Crazy, Sexy, Cool–and WTF?!?–Vehicles from the Petersen Vault

Crazy, Sexy, Cool–and WTF?!?–Vehicles from the Petersen Vault

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WTF?!?

Team Speed - Rad Rides from the Petersen Vault

Where to begin….Is it steampunk farm equipment? Is it a longhorn themed carriage with a spiked steamroller? Was this the embodiment of “The Homer,” the car Homer Simpson designed on The Simpsons? Maybe.

Actually, this is a custom built 1900 Overland covered wagon manure spreader, sans cover. We know, it was going to our next guess, too. This vehicle comes with a fun backstory: Bob Hope purchased it in the 1970s from a custom shop as a birthday gag gift for John Wayne, which (we hope) explains the fake manure in the back! While this is completely insane, it is also undeniably a very well executed build with remarkable details. No bull.

Finally, we have a car that will take you to church. The 1998 Cadillac DeVille Popemobile was custom built by General Motors Mexico for the late Pope John Paul II to use during a visit to Mexico City. A custom stretch Cadillac? Preach!

Crazy, Sexy, Cool--and <i>WTF?!?</i>--Vehicles from the Petersen Vault

The holy Caddy convertible was modified with a longer body and included a step-up papal seat on a platform. The DeVille included official Vatican seals and flags. The Pope’s security detail deemed it unsafe for his appearance, but the car was blessed by the Pontiff. Can we get an Amen?

Team Speed - Rad Rides from the Petersen Vault

To see these and many more incredible cars, be sure to check out this special event at Petersen.

Photos for Team Speed by David M. Ciminelli

 

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Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.


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