoth only accentuated its awkwardness. Similarly, the Japanese Type 3 Kachi, an amphibious medium tank, featured a boxy shape and a small turret that created an unbalanced appearance, further exacerbated by mismatched white tracks.
The Bob Sample tank, designed in New Zealand during the same era, was another oddity. Its makeshift design, built from a tractor chassis, resulted in a bulky and top-heavy structure that looked more agricultural than military. In contrast, Germany’s A7V, introduced in 1918, showcased a heavy superstructure that seemed unstable due to its narrow tracks and exposed crew compartments.
The video also highlights the Land Cruiser P1000 Ratte, a colossal design intended to weigh 1,000 tons, which appeared more fortress-like than a traditional tank. Meanwhile, the Swedish Stridsvagn 103, a Cold War era tank, lacked a rotating turret, giving it a tractor-like appearance that prioritized practicality over visual appeal.
The Fiat 2000, Italy’s heaviest tank of World War I, further exemplified this trend with its boxy design and awkward proportions. The Soviet Object 279 took an unconventional approach with its rounded hull and four tracks, while the Chrysler TV8’s complex structure led to an impractical design that never saw production.
As military technology continues to evolve, these unconventional designs serve as a reminder of the experimental spirit that has driven tank development throughout history. While aesthetics may not have been their priority, the legacy of these “ugly” tanks remains a fascinating chapter in military engineering.
