Most Automobile manufacturers in the United States operate on a yearly cycle for new model releases. In an industry that’s more than 100 years old, there are bound to be some hidden gems and some head-scratchers.

Continue on for a round-up of the strangest vehicles produced by American car companies.

Dodge La Femme

Dodge made an attempt to market a sedan only to women with some pretty disastrous results. The car came only in pink and was accessorized with matching purses, makeup cases, umbrellas and rain bonnets. Unsurprisingly the La Femme only sold about 2,500 units because women drivers were much more interested in price and function – just like men.

Photography: Wikimedia Commons

Plymouth Prowler

American manufacturers produced a few hot rod-styled cars during the late 90s and early 2000s, and the most outrageous of them was the Prowler. With heavy 1930’s inspiration, the Prowler was short-lived due to its underwhelming performance and an uncomfortable price tag north of $40,000.

Photography: Hagerty

Chrysler PT Cruiser

The PT Cruiser was Chrysler’s attempt to make a toned-down, consumer-friendly version of the Plymouth Prowler. Technically classified as a truck for fuel economy calculation purposes, it’s unique body style attracted tons of buyers. It’s one of the most successful models on this list, as it stayed in production from 2001 until 2010.

Photography: Mecum Auctions

Chevrolet SSR

Chrysler wasn’t the only company to cash in on the resurgence of hot rods during the early 2000s. The SSR (short for Super Sport Roadster), was based on Chevy’s Advance Design pickup trucks from the 1940s. Unlike the Plymouth Prowler, the SSR was a monster performer with its beefy 390 horsepower engine. Unfortunately, the SSR was discontinued after 3 years.

Photography: Wikimedia Commons

Dodge Rampage

During the early 1980s subcompact sports cars with truck beds were all the rage, go figure. Dodge was determined to run with this fad and produced the 96-horsepower, root wheel drive, Rampage. It was discontinued after the 1984 model year.

Photography: Wikimedia Commons

Chrysler TC by Maserati

Maserati and Chrysler collaborated on a sports coupe between 1989 and 1991 that was built by Maserati but primarily used Chrysler parts and Mitsubishi engines. At more than $33,000, the TC carried a price tag more than double the amount of its indistinguishable twin, the Chrysler LeBaron.

Photography: automobilemag.com

Jeep Forward Control

During the 1950s and ’60s, Jeep produced an odd pickup truck that resembled a miniature cab-over-body style work vehicle. The Forward Control was a versatile commercial truck but couldn’t draw in consumers, so it was replaced with the Jeep Gladiator – a precursor to the J series truck.

Photography: Wikimedia Commons

1951 GM Le Sabre

This vehicle was only a concept model, but General Motors built the Le Sabre to be a fully-functioning showcase of their latest and greatest tech and design work. It provided a premium-level comfortable ride, as well as the sporty performance often reserved for smaller vehicles. The GM Le Sabre’s futuristic, aircraft-inspired elements set the tone for automotive design during the 1950s.

Photography: Historic Vehicle Association

1959 Lincoln Continental

After Ford’s short-lived experiment to make the Continental a hand-built luxury brand, they shifted production back to Lincoln for the 1959 model year. The car makes this list because of its outrageous styling and massive size. At 227 inches it’s the second-longest American car ever produced. That’s longer than most of today’s biggest SUVs.

Photography: salguod.net

Dodge Warlock

The Warlock was part of a questionable Dodge product line called “Adult Toys.” Buyers of the Warlock and other vehicles were given loads of visual customization options so that Dodge could capitalize on the boom in 4x4 purchases and truck customizations. Production only lasted from 1976 - 1979.

Photography: Dodge