By that definition, the SAAB J35 Draken (Dragon) - which was Gripen's Grand Daddy in the Swedish fighter hierarchy was also hideous. (Lansen->Draken->Viggen->Gripen).
But get this, Draken was developed in 1955! Yes- 1955. I think it was way too advanced for the world, no country other than Sweden could afford it. Design of small profile intakes, lifting body structure, supercritical type thin outer wing a la F104 starfighter, all trailblazing features for its day.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and sometimes practicality wins over beauty. Though Gripen is now a lot smaller than either Daddy or Grandpa.
Draken
Viggen
Gripen