Cars, But Make It Art
What do you get when you mix raw imagination, a welder’s torch, and a refusal to settle for stock? You get rolling works of art that turn highways into runways and gas stations into photo ops. Custom cars aren’t just vehicles—they’re statements. From outrageous hot rods to jaw-dropping lowriders and one-off movie machines, these rides blur the line between engineering and pure spectacle.
Batmobile (1966)
The Batmobile of 1966, crafted by George Barris, used to be a 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car. It's famed for its red accents and bat-like wing tips. Its cool features raised the standards for all superhero cars to come.
Munster Koach (1964)
The Munster Koach, created by George Barris, merged three Ford Model T bodies into one creepy vehicle. Showcased on "The Munsters" TV series, it proudly displayed a 289 Ford Cobra engine and detailed gothic touches.
Bahooka, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ecto-1 (1984)
The famous Ecto-1 from "Ghostbusters" was initially a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance. The movie's production crew transformed it into the iconic vehicle we know, with its white and red paint job and ghost-busting gear on the roof. Its signature siren and unique look have since become associated with ghost hunting.
relux., CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
KITT (1982)
KITT, the car from "Knight Rider," was an incredibly sophisticated Pontiac Trans Am with built-in artificial intelligence. Recognizable by its cool black color and flashing red scanner bar, KITT could go for a cruise all on its own and carry out all sorts of cutting-edge activities.
1948 Tucker Torpedo
Way back in the late ’40s, the Tucker Torpedo looked like it had rolled straight out of the future. With a rear-mounted engine and independent suspension—features most carmakers wouldn’t dare touch for decades—it was the kind of car that made jaws drop. Sadly, only 51 ever hit the road before the company ran out of gas. The legend of this futuristic oddball was so good, Hollywood turned it into the 1988 film Tucker: The Man and His Dream.
Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jaguar E-Type (1961)
The Jaguar E-Type, which hit the roads in 1961, could impressively speed up to 150 mph and had fantastic control. Enzo Ferrari even dubbed it "the most gorgeous car ever crafted." Its stylish design still holds a legendary status in the car world.
1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
Aston Martin partnered with Italian car designer Zagato to create just 19 of these exclusive cars. They flawlessly combined top-notch performance with remarkable elegance, which is why these are so sought after by collectors.
Volvo P1800
Made between 1961 and 1973, the Volvo P1800 is famously remembered as the car Roger Moore drove in "The Saint." Its sleek look and dependable ride make it a timeless classic.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupe
The 1963 Sting Ray, known for its unique split rear window, stands as one of the most sought-after Corvette models ever produced. It marked a notable change in Corvette's design approach, focusing more on bold, edgy lines.
Hugh Llewelyn, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Nissan Skyline GTR R34
Built from 1999 to 2002, the Nissan R34 Skyline GTR wasn’t just fast—it was a street legend. With blistering speed and razor-sharp style, it became the dream ride of gearheads worldwide. Then came The Fast and the Furious, which rocketed the R34 into pop culture stardom. Today, this Japanese icon isn’t just a car—it’s a collector’s holy grail.
Tennen-Gas, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is quite the unique treasure with only 18 models made. It displays Italian car perfection with its fancy butterfly doors and robust V8 engine.
edvvc, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
DeLorean DMC-12
The DeLorean DMC-12, made between 1981 and 1983, is well-known because it was featured in "Back to the Future." With a shiny stainless steel exterior and distinctive gull-wing doors, it's a car you recognize immediately.
Mazda Miata
Launched in 1989, the Mazda Miata quickly turned into a timeless favorite with its feather-light structure and exceptional control. It breathed new life into the roadster market.
Vin Boyle’s 1959 Dodge Custom Royal Sedan
This car, famous for its extreme personalization, has a split body, tweaked backfins, and a potent 350hp Chrysler V8 engine. It's seen as a classic icon in the world of custom cars.
Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Neil Flynn’s XL Falcon Sedan
Born in the late ’60s, the Delta was a one-of-a-kind ride that turned heads everywhere it went. Styled after the sleek fastback lines of a Mustang, it had the look of pure speed even while standing still. Add in its shimmering metallic paint job, and it wasn’t just a car—it was a showstopper that snatched the spotlight from the moment it rolled onto the scene.
David Andrews’s 1953 Ford Customline
In 1967, this car won the title of 'Best Custom Car in Australia'. It made a name for itself with a bespoke nose, bronze sparkly paint, and various bodywork tweaks.
Tony Alessi’s AP5 Valiant
This car was transformed into a fastback and featured vertical tail-lights and a Perspex rear screen. Its bright red paint and unique styling captured attention in the mid-1960s.
Chris Keating, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
George’s 1939 Plymouth Coupe
Built in 1957, this car featured truck headlights, a custom grille, and a unique 'six-pack' carburetor setup. It was one of Australia's first 'flake-painted hot rods'.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Famous for its distinctive gullwing doors, this car was the fastest production car of its time. Its design and performance made it an instant classic.
1970 Dodge Charger "General Lee"
Blazing across TV screens in The Dukes of Hazzard, the General Lee became impossible to miss with its screaming orange paint and roaring V8 under the hood. More than just a car, it turned into a pop culture icon—forever cemented as one of the most recognizable symbols of American muscle.
1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake
Known for its immense power, this car combined a lightweight chassis with a powerful 427 cubic inch V8 engine. It remains one of the most revered American sports cars.
1964 Aston Martin DB5
Famous for its role as James Bond's car in "Goldfinger," the DB5 featured various gadgets and a sleek design. It remains one of the most iconic movie cars.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS
The 1969 Camaro SS is a classic American muscle car known for its aggressive styling and powerful performance. It remains a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts.
BMW 525i Art Car (1991)
This car showcases a design influenced by African Ndebele art, which makes it a one-of-a-kind model in the BMW Art Car series.
Olli1800, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
BMW M3 GTR Art Car (1992)
Italian artist Sandro Chia transformed this ride into a rolling canvas, covering it with wide-eyed faces that seem to stare right back at you. The result? A bold, slightly surreal masterpiece that turns the idea of “car art” into something you can’t look away from.
BMW 850 CSi Art Car (1995)
David Hockney used his paintbrush to show us what this car looks like on the inside, making the inner workings visible through his art. It was a painted masterpiece, instead of a canvas, he used a car.
BMW H2R Art Car (2007)
This car was encased in a cocoon of ice, symbolizing environmental concerns. It represents Eliasson's artistic exploration of nature and technology.
BMW M3 GT2 Art Car (2010)
Jeff Koons' design features vibrant colors that convey speed and power. The car raced at Le Mans, bridging art and motorsport.
Olli1800, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
BMW M6 GT3 Art Car (2017)
Cao Fei's design incorporates augmented reality, turning the car into a digital art piece. It pays homage to the carbon structure of race cars.
1976 Cadillac Eldorado "Mirage"
This car, given a stylish, modern makeover by Gene Winfield, boasts a set of unique tweaks, including a large-displacement V8. It still shines as a prime example of bespoke car artistry.
1959 Chevrolet Corvette XP-87 Stingray Racer
This radical concept car laid the groundwork for the legendary Stingray, blending futuristic lines with daring design innovations. More than just a prototype, it was Chevrolet showing off its crystal ball—a bold vision of what the next generation of sports cars could be.
Steve Ginn, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
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