American artist Robert Luczun has been interested in the collector car hobby for some time, but he took his dedication to and participation in the hobby to another level when, in October 2004, he began turning an old 1928 Model AR Roadster Pick-Up into a real masterpiece.

While many collector cars are considered works of art, Robert’s truck is unlike anything else. He created a historical documentary on comics from 1896 to the present—on his Model A.

After 2600 hours of airbrushing and a lot of patience and love for both the collector car hobby and art, his “Car-Toon Truck” became filled with countless cartoon characters that had been created throughout the past century.

In an e-mail to Grundy Worldwide, Luczun says that this truck has become the most photographed at every event to which he takes it.

“It’s the headliner at every show,” he says. 

And not only does the older generation of collector car hobbyists stop by to check out Robert’s car, but the bright colors and characters draw in a younger crowd that would typically be drawn to the loud colors that are splashed on hot rods and muscle cars.

“Cartoons appeal to all of us, no matter what age,” he explained in an interview with Lowe’s Motor Speedway.  “And, our first instinct when we see figures like Snow White of the Jolly Green Giant is to touch them—see that they are real.  Kids are going to want to touch the car when they see it, and that’s okay. It’s part of the magic.”

Robert explained that this is why he does not require that the vehicle be roped off when displayed at shows, even though it would cost more than $200,000 to replicate the art.

In his e-mail to Grundy, Robert says that the truck goes from museum exhibits to comic book conventions, invitational auto shows, Concours d'Elegance auto exhibits and art festivals.

“And, a real wide range of folks photograph and just love it,” he says.

Robert goes on to say that his “Car-Toon Truck” has been featured in:

Automobile Magazine, Sport Truck Magazine, Auto Art Magazine, Model A News Magazine, Comic Book Resources, MSNBC Cagles web log, Comic-Con 2006, Jacob Javits Center NYC, Carlisle" Invitational" both Ford & Truck Nationals, Pa., Hershey Auto Show Hosted by MARC Magazine, Lowe’s Motor Speedway “Invitational " NC, Museum Exhibit “Masters of American Comics" N.J. & NYC, Comic-Con 2007 Jacob Javits Center NYC, the Autorama in Cleveland, Ohio, Steel City Con in Pitt. Pa, Smoky Hills River Festival in Kansas, theGlenmoor Gathering Concours d'Elegance 2007 where it was awarded a BLUE RIBBON, the magazine cover of Cars & Parts Magazine Oct. 2007, Vintage Truck magazine Dec. 2007, Ripley's Believe it or Not, 2008, Comic-Con 2008 Jacob Javits Center NYC... And, it was featured on "Barrett-Jackson on the Road" TV series Jan. 7, 2007.

Robert says that the size of the vehicle is 6' x 13' x 56" high.  He most recently worked on and finished a “History of the United States” trailer, towed by the Car-Toon Truck.  Photos of the truck and trailer are available here:

Photo 1: Entire Car

Photo 2: Close Up/ Hood Pass

Photo 1: History Trailer

Story by: Becky McLaughlin

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