Holi 2016: The most Colorful and Creative cars Ever!

Tata Nano Art car

Artist Ms. Sangeeta Babani and Mr. Anil Dingankar who painted the car across two days in front of audiences at the Palladium mall in Lower Parel undertook the Tata Nano Art Car project. It is a combination of abstract art and Indian themes and once finished, visited popular Ganesh Chaturthi pandals, famous Mumbai destinations, orphanage homes and children’s schools with the aim of spreading cheer. The Tata Nano Art car was made in September 2012.

BMW Art Cars

The Nano Art car’s original influences would have to be the BMW Art cars that have enticed audiences for decades now. With legends such as Andy Warhol and Alexander Calder getting their hands on equally legendary cars like the BMW 3.0 CSL, there are some serious masterpieces that the Art Car division has brought. In recent times, Jeff Coons and the M3 GT2 caught the attention of several people with the real car displayed at various locations the world over.

John Lennon's 1965 Phantom V limousine

John Lennon, the frontman for the Beetles was known to be slightly wild and nothing could encapsulate this genius and madness like his Phantom V does! After buying the car in 1965, the legendary artist had it painted bright yellow by coachbuilders J.P.Fallon. The The design was based on a Gypsy caravan, with a zodiac sign inscribed on the roof, and scrolls and flowers in a kaleidoscope effect painted on the sides and the wheels. He gave the car to the Smithsonian in 1977 and after being put on display for a while, the Smithsonian sold it to the owner of Ripley’s Believe it or not in 1985 for $2.3 million. The car is currently on display at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, Canada.

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Janis Joplin's Porsche 356c Cabriolet

She did pray to God for a Mercedes-Benz, but Janis Joplin drove a Porsche 356c Cabriolet which she bought second hand in 1968. The car was originally off-white which Janis found quite boring. She asked a groupie to paint the car to match her personality and the results were stunning. After her unfortunate death in 1970, the car went to her siblings who painted it to a plain grey. In 1995 the car was recreated to the same livery that it originally was in and offered to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a part of the Janis Joplin display. The car was sold a few months ago to a private collector by the Joplins for a stunning $1.76 million making it the most expensive 356 ever sold! In our opinion, this Porsche is also the prettiest ‘Art Car’ ever made.

The Gypsy Rose: 1964 Chevrolet Impala Lowrider

The Lowrider is possibly one of the most iconic type of American custom cars, and the Gypsy Rose is possibly the most famous lowrider of all time. Painted in a stunning and deep shade of pink with overlapping roses all over its glasslike pristine bodywork, the Gypsy Rose is a masterpiece dreamed up by late owner Jesse Valadez, then president of one of the most prominent lowrider car clubs in the world, The Imperials. The LA based cars has not only won hundreds of car shows and accolades but also has been one of the most influential custom cars in the Lowrider and the Latina community in LA and Southern California in general.

Trucks in India

The trucks of India definitely need an honorable mention in this story. Not only do some of them have highly detailed murals and art formations, most of them are personally and individually customized to the taste of the owners and drivers who spend thousands of Rupees on giving their trucks an individual look. Common themes include exotic scenery of their native areas, birds, flowers, abstract art and of course, women in ethnic authentic wear. And it is not just trucks that get the treatment. In many parts, you have commercial vehicles like Taxis and rickshaws that also get a similar arty treatment.

Think we have missed out on something? Add your comments and let us know if you think there are other cars that deserve to be featured here!