Quirky Wheels
The pick of the parade: 10 Art Cars that you can't miss
The 299 unique cars on display in this afternoon's Art Car Parade are quite an eyeful. Here are one CultureMapper's picks for 10 vehicles to keep your eyes peeled for — before they peel away.
#8 Dan Aykroyd and Annise Parker: Ms. Mayor touted the Art Car Parade on National Public Radio as one of the coolest aspects of life in Houston. And it looks like Annise likes riding in art cars with boys: joining her is Canadian comedian, actor, screenwriter, musician winemaker and vodka savant Dan Aykroyd.
#14 Seahorse: Entered by Mark "Scrapdaddy" Bradford, this electric three-wheel contraption is built from recycled scrap metal. Green and fierce — just like we like it.
#19 The Jackson Pollackar: Midcentury abstraction meets 21st-century mobilization — minus the traumatic car crash.
#49 Shattered Vanity: One of the handful of art cars that is used daily, this blingmobile carries over 250 pounds of hand cut mirrors, lit on top and underneath by LEDs.
#75 Oojah: Model magic mixed with friendly monster, Oojah dazzles with an LED light show and propane flamethrower.
#93 Brunnhilda's Encore: Also staking out a seat for Annise, this entry is the concept of Opera to Go and previously won the first place Art Car award.
#192 Illuminaughty: This is a 28-foot long tricked-out 1988 Lincoln Continental Town Car Stretch Limousine originally from the state of California. Rumor has it that it has served as a crash pad to a lucky few.
#227 Percy Peacock: Inspired by the avian drawings of James Audubon, this item features kinetic tail feather mechanics. Be jealous.
#240 Fiesta Plata: Haloise Redding's entry will make its debut on her 25th birthday, hence the piñata inspired antics. At last night's Art Car Ball, the trunk was left open, revealing bushels of candy for all to enjoy.
#299 Atomic Dog: The brain child of students of Waltrip High School, this rococo gizmo is worth the wait.
Looking for more inside scoop? Refer to CultureMap's Art Car Parade mobile guide to put the parade in the palm of your hand. You can get details on every art car and locate the best viewing spots for one of Houston's most unique events.
