Photos from the Cohort by robadr.
Here’s another creative curbside find, stuffed with what seems like every single Canadian trope one could think of. Being that the car was found in Canada, I suppose it’s either an example of their quirky sense of humor (most likely) or a dubious exercise in misguided local pride (very doubtful). Then again, maybe a truly ill-advised ploy by the local tourism board?
Just kidding. I know there’s no chance for the latter two. So what if we take a walk around this creative automotive prank? Just the kind of creation we’re so fond of here at CC.
“Far Out” and “Whole Lotta Love” are just the most visible signage from this angle. True those statements, Moose-Crossing-Canadian wonder. Honestly, the color combination and the effort put into this Moose-themed Austin is quite well sorted. Someone’s northern hippie spirit certainly has an artistic eye.
One detail; those painted eyes on the windshield’s sun visor look somewhat sleepy. A result of this photo’s angle? Or is this car under the influence of some narcotics?
Here’s, la pièce de résistance. The quite unique “Moose on the roof”, ready to drive you to “far out” places with a “whole lotta love” while “rambling on”. Just make sure to sing along to those Led Zeppelin tunes and not argue with the guy, for those boxing gloves show he’s ready to pick a fight.
Not that all that Moose-Arty creativity has expunged this old Austin of all vestiges of its former identity. As can be seen on the original hood ornament still in place; a lovely piece of Art Deco/Streamline design.
The instrument panel sticks to that “originality” mantra, probably to keep distractions at bay while driving.
However, the rear quarters serve once again as a canvas for creativity. But none that seem of Canadian influence. I guess it’s a homage to some other Commonwealth member? I get some Jamaican vibes from this arrangement. What do you see?
(Further photos of this “Mooseontheroof” mobile can be found online, and it’s a creation by British Columbia resident Lyle Brown-John.)
Further reading:
Curbside Classic: Austin A40 Somerset – Short, Chubby And Irresistible
Mr. Baron, from your recent post about the Packard dealer in Houston, Texas you are obviously familiar with my hometown and, probably, the Art Car Museum and annual Art Car Parade. There is also probably a write up about those somewhere on CC.
This Austin A40 van would be right at home in the parade. It may have participated in similar events in its own environs. “Misguided” exercise in local pride? How about joyous and exuberant exercise in local pride? I really enjoyed the post. Thank you.
Yup. I, and CC’s Jon Stephenson have got you covered. 🙂
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/car-art/curbside-travelogue-yes-there-really-is-an-art-car-museum/
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/uncategorized/parade-classic-the-art-car-parade-rolling-zaniness-from-a-more-social-time/
The Art Car museum and parade came immediately to mind upon seeing this…creation.
Nice car, eh? But why Led Zeppelin instead of, i dunno, The Tragically Hip?
“ART CAR” THAT WENT TOO FAR? THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TELLS ME THAT THE “INSTRUMENT PANEL” OF THE GREEN J40 PEDDAL CAR I HAD WHEN I WAS A KID, WAS AN ACCURATE IMITATION OF THE REAL THING. WISH THAT PEDAL CAR WAS STILL AROUND. THAT YUKON LICENSE PLATE IS REAL AND A DEFINITE COLLECTOR PIECE.
I love art vehicles and this one takes the cake! Might I suggest an alternate title for the post: La Pièce de Wind Résistance 😉
Perfect! 👍
It’s a good thing A40’s can’t go very fast. And that it never rains in Vancouver. 🙂
In response to the OP’s closing question, what I see is a ‘desperation level’ scream for attention.
It’s a little bit over the top for me but the Van itself is wonderful .
-Nate
Smart move putting those taillights up high on the body sides. The original was down low under the doors next to the licence plate – might be illegally low now.
If anyone cares, I’d put this at about a ’50-’51 – it has the large headlights with separate parking lights, has the vent windows in the doors but lacks the later stamped and painted grille. And the location of that floor shift lever suggests a gearbox swap. Hope they changed that 5.14:1 diff while they were underneath.