Tulsa Man Creates Unique Car Design During Lockdown

A Tulsa man’s Covid-19 lockdown project is catching the eye of folks across Tulsa. It's not something you see every day, but it's sure to brighten the mood of those who do.

"When I see other people smile it makes me feel good, so there's really not a bad day when you're driving something like this," said Tulsa Artist Chris Wollard.

Wollard's art car kept him busy during lockdown last year. That's why he calls it "CARvid-19."

"It's kind of goofy, it's kind of crazy, but it's fun," said Wollard.

He says underneath all the shiny aluminum is a 1990 Mazda Miata he inherited from his late father. He's now transformed it into a retro-futuristic piece of art.

"For me, that was a way of connecting with him," he said.

The design was inspired by a toy car from the '50s, complete with retro-style rivets, an old Studebaker part, combined with the working headlights from the Miata.

"Still drives like a sports car. Looks like a spaceship, drives like a sports car," Wollard said.

Several people stopped by to check out the awesome car Wednesday at Buck Atoms Cosmic Curious on 66. The owner says it's unique art like the car that attracts people to the Mother Road.

"It's pretty amazing … it's not something you see every day driving down the road on Route 66," said Mary Beth Babcock.

Babcock says roadside attractions like her 20 foot tall Buck Atom statue on 11th street are a great draw for customers. She says she was honored when Chris added his car to the mix for a couple of hours.

"I'm imagining that Buck probably went for a cruise in this car last night. This is Buck’s car," Babcock said.

The two already know each other, because Chris built the giant rocket that Buck is holding. In fact, the fins on his car are made from leftover aluminum from that project.

"I tried to build everything on this car from what I had," Wollard said.

He says he would normally show off this car at art car parades, but several have been canceled during the pandemic. So, you’ll just have to catch a glimpse of it on the road.