Tattoos, man. Everybody’s got at least one these days. Me? Zero tatts. I’ve never felt strongly enough about anything to have it permanently written or drawn on myself, fully confident that I’ll always feel the same about whatever thing I paid someone to needle into my skin.
I could get behind a tattoo that reads “I Regret This Tattoo,” because it would A. always be true and (hopefully) B. would be funny, but since I’ve gone undecorated this far into life, I’m probably going to stay blank for the foreseeable future.
But what if I (or you) had to get a tattoo – specifically, a car-themed tattoo (or anything related to engines and motors and things with wheels, you get it)? Hilarious as it would be, I would probably not opt for a Camry across my chest, as shown in the top graphic (and no, I did not pose for that photo, but you’re kind for asking).
However, I could see myself getting a tattoo of a Honda XR100, just a sentimental reminder of a wonderful, simpler time before adult responsibilities and social media and screens and all that. Man, the future looked a lot different to me then, and not just because I was wearing a huge pair of glasses. In the same nostalgia mode, I’d happily get inked with a 1980 Honda Accord hatchback or Dodge Omni. Or a Plymouth Horizon, same thing.
Wait, who am I kidding? Forget that sappy nonsense, I want to be cool, man. I’m gonna get a tattoo of a TURBO! (CSI Miami scream):
QOTD:
Where is “turbo alternator tattoo guy” today? And is he still sporting this ink? pic.twitter.com/Q1OfMFYKzk
— Michael Klotz (@Mike_M_Klotz) March 7, 2024
Your turn: You Have To Get A Car-Themed Tattoo. What Would It Be?
Top graphic images: depositphotos.com; raseldesigner93/Vecteezy.com
A full back-piece of the original Wolfsburg crest.
I allready have Ome hotrods racing on one arm and soom to have Lincoln Continental ratfink on the other… Plus some flames, emblems, car clubs ar other kustom kulture specific rats
There is a great tattoo artist in Baltimore named Dave Wah who has done some really really cool car tattoos. You can find him on instagram at davewahtattoos.
My car’s shift pattern on my right hand… Not the most original, but one that I still like the idea of.
No. Just…No.
One of the old, highly detailed Alfa Romeo logos, but the guy in the serpent’s mouth has a crazed expression and is giving a thumbs-up.
I have a whole automotive related sleeve, kind of funny now that many of the parts are starting to become outdated and old-school (distributor, tach, etc.)
Landau bars from my hips down across my butt-cheeks is the obvious choice.
I’ve got the 10mm/12mm combo wrench from the OEM toolkit for my Volvo 1800ES on my upper right arm. On my left arm, I have the Japanese characters for “Gomi no sensei,” translates to “Master of junk.” It’s from a William Gibson short story, and it’s what I painted on the tank of my first motorcycle (a $50 Honda CB350 I bought on the side of the road). Yep, I’m a geek, but I like them.
https://logos-marcas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Honda-Emblema.jpg
100% Jeep Wrangler grill image, how has not one said this yet!? Maybe a trail rated badge?
My 11yo daughter drew a picture of a unicorn riding my motorcycle with flames shooting out of its horn. There is nothing I could imagine topping that.
I’d do a small De Tomaso logo on one of my arms as my uncle had a Mangusta for like 30 years and it has been one of my favorite memories growing up.
I’ve got Rollie Free on the Vincent pretty big on my shoulder.
I always thought the old Pontiac Chieftain emblem was pretty cool.
I’ve always wanted to get the inverted image of a shift pattern tattooed on my palm, Indiana Jones style.
Had a friend with a gray-market Skyline with that tattoo on his left palm.
It would be my daily driver going to my doctor to check my autoimmune system.
Ratta Tat
Objects are larger than they appear
Have worn loud shirts in my youth, and stopped when I no longer thought it was a good look, that and an aversion to a stranger perforating and injecting unknown pigments into me, leaves me unmarked beyond scars.
“Objects are larger than they appear”
Where exactly would this one go?
Oh, you know.
I guess my equivalent might be
Inspect Periodically and Service Immediately if Malfunctioning
It would be hard to fit that many words though.
*It would have to be hard …
Twenty-something years ago, while crossing the street at night (in a crosswalk, with a “Walk” signal!), I was hit (at slow but accelerating speed) by an oncoming vehicle, a mid-80s or so Cadillac. I always wanted to get a tattoo of the Cadillac hood ornament at the point of impact.
If I was a tattooed person I would probably get any of these:
– Toyota katakana “TEQ”
– Eagle and/or DSM logo
– De Lorean or DMC logo
– BTTF OUTATIME plate
– Abarth logo scorpion
– Volvo prancing moose
– Dog leg shift pattern
– Made In Detroit logo
– You Wouldn’t Download a Car
– “My other tattoo is in the shop”
72 Duster Tasmanian Devil logo (even tho I dont think it was actually an official log like the Roadrunner)
A friend of mine in high school had a Firebird logo tattooed on his shoulder. 30 years later, I wonder if he still thinks it’s cool.
As for me, do all the scars on my hands count?
Hot Wheels logo for sure!
Quadrifoglio symbol. Immediately spot another suffering Alfa-fool and commiserate together. Camaraderie for those sad heroes and a “hey, that guy/gal’s lucky” for the rest.
Check engine light.
You drive a VW?
When I drove a Contour SVT, the teeming hordes on the Contour.org forum called s CEL the “Contour Enthusiast Light.”