Honda Monster Element Art Car

The Honda Element may be one of the most delightfully strange and practical vehicles ever created, which made it the perfect foundation for one of my favorite art car projects. I’ve always loved its boxy shape, adventurous spirit, and ability to haul just about anything imaginable. It already looked like a cartoon character waiting to happen, so I decided to lean fully into that personality and transform it into the “Monster Element.”

Instead of adding large three-dimensional spots like I used on my monster truck project, I covered the Element in playful custom-cut polka-dot vinyl that makes the entire vehicle feel extra silly and fun. The main fabrication focused on turning the front end into a giant bright-green creature, complete with oversized goofy eyes and a whimsical grin packed with cartoon teeth. I wanted it to feel equal parts friendly monster, rolling sculpture, and unexpected burst of joy.

What truly brings the Monster Element to life, though, are the custom sound effects hidden inside. With the push of a button, it can say hello, goodbye, and my favorite, play a spontaneous five-second dance party that gets nearly anybody who experiences it moving and grooving (video below)

Want to collaborate on something creative, weird, meaningful, or wonderfully unexpected? Email me at ryan@mcguiremade.com.