Signs of the Times

Here's hoping there weren't any sharp turns on the way home.

A hubcap collector proclaims Merry Christmas

Only in Texas — West of Hamiton, Texas

Messages from a concerned truck driver

BMW drivers have their own special parking spot in this lot!

They may have been slow, but they were cool. In fact, the VW Bug is still very cool.

Does this mean that one of the "Guys" has left the company?

Selling summer vegetables on the roadside!

Is this kind of like going in the out door?

Seems like a good time for a coffee break

A security device worth advertising

Be the talk of the neighborhood, and cut the lawn in record time with your hotrod mower.

Very resourceful — With the donning of a couple hats turn your Halloween decorations into Christmas yard art! (Photo by Jim Meachen)

And you thought smoking around gas pumps was dangerous?

This Range Rover abomination is ready for — off roading?

The bugs sure are bad this summer!

This truck seems to meet all the criteria

Happy New Year!

A very clever roadside sign that just may get you to slow down and do a double take.

This truck is in the toilet. No, this truck IS the toilet. This plumbing company wins "best use of an automobile in its business" hands down. You might flush all your cares away driving this monstrosity around town.

A very instructive street sign — at least once a month.

One of the best For Sale signs we've seen. This might be the ultimate version of the new "green" truck. But probably time for a new set of tires.

Winter can be an artistic season. For example, here's a stop sign that has been decorated during a snowstorm somewhere in the northern climes of the country.


This farmer has put a couple of hay bails to good use creating usual yard art with an old pickup and an unidentified smashed car. (Photo by Howard Wright)

This person is probably getting more use out of the rear wing eating her lunch than she has ever gotten while driving the car.

The proverbial fork in the road. Seems someone had a lot of time on their hands.

There's probably a lot of truth in advertising with this sign


Making good use of used tires. A tire store in Kinston, N.C., has an impressive Christmas display featuring a lighted Christmas from a pile of tires. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

This unique road sign might get more attention than "Warning, clearance 12 feet."

This old Fiat 500 serves as an advertising device for a number of firms in Milford, Pa. Might be the new winner of our unofficial "best use of old cars as advertising signs" contest. (Photos by John Matras)


Some farm humor — These bales are practicing good manners during the COVID-19 crisis of 2020.


The "Toilet Paper Pandemic" may be what the coronavirus outbreak of 2020 will be known for in the history books. The inexplicable hoarding of toilet paper has left non-hoarders scrambling to find a suitable substitute. And it has given rise to humous roadside signs.

Here's a great example of salesmanship in the time of a toilet paper pandemic. From Mickey's Pastry in Goldsboro, N.C. We call it "eat and wipe!" (Photo byJim Meachen)

So you enjoyed big horsepower in your driving days. Why settle for anything less now that you are scooting around in Walmart? This may be just the ticket. And you can do some wheelies down the aisles.

Another (politically incorrect) sign of the times

LimePod car-sharing service of Seattle was shut down in the fall of 2019 leaving hundreds of Fiat 500 cars stored in a lot near near Renton, Wash. The future of car sharing in the U.S. has been in question in recent months. It seems that unless a car sharing service is owned by rental car company or car manufacturer, it is not sustainable.

Was this automotive mashup built for an impending zombie apocalypse or perhaps as an alien fighter ready for action at Area 51? It appears to have been crafted from a mid-60s Chevrolet. Or maybe not. MotorwayAmerica contributing photographer Ralph Gable discovered this "thing" in his many travels in North and South Carolina.

Here is a true hybrid car with an authentic Toyota Prius front end. At least the front and rear hubcaps on the same, tying the entire design together. Perhaps someone had too much time on their hands with a welding torch?

It never ceases to amaze us how people choose to decorate their cars in outlandish costumes. This work of art stands out as one of the most outlandish. The "Owl Car" was discovered in a parking lot in Bisbee, Ariz. (Photos by Jim Prueter)


We must admit, there is some truth to this sign found along a Southern highway.
From www.yesemails.com


We applaud the person who — perhaps during a sleepless night — thought this one up — appearing on a business sign in eastern North Carolina sign.

There's not many places left in the country where Clark Kent can do a quick change into his Superman outfit, but we found one in Carmel, Calif., complete with a telephone. While cellphones have made the telephone booth obsolete, these booths might come in handy if your battery has died. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

This 1953 International pickup enters our "best use of vehicle for an advertising sign" category at Old 300 BBQ in Blanco, Texas. (Photo By Peter Hubbard)

This 1950 Ford truck works well in our "vehicles used as advertising signs" category. It was found outside the Old Oyster Factory Restaurant on Hilton Head Island, S.C. Very nice restoration. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

Two more entries in our "best use of a vehicle for a sign" category — a 1950 Chevy pickup and a vintage Volkswagen bus found advertising Marley's restaurant at the Harley-Davidson store in Lindon, Utah. (Photos by Jim Meachen)

It seems these Florida alligators have developed sign-making skills.


An unexpected tourist attraction heading to highway 62 in North Carolina.

A Cadillac-sized chicken from the past


Someone was very considerate to think of our senior citizens.

Tow Mater, a 1951 International Harvester boom truck, is a major character in the movie "Cars" and its sequels. And the embodiment of Tow Mater lives in Galena, Kan., the town along Route 66 used as the model for Baxter Springs, the fictional town in the movie. You can find Tow Mater look-a-likes across the country. One just showed up on U.S. 301 near Kenly, N.C. It's an old GMC tow truck that kind of looks like the son of Tow Mater. (N.C. photo by Jim Meachen)


No other words necessary.


Could this be the new Volvo "woody?" It's definitely a new take on vacationing
in a Volvo wagon.

Anchors Aweigh — It's a pretty good bet this big guy won't ever see water again. The rusting hulk was found in a car junk yard in North Carolina. Might make a good — albeit large — yard ornament. (Photo by Ralph Gable)


A scene from yesteryear on old Route 66 in Kansas depicting a famous brand of gasoline from the '50s and a vintage Packard sign. The UHaul truck adds a bit of nostalgia with its Route 66 Story painted on the side. (Photo by Ted Biederman)


Has Home Depot entered the car business, and is this its first prototype?

Could this Ferrari be owned by someone who wants to be "politicly correct?" Or is this a prototype of a new Toyota Prius convertible sports car? (Photo coutesy of The Virtual Driver)

Signs of earlier times — According to Jack Klobna: "I took this pix (picture) in the 1970's. It is on Choteau  Ave. in St. Louis, which was famous in the early 20th Century for Brain Sandwiches (use a lot of mustard). It was not uncommon for dolts to be told to take a quarter down to Choteau to get some brains. The building is no longer standing."

This circa 1955 Chevy Apache pickup was spotted in a Lowe's parking lot sporting some great patina. That's not to mention the wide whitewall tires. Very nice! (Photo by Jim Meachen)


Hey, somebody, I need full service here. I'm just "too pooped to pump."
This unusual yard art was seen in southern Utah. (Photo by Jerry Brown)


Built for the apocalypse? This monster school bus should be able to carry the kids to whatever is left of the school — providing they can find a way to climb inside.


Perhaps a true-blue Volkswagen family lives in this house in South Carolina, and they wanted to show their loyalty to the German brand by creating a unique display. Picture courtesy of Bart Jackson's Facebook page.


Seldom do you find that kind of love and devotion to the long-departed Edsel.
Spotted along Route 66 in Arizona. (Photo by Jim Meachen)


This may be the most innovative "please wait to be seated" signs we've seen. Found at a restaurant in Holbrook, Ariz., where we didn't have to wait to be seated. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

This excellent likeness of a California black bear was discovered lurking at the Bear Camp River House near Snowmass, Colorado. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

Imagination with flower pots has resulted in a very attractive yard display.

And who says you can't take it with you? Gerry Cameron shot this picture of a hearse pulling the stuff someone wants taken with them.


Perhaps this is the new Volkswagen Wooden Shed Concept? It might make for nice, but tight, living quarters, but as a road-going vehicle it doesn't appear very aerodynamic.

This is the story of the Outback. How about this? An Outback pulled by an Outback parked at the Outback. Never happen, right? (Photo by Brad Hennig)

Perhaps this little guy is another satisfied Walmart shopper. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

Another entry in our "best use of a vehicle for a sign" contest is this 1954 Ford panel truck spotted in Cedar Point, N.C. The owner says it goes by the nickname, Miss Fannie. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

Yard art takes on all forms of expression. We particularly enjoy seeing the "the art of abandoned car." This specimen was discovered in the Boone area of northwestern North Carolina. (Photo by Jim Meachen)


We must ask, is this the new woody? Perhaps the owner of this car has an aversion to paint?

The Bed Bug enters our contest for best use of a car to advertise a business. A novel idea that certainly catches the eye. Almost as good as the barbecue restaurant in Georgia that uses a Bug as an outdoor cooker. (Photo by Ralph Gable)


A German couple was was spotted using this giant German-manufactured Man truck as a camping vehicle while traveling through Alaska. All the comforts of home with the advantages of an armored military vehicle. (Photo by Jerry Brown)


This falls under the heading "use what you've got on hand." Could you please turn that
thing to hot?

This old Honda might be the rustiest drivable car in America. (From Neglected and Abandoned Cars)

It's been a cold winter, but it still might prove wise to check the depth of the ice before driving your two-ton pickup onto the lake.

We were unable to discover how much "rent" this jewel of pickup truck commands. But we don't expect to have to wait in line for this northern California rental car gem. (Photo by Jim Meachen)


This guy must be a prolific hunter or a taxidermist advertising his work.


This is a bad sign. A Mercedes-Benz hood ornament has gained some freakish "hair" in the form of snow and ice, a sign that old man winter has arrived with all his fury.


Mark Madson, known for his bizarre automotive creations, restored a 1959 Chevrolet pickup and with the help of a crane placed it 30 feet in the air in a tree near his house in 1994. It has been featured on Ripley's Believe It or Not and is an attraction along highway 43 about six miles east of Beloit, Wis.

Spotted in a shopping center parking lot a "two-story" pickup. Someone used left-over lumber and somewhat suspect ingenuity to turn this old Dodge Dakota pickup into a moving van of sorts. (Photos by Jim Meachen)


Cats can find the most unusual places to nest. Here's a rather innovative spot for a resourceful feline. But be ready to move in a hurry, buddy.


It might prove advantageous to follow this wine truck around for awhile.


Wouldn't you know it — finally go electric and there's no outlets in the neighborhood!

Another entry in the vehicle sign sweepstakes. This sign found in northeastern South Dakota. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

This road sign can probably be found only in Alaska. And that's where this sign alerting drivers to slow down for dog teams was photographed. (Photo by Jerry Brown)
 


Roadside redundancy at its finest. (Photo by Russ Heaps)


We got pretty close, so we're happy these guys were chained down!
 

A message worth reading


A new take on the hybrid vehicle — John Deere meets the VW Beetle


Historic Thompson's Store in Saluda, N.C., (top photo) proclaims itself the oldest grocery store in the state, founded in 1890. Does that make M.A Pace Co. General Store — which also proclaims itself a grocery store — in the next block of downtown Saluda, the second-oldest grocery store in North Carolina? It was established in 1899. We found it interesting that the two stores with origins in the 19th Century are only about 100 yards apart. (Photos by Jim Meachen)

A bird comes out of its "home," a wheelwell on a sport utility vehicle to perhaps check the weather. Looks sunny. (Photo by Jim Meachen)



Someone used considerable imagination to construct this head-turning Halloween display in central Virginia. It didn't hurt that they had a rusted-out Dodge vehicle from the mid-20s as the base for their "haunted truck." (Photos by Jim Meachen)

A Falcon nesting in a tree. Incredible.


Pink elephants are rare, so when you see one it's worth noting. And
worth a picture. This rather nice specimen was spotted on Highway 41,
near Hopkinsville, Ky. (Photo by Paul Borden)



The owner of this early '80s Cadillac believes in squeezing every ounce of life out of an old car. This Caddy's life as a luxury passenger vehicle is history, but that doesn't mean the big car can't be converted, in this case as a mule for a small business. (Photos by Ralph Gable)
 


These 1963 Ford Galaxie "zombie cars" were found on a rural road near Portland, Ore. The "zombies" are stripped of their headlights (eyes), engines (heart) and dashboards (soul) and make a very interesting display for passers-by. What's the deal with these cars and several others parked around the yard? There was nobody on the premises and we were left wondering. (Photo by Jim Meachen)
 

Perhaps it's time for a new top! (Photo by Jim Meachen)

This unusual set of mannequins displays how jeans are supposed to be worn! This particular display was found at a store in Puerto Rico. (Photo by Francine Tompkins)


This is one gas station where hot dogs seem to be as important as gas —
and a whole lot cheaper. (Photo by Jim Meachen)


These friendly cows guard an old Mack firetruck in a North Carolina field.
(Photo by Ralph Gable)


That explains it — government employees at work.


We think Starbucks should reposition its signage on these
model trucks — or maybe it's just truth in advertising?


Nothing says Christmas like a decked-out smartfortwo


Seniors can tidy up for under $16


Someone please put a message here — make this sign feel wanted.



One of the most intriguing sculptures involving a vehicle that we have run across is the Calistoga Mineral Water Company truck with its driver and dog situated on the grounds of the famous Calistoga Mineral Water Company near Calistoga, Calif. To commemorate the founding of the company, the larger-than-life sculpture was erected several years ago. At six tons, 14 feet tall and 35 feet long, it is an oversized version of the 1926 truck that the company founder and his dog, Frankie, drove over narrow dirt roads to the California State Fair in Sacramento, where his water won gold medals year after year. Today, Calistoga Water is one of the most popular bottled waters in the world. (Photos by Jim Meachen)
 


A real sign of the times?


This P.T. Cruiser is ready for sale — or maybe Halloween?


We've run into this kind of "department" over the years (Jim Meachen)


We would enjoy watching someone get in, and then fall out of this jacked-up
old Ford pickup.  (Jim Meachen)
 


Excellent advice!


Chainsaw massacre — A sight to see on a country road in Washburn County, Wisconsin
(Photos by Jerry Brown)
 


Does this monstrosity have a reverse gear? Someone had plenty of time on their hands, time to
weld two old 1980s era Chrysler Corp. minivan front ends together. Seen near Newark, N.J.
(Jim Meachen)


Elvis is in the house — or just outside the front door — at
Yana's Ye Olde Drugstore Restaurant in Swansboro, N.C.
(Jim Meachen)


Riding in the clouds. An advertising sign seen in eastern N.C. (Photo by Ralph Gable)


This 1949 or '50 Studebaker truck lives on as a roadside sign for Miller's Grocery in
Christiana, Tenn. (Jim Meachen)


The increased trunk space option


We can only speculate, but this guy probably got caught in New Jersey
traffic near McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst joint bases (Photo by Ralph Gable)


The latest front-yard fashion statement — a license
plate palm tree found in Nashville, Indiana
(Jerry Brown photo)


A new way to recycle old license plates


Good use of billboard


She scores!


This is an idea worth pursuing


Anything exciting happen to you today?


Fair warning on a ranch in Utah


Was this tow truck parked illegally? (Gretchen Bird)


To do list — fix the sticking sunroof


A limo with sleeping quarters — in case things get interesting!


Living in harmony


Never, never say "always"


Rust never sleeps


What to you want to bet this bike has chronic back pain?


Don't throw out those old beads filling the attic, make use of them. This
"B Dazle" 'd car was found at a street market in Roanoke, Va. (Jim Meachen)


Contender for pumpkin carving championship


Things to do list — Fix door on panel wagon or repaint sign


A giant "Transformer" made from old cars and scrap metal stands
tall in a town about 25 miles south of the Black Sea port of Odessa.
(GreenDiary)


Best use of pumpkins in a Halloween display


Old school buses never die, they just become basements


McDonald's latest offering?


It's only fair.


Fear the barrel monster at Plant Delights Nursery near Raleigh, N.C.
(Jim Meachen)


A good reason for a sale


Dinosaur pet seen in South Dakota


The tin man has left the Emerald City and has apparently found a new home
on a farm in eastern North Carolina. Or perhaps he's just visiting.
(Jim Meachen)


Is it a plane, is it a car, is second-row headroom compromised? This strange
vehicle was found on a used car lot in Arizona. (Photo by Jerry Brown)


Got to check it out for false advertising  (Photo by Jerry Brown)


We wonder if the horn squeals rather than honks


Perfect fix for a broken shoulder belt


A goat expresses its love for an old Ford pickup


Please hurry back, I'm so bored! (Photo by Jerry Brown)


A group of joggers in Seattle (Jim Meachen)


No comment necessary


Fair warning in Eagle River, Wis.  (Photo by Jerry Brown)


Gone are the days of the neighborhood country store that sold everything
from gas to groceries — and Coca-Cola, as the faded sign proclaims.
This abandoned relic sits in rural Wayne County, North Carolina.
(Jim Meachen)


Making use of every square inch of a Nissan Cube


Wonder if this guy has filed with the U.S. patent office?


Hey, honey I'm stuck at the beach. I mean I am REALLY
stuck at the beach!


Sorry, this forest is reserved for bears. (Photo by Jerry Brown)


A redneck version of the electric window


Another interesting sign using an antique car. This one found in northern California.
(Photo by Jerry Brown)


A deal too good to miss — three free tans with a propane tank purchase
(Photo by Jerry Brown)


Another entry for our "best use of car in a sign" sweepstakes. This neat 1957 Chevy
sign is on an Espresso business in Sequim, Wash. (Photo by Jerry Brown)


Could these be the latest version of the famed Recaro bucket seats?


Traveling the parking lots of America in style in a Buick camper


There are always exceptions to every warning


Could this be a better idea?


With gas prices at record levels these folks might have the right idea


Redneck house boat


We'll keep the light on


Unique hands free phone


It's looks neater that way


Can't tell if the driver's blond, but the odds are .....


Make that medium rare, please


Is this a new version of car pooling?


Perhaps "litter free" is just a suggestion


You back the boat in? No one explained that to me


Can you tell me the way to San Jose?


It's kind of a psychic thing


They do serve salad at Mickey D's. Friends of Irony


Make it an unforgettable Valentine's Day experience


Get it right for the next person


One-stop shopping


Tell it like it is!


More smelly humor from out septic tank cleaning friends.


A candidate for "Best Use of Car in a Christmas Scene"


Fair warning to parents


Name calling is not necessary


Sometimes those pesky mosquitoes feel this big


Truth in advertising


But it's a cold sun!


A candidate for the bumper sticker sweepstakes


Drop down a floor


Somebody must have been served some bad food


For the elderly with really short memories


Nice use of truck and motorcycle at this establishment near San Antonio, Texas
(Jim Meachen)


The political Studebaker — This 1953 or 1954 Studebaker serves as a prop
for a lawyer who seeks office as prosecutor in Nashville, Ind. Perhaps he's
called the "Studebaker Lawyer."
(Photo by Jerry Brown)


Another candidate for "best use of car in business sign" was found
in Cleveland, N.C.      (Jim Meachen)


This neat little band of "ghost riders" was seen in Richfield, Wis.
(Photo by Jerry Brown)


Two sports in one — four wheelin' and water skiin'


The REAL batmobile revealed


A big Texas passenger
 


That's a two-stroke penalty! Car lands in sand trap
in Hartford, Conn.


Front yard art — an ice cream loving dinosaur


A unique offer — car wash and salad


Please help me get these boulders off my front lawn!   (Jim Meachen)


This rather unusual yard art was spotted in Rutland Township, Wis., using
an early-model mid-80s Dodge Caravan or Plymouth Voyager (hard to tell the
difference) as the centerpiece.   (Jim Meachen)


Effective use of billboard advertising


Very unique way of saying "baby on board"


Tell it like it is!


Truth in advertising — this "highway'
runs about 200 feet  (Ted Biederman)


Another entry in our Best Use of Automobile in a Road
Sign sweepstakes (Ted Biederman)


Grand prize winner in the Redneck Limo category


Sir, could you lower the volume just a tad?


It's how you look at it


The bushes next door are free


Think this sign will work? We don't either


Nice paint job


Mr. Clean was here


A true multi-tasker — a spoiler that can serve at sporting events as
a neat tailgate serving tray and/or table.


If his wife can't convince him to remove this decal, he's probably best left alone.


Never waste a good flood — let's go fishing!

———————


How to impress your neighbors with amazing garage door covers


A German firm, "Style Your Garage," creates posters for garage doors that make it look
as if it's actually showing the interior of the garage, and what's in it!
Prices range from
$199 to $399 for the double-door.

—————————

 
Innovative BMW billboard

 
Speed controls in Canada. Fake pot holes slow down drivers as they "straddle
the bad pavement."


Two examples — clever use of billboard space


An oldie but goodie


A sign maker's practical joke?


Please help our insect friends     


Memorable automotive billboard of the recent past


A candidate for the "Best Use of an Automobile in a Business
Sign" is this "cooker" at Beetles BBQ in Woodstock, Ga.
They have great ribs.  Don't know if they were cooked in a Volkswagen.
(Jim Meachen)


This Oklahoma eating place is for the man who
is REALLY hungry — and super size the fries, please!


Buying genuine products is always the best bet


There are some places that you just can't leave      


Road painter has great respect for fallen limbs 

 
A plea to thieves                   


Thanks for the warning      

                 
We're not exactly sure what kind of statement this guy
on a busy Boston street is trying to make, but we hope
his "load" is secured.
     


Seems like our trip has come to an end

 
At least it's a good view from the bridge                      

 
That puddle was a little deeper than I thought 


Joe, how about checking on the next train

   
In case directions are needed          What the heck, flip a coin and take a chance!


No need to scream, it's time for my Blizzard


Perhaps its best not to block this driveway   


Don't abandon your old pickup, make use of it to advertise your business such as this strawberry farm on the northern coast of California. (Jim Meachen)



Smelly businesses with a great sense of humor




There's more than one way to get a job done — even if the fix
is a bit unconventional


Can't say you were not forewarned


Things have been going down hill


Can a rural two-lane bridge hold a house? The answer is — apparently not!   


This is our kind of bar! But where do you put the designated driver?


I'll take mine medium rare, please


Riding ducks isn't easy!


HAHA yourself!


Is the cemetery trying to tell us something?  

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