Tim's Yarn Art Car makes into "Street View" Google Maps Club

My friend Tim and his Yarn Art Car recently made into the "Street View" Google Maps Club along with some other art cars who also are part of this elite club. The only requirements is that you have an art car that has been captured on Google Street View.

VeggieStreamer art-RV by Jay Hamburger - FOR SALE

The most amazing painted classic 1975 Land Yacht 25' Airstream travel trailer came across my email tonight and its for sale on craigslist right now. Its totally restored, updated and tricked-out in the most charming style......new awnings on both sides + new front tinted glass window protector/ sunshade, and new screens on all windows. A/C, heat, new 3000 watt generator and safest security hitch with sway bar control. Full frame-off restoration, completely refurbished....leaving classic elements to display the era of production. Less than 2000 miles since restoration and a veteran of several Houston Art Car Parades. Completely rebuilt full size bed + lounge couch which makes into another full sized bed....with storage beneath......wine rack and wine glass hanger. ALL NEW brakes, tires, refrigerator - A/C + LP gas, stove with cook top + oven, microwave/convection oven, toaster oven, battery, power converter, porcelain toilet, sink, shower, beds, lounge, tables, lights, draperies, fans, high-power audiophile sound system throughout the cabin.....with satellite radio and Viper paging alarm system with 1/4 mile range.....ALL NEW. Completely equipped with gear....new pots, pans, dishes, silverware, utensils, folding camping chairs tables and MANY other items. Local cash sale only.....after full payment will deliver up to 100 miles or arrange your own transport. Only sold complete.

Ford's Performance Problem

Has Ford painted itself in a corner for 2012 with its mind-blowing new V6 Mustang?

You're UnHumble Car Czar says, "Yep, probably" ... because now Ford's two new lower-line up-and-comers, the turbocharged Fiesta (2012) and (possible) turbocharged Focus (SWG: 2014) may bump up against or even pass Ford's 24k 305 hp secretary(it) pony on the price charts.

Traditionally V6 Stangs have never been competitive with hot hatches in a straight line, let alone in zigging and zagging. It's an all-new game for 2011; the lowliest pony now hits 60 in the low fives and slices and dices with any EuroSedan you care to mention.

Any.

With traction control, folding rear seats, and 30 MPG on the highway, practically every argument for choosing a hot-rodded economy car over what is likely America's best all-around sports coupe to-date disappears.

Ford should probably figure out how to raise the price of the Mustang, but this office thinks it's a much better idea to keep the prices of the blown Fiesta and Focus really, really low.

I am the CarCzar, and I'm here to help.

Nissan Z Art Car Invades The Streets - By Ted Mikulski

This hand drawn Nissan Z was created by artist Ted Mikulski using paint pens that took 160 hours or 11 days to bring to life. This art car was a reflection of an idea he had that art should not only be designated for areas like galleries and studios, but taken to the streets. The artwork has several themes including Pac-Man, Where's Waldo, Space Invaders (my all time favorite video game growing up), Tetris, Mario and others, all weaved together in a comprehensive abstraction. The car was then clear coated to permanently seal in the art work and was unveiled at the New Britain Museum of American Art in July of 2010. It is no longer a car, its an art car, nice work Ted.

Painted Mercedes Getting Stumped in New Zealand

This Painted Mercedes got stumped in New Zealand and was captured by John Geek while driving from Rotorua to Auckland. Its also seen on Google street view here. It's one way to the keep the tree from growing back, stump control.

Magic Bus, Byron Bay by Andrea Davies

Its a been a long time since I made a blog entry here on ACC, busy working on web design projects and getting under the hood of my Mercedes Pens Art Car for some much needed engine work.
But its great to get back into the game with this amazing Magic Bus, Byron Bay, the world's most colorful double-decker bus that is is now in service. This bus was painted by Andrea Davies also creator of the "wallpaper" Golf featured a while back here on ACC. Thank you for the submission.

Business as Usual for Innocents at Main Street AutoMall

Thank goodness car dealers have been exempted from financial lending reform. These hard-working local businessman would be hurt by the restrictive provisions of the U.S. government's latest Wall Street-bashing legislative fusillade according to multi-zillionaire West Coast Mega-Dealer Ron Tonkin.

"This is a win for my children, and my children's children, who would be sentenced to lives as mere millionaires if my dealerships could no longer screw those least able to afford to be screwed with sucker loan terms," Tonkin didn't say.

The nation's automotive landscape may be changing, with electric cars, six-cylinder Corvettes, and Buicks that handle better than BMWs.

But at least we know now we have preserved a little of that old-time automotive Americana:

Balloon note loan structures and PayDay lending-level interest rates for those too uncreditworthy or too dumb to look elsewhere ... loan payment insurance premium schemes ... all of which will keep Ron Tonkin and his fellow hard-workin' local Main Street businessmen in Bentleys and Ferraris when they're slumming it on St. Barts all winter.

Fear not, Automotive Nation. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, and sometimes Change is just Chump Change.