MONKEES, Rock, Pinups, Escablade, Pinto Shorty & THANKS!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING from The Fireball Tim Garage! “I hope your Holidays are filled with JOY, LOVE and COOL CARS… and wanted to personally take this time to THANK ALL OF YOU who have supported OUR CAR CULTURE this year. It’s my sincerest desire to not only be grateful for THANKSGIVING, but to be grateful ALL YEAR LONG for the LOVE and KINDNESS you’ve sent me through your emails, texts, social and actual HUGS at shows. The world would be a better place if it were one big car show.
I’d be nothing without all of you… and I mean that. So, thank you.” -The Ball
And although most people take this day to EAT TOO MUCH, TALK TOO MUCH and then SLEEP, we here at the Garage are committed to GIVING YOU COOL CARS! So let’s start of with an all-new MONKEEMOBILE MASTERPRINT! Were, and ARE you a fan of the MONKEES? Would you ever NOT be?? Especially with the Dean Jeffries-Built PONTIAC… this Band had it goin’ on!
BUT DID YOU KNOW?? The Monkeemobile featured a split windshield, bucket seats, a third row bench, a rear-mounted parachute and a GTO emblem on the front grille. A second Monkeemobile was built to promote the show and was displayed at shopping centers and fairs, identical to the first, but came with air conditioning! Model Products Corporation (MPC) sold seven million toy Monkeemobile model kits, but the original Monkeemobile sold for $360,000 at auction in 2008. Each member of The Monkees was given a brand new 1966 Pontiac GTO as part of their contract!! Nice!
Also in today’s MONKEEBLAST, Classic Icon ROCK HUDSON poses with WHAT CAR? Fireball snaps with HOT ROD HOLLY at a SoCal Car Show, Fireball’s ESCABLADE Concept was an early Toy that didn’t make the cut, but it was cool… Family Vacation TRUCKSTER, Fifties Diner PINUP, FORD TORINO MUSCLE spotted on the STREETS OF VENTURA, Fireball’s TRUCKSTER ART is in the garage and waiting for YOUR WALL and lastly… Who’s got the BEST SMILE on the Planet?? Automotive Icon JO CODDINGTON does, that’s who… ONLY AT SEMA, baby!
- SUBSCRIBE to the Fireball Tim Garage BLOG for a daily dose of AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE CARS! www.fireballtim.com
- See what’s new in THE GARAGE! https://fireballtimgarage.art
- Fireball Tim is a Hollywood Concept Artist responsible for the design of over 400 film & TV Show Cars, Weapons, Sets, Props & Worlds.
- THANK YOU for LEAVING A REVIEW in the Garage! It really helps!
10% of all Sales goes to DOG RESCUES, so the Pups THANK YOU! - UNSUBSCRIBE HERE by sending an email to askfireball@fireballtim.com with UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject Line.
When all else fails… SHORTY FORD PINTO!!
Just when you thought you’ve seen everything, along comes a turbo’d, 1400lb SHORTY PINTO for today’s BEST OF SHOW… that is so short, you’d swear it was a Diecast. Take a peek!
1929 FORD MODEL A with a PINTO MOTOR! – Fireball Malibu Vlog 1013
1929 FORD MODEL A with a PINTO MOTOR! – Fireball Malibu Vlog 1013 – In today’s Vlog… at the Malibu Car Show, Fireball spots a very unique 1929 Ford Model A… Malibu Christmas goodness also.
URBAN OUTLAW, Mad Max, SPFX, Spock, Chevys, Dukes & ATeam!
Good Morning folks, and WELCOME TO AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE DAILY! Let’s launch outta the gate with Magnus Walker’s URBAN OUTLAW PORSCHE 277 and the MAD MAX MFP POLICE CAR! Imagine a chase with these guys through the night-time downtown Streets of LA! Now that’s a CHASE!
DID YOU KNOW?? The MFP (Main Force Patrol) Pursuit Special from Mad Max was a heavily modified Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe. Supercharged with 600 horsepower. The MFP is a small, underfunded group of highway patrol officers in a dystopian Victoria, Australia. But I guess they have enough funding for some serious cars!
Also in today’s PURSUIT BLAST… a Vintage snap with SPFX Wiz STAN WINSTON while working on a new film called “REGGIE” about a found Bigfoot Child which Stan was to direct. In development for several months, but sadly Stan passed away and the film dissolved.
Also… a MONSTER TRUCK PINTO? Well, why not? Plus, SPOCK loved cars and he especially loved his BUICK RIVIERA! Didn’t fit as many as the ENTERPRISE, but it was cool.
Today’s COMMISSION ART! This CHEVY MALIBU “CHEVHELL” client wanted something extreme… and that’s what Fireball does best! And a new version of Carson Lev’s 1960 CHEVY BEL AIR on a MUG! Should Fireball do more Collectible Chevy’s? LEAVE A COMMENT as to what you’d want him to SKETCH NEXT!
And lastly… rockin’ the Duke’s CHARGER through Malibu was a cool experience. Although nowadays might ruffle a few feathers… JUST A CAR, PEOPLE!
NEW BEST OF SHOW EPISODE TOMORROW and watch ART TALK LIVE this morning at 8am(pst) on FACEBOOK LIVE from Fireball’s Page!!
*New AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE ART on Mugs, Canvas & TeeShirts are in THE GARAGE! https://fireballtimgarage.art
*SUBSCRIBE to the FIREBALL BLOG to see MORE! https://fireballtim.com
*THANK YOU for LEAVING A REVIEW in the Garage! It really helps and 10% goes to DOG RESCUES.
*UNSUBSCRIBE by responding to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject Line.
LIL’ BASTARD, Rick Springfield, Angels & BEST OF SHOW 240Z!
Welcome to AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE DAILY!! Our ears are ring’in with Car Coolness this morning, so let’s get started with Fireball’s LIL’ BASTARD, BOND 2CV, JEEP BLACKHORSE Sketches!! Commissions are now open of you have a Badass Ride… and want it SKETCHED!! (Wait until you see what’s comin…!’)
DID YOU KNOW?? James Dean bought his Lil’ Bastard a week before his fatal crash in 1955, and it was Porsche’s most sought-after sports racer at the time. Dean gave the car the nickname “Little Bastard” and wrote the letters on the back of the car himself. The car’s transaxle was the only known remaining part of the car and it sold in 2021 for a whopping $387,000!!
Also in today’s LIL SCREAMER BLAST… Fireball hangs with builder RICH EVANS at SEMA, scoots VENTURA on THE BEAST, spots RICK SPRINGFIELD’S CORVETTE in Malibu, shoots the shizz with Car Show Peeps RICK WHITE and ANNOUNCER BOB BECK, drives a weird like racer (What is it?), SKETCHES for FANS at DISNEYLAND and… SABRINA gets her own CHARLIE’S ANGELS PINTO MUG!!
Today’s BEST OF SHOW scoots Fireball to VENTURA CARS & COFFEE! WATCH BELOW and check out the insane DATSUN 240Z!!
*SUBSCRIBE to the FIREBALL BLOG to see MORE! https://fireballtim.com
*THANK YOU for LEAVING A REVIEW in the Garage! It really helps and 10% goes to DOG RESCUES.
*UNSUBSCRIBE by responding to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject Line.
HILLBILLIES, Leno, Jerry Reuss, Red Wrecker & 1-ADAM-12!
Happy Superbowl Sunday and Welcome to AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE DAILY!! We know you’re probably watching the game, but when you WIN… let’s celebrate with THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, BJ & THE BEAR, THE BEATNIK BANDIT & a Mopar Fireball SUPERFAN!! (Did you win??)
DID YOU KNOW??
- $7,584: The average cost of a ticket to the past five Super Bowls.
- $6,733: Lowest price of a Super Bowl LIX ticket on the resale market just after the conference championships (14% decrease from 2024).
- $500M+: Estimated economic impact for the Louisiana economy in 2025.
- 17.6M: Americans plan to watch the game at a bar or restaurant.
- 192%: 20-year increase in the cost of a 30-second Super Bowl ad.
Wow. Also in today SUPER BOWL BLAST… Classic Car Collectors come in all shapes and sizes including BIG DOG JAY LENO, JOE MANTEGNA, JESSE JAMES and Baseball Pitcher Hall of Famer JERRY REUSS! What’s in their Collections?? Fireball’s on the case…
PLUS, some beauties from GNRS 2025 include the Barris GOLDEN SAHARA, Redd Foxx’s LIL’ RED WRECKER, a Stunning Black SLED and a Scary PINTO WAGON Bastardo!! Also, one of the original COP CARS from ADAM 12!! Should Fireball SKETCH this one, too??
More BEST OF SHOW Episodes from GNRS coming this week?? Have you seen all three episodes yet? Here’s a RECAP!! WATCH Below or on YOUTUBE!
*NEW ART on Canvas, Mugs & Tees in THE GARAGE! https://fireballtimgarage.art
*Subscribe to the FIREBALL TIM GARAGE BLOG for a daily dose of AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE ART! https://fireballtim.com
*THANK YOU for LEAVING A REVIEW in the Garage! It really helps and 10% goes to DOG RESCUES.
*UNSUBSCRIBE by responding to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject Line.
COLUMBO, Farrah, Dukes Behind the Scenes, Pinup & Ferrari!
Welcome to AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE DAILY! Good Morning Ass-Kickers! Let’s rock the day outta here with a great Behind the Scenes shot of COLUMBO and Fireball’s MASTERPRINT of his car, the 1959 Peugeot 403 Grande Luxe Cabriolet! Check it out in the Garage!
DID YOU KNOW?? Falk’s glass eye in place of his right eye (which he lost to cancer at age three) is the reason for his signature squint. Falk almost got fired for missing his mark on set, so he started incorporating looking down to see the glass eye as one of Columbo’s mannerisms. He was given the freedom to improvise lines, gestures, and mannerisms, which helped develop Columbo’s character. Falk’s own 25-year-old raincoat was used for Columbo’s iconic raincoat and Steven Spielberg directed the first episode!!
Also in today’s COLUMBO COOL BLAST… Fireball’s People at local CAR SHOWS include ISKY, Realtor MARCELLA KETELHUT and Starsky Expert LOU CICCIARI. More BEHIND THE SCENES with FARRAH on Charlie’s Angels prepping for set and the infamous PINTO as a Fireball MASTERPRINT! Plus, the Duke Boys ON SET and takin’ a break! They would pull pranks throughout the show! Check out Fireball’s DODGE CHARGER MASTERPRINT ART, plus all the other DUKE LIVERIES in the Garage!
Today’s PINUP is called “NIKKI 85″ and she’s ready for a night out with Phil Collins! Have you checked out Fireball’s NEW BOOKS yet at Barnes & Noble?? Great for Kids and AutoPOP Fans alike! Plus… a Badass FERRARI CONCEPT from 2065!
*Fireball will be at the DIECAST SUPERCON VEGAS in February! LET’S GO!!
Today’s BEST OF SHOW?? A Wild Bosozoku FAIRLADY Z in FUSCIA!!
* The FIREBALL TIM GARAGE BLOG is a daily dose of AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE! www.fireballtim.com
* Check out NEW AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE ART in THE GARAGE here! https://fireballtimgarage.art
* Fireball Tim has been Hollywood Concept Artist for 40+ years with over 400 Film & TV Cars, Weapons, Sets, Props & Worlds!
* THANK YOU for LEAVING A REVIEW in the Garage! It really helps!
10% of all Sales goes to DOG RESCUES. THANK YOU!
* UNSUBSCRIBE HERE by sending an email to askfireball@fireballtim.com with UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject Line.
FIREBALL CORVAIR MONZA, SEMA, Hotness, AMC & JDM Episode!
Let’s wrap up a SUCCESSFUL WEEK with some Classic Coolness! How about an all-new 1965 CHEVY CORVAIR MONZA for the Corvair Enthusiasts? PLUS… Check out the awesome new CORVAIR AT ANY SPEED TEE! This was Tony Dow’s Favorite Car! WATCH US DO THE SPIN!
DID YOU KNOW?? The CORVAIR was the first mass-produced American car with a turbocharged engine. The 1962 Spyder was one of the first vehicles in the US to offer factory turbocharging and it was the first GM car to feature unibody construction with welded front fenders! In his 1965 book “Unsafe at Any Speed,” consumer activist Ralph Nader criticized the Corvair’s swing-axle rear suspension, claiming it made the car more prone to rollovers. However… the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration later found no such handling problems. “See ya later, Nader…”
Also in today’s CORVALICIOUS BLAST… Fireball is heading to SEMA on Monday to hang out with some cool Peeps like the boys of PIMP MY RIDE, EMERGENCY Squad 51, Fireball’s MACH 3 MINI flanked by Hotness, stunning LOWRIDER BOMBS of Ventura, more of the DIECAST GIRLS of Vegas, Fireball’s AMC GREMLIN was on tap of Diecast and the REAL REASON WE ALL LOVE VENTURA!
Today’s Episode is a FULL CUSTOM KAIDO DATSUN 240Z JDM!! WATCH!
Have you seen the latest episode of CAR SHOW SAFARI?? It’s hysterical!! WATCH NOW and don’t forget to check out today’s ART TALK LIVE HERE!
- Fireball Tim Garage is all things AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE!
SUBSCRIBE to the Blog for daily dose! www.fireballtim.com - Hit THE GARAGE and see what’s NEW! https://fireballtimgarage.art
- Fireball Tim is a Hollywood Concept Artist responsible for the design of over 400 film & TV Show Cars, Weapons, Sets, Props & Worlds.
- THANK YOU for LEAVING A REVIEW! It really helps!
10% of all Sales goes to DOG RESCUES, so the Pups THANK YOU! - UNSUBSCRIBE HERE by sending an email to askfireball@fireballtim.com with UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject Line.
OVIST 1954 CUSTOM, Corvair, Charlie’s Angels & Vegas Baby…
Happy Sunday! Today, it’s the OVIST 1954 CUSTOM CHEVROLET COUPE!! If you’ve been following along the Fireball Blog, you’ll know that this is AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE… at it’s best!
This car has a very unique history and was Commissioned by Gregg Ovist of GEEZUP in Arizona… now a MASTERPRINT in the Garage! Gregg won the BENEDICT CASTLE George Barris Legacy Award with this Coupe last year and Fireball will be on hand this coming May to see more!
DID YOU KNOW?? Known as “The Car Guy’s Car Show”, the Benedict Castle Concours and Car Show is unique in bringing together all elements of the car hobby. It celebrates the breadth of the car hobby with the common theme being PASSION! We have it all—stunning Concours Winners, Rocking Hot Rods, Powerful Muscle Cars, Wild Exotics, Killer Customs, Rumbling Race Cars, Tricked Out Trucks, Blazing Motorcycles and so much more. Treasured Awards are given to the top cars in every category. With hundreds of unique vehicles on display on the beautiful Benedict Castle grounds, there’s something for everyone at our show!
Did you miss the hysterical Episode 3 of CAR SHOW SAFARI?? Watch NOW!!
Also in today’s blast, Fireball SKETCHES up a Classic Convertible CORVAIR and the 1977 FORD PINTO from CHARLIE’S ANGELS as an all-new MASTERPRINT! Gorgeous! Plus, Fireball is heading to Vegas for some cool… ah hem, CARS and some snap-time with Uncle Joe Benson, the Dukes Charger and the Ecto 1!
Meet up with Fireball at the HOT WHEELS LEGENDS TOUR this Saturday in El Segundo, and then WHEELS AND WAVES on Sunday in Channel Islands starting at 8am!!!
- Fireball Tim is a Hollywood Concept Artist responsible for over 400 films, TV Shows and Commercials designing Cars, Weapons, Sets, Props & Worlds.
- SUBSCRIBE to the Fireball Tim Garage Blog for new MOVIE & TV CAR Canvas Prints daily! www.fireballtim.com
- THANK YOU for LEAVING A REVIEW! It really helps!
- 10% of all Sales goes to DOG RESCUES, so the Pups THANK YOU!
- UNSUBSCRIBE by sending an email to askfireball@fireballtim.com with UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject Line. Adios!
The TV Show History of FORD and CHARLIES ANGELS…
In the glamorous world of 1970s television, product placement was becoming increasingly prevalent as advertisers sought innovative ways to capture consumer attention. One notable example of this strategy was Ford Motor Company’s sponsorship of the hit TV show CHARLIES ANGELS, which aired from 1976 to 1981. The show, with its blend of action, intrigue, and three iconic female leads, became a cultural phenomenon and a significant platform for Ford to showcase its automobiles.
Ford’s decision to feature prominently in “Charlies Angels” was strategic. The company aimed to leverage the show’s popularity to enhance brand visibility and appeal to a wide audience. Among the Ford vehicles prominently featured were the 1977 Ford Mustang Cobra II and the Ford Pinto, both of which became synonymous with the show’s stylish and adventurous spirit.
The 1977 Ford Mustang Cobra II, with its sporty design and distinct Cobra branding, perfectly aligned with the show’s dynamic and fashionable image. Which has an all-new FIREBALL SKETCH in the Garage with Farrah! The car was showcased in various episodes, often driven by the Angels themselves during high-speed chases and thrilling escapades. This exposure not only bolstered the Mustang’s reputation as a performance vehicle but also solidified its status as a symbol of 1970s cool.
Similarly, the Ford Pinto, known for its compact size and economical pricing, also benefited from its appearances on “Charlies Angels.” While less glamorous than the Mustang, the Pinto’s presence on the show highlighted its practicality and reliability, appealing to a broader demographic of potential buyers.
The impact of the sponsorship on Ford’s sales was significant. The exposure on a popular prime-time television show helped elevate the Mustang Cobra II and the Ford Pinto into cultural icons of their time. Viewers were drawn to the cars featured on the show, inspired by the excitement and allure associated with the Angels’ adventures.
Sales data from the late 1970s reflect a noticeable uptick in interest and purchases of both the Mustang Cobra II and the Ford Pinto, attributed in part to their visibility on “Charlie’s Angels.” Ford’s savvy marketing strategy paid off handsomely, as the company successfully capitalized on the show’s massive viewership to drive showroom traffic and boost overall sales figures.
Beyond immediate financial gains, Ford’s association with “Charlies Angels” contributed to enhancing the brand’s image as innovative and forward-thinking. By aligning with a pop culture phenomenon, Ford demonstrated its ability to connect with consumers on a deeper level, associating its vehicles with the excitement and glamour of television’s golden age.
This was a masterstroke of advertising ingenuity. By showcasing the 1977 Ford Mustang Cobra II and Ford Pinto on one of the decade’s most-watched television shows, Ford not only increased sales but also cemented its place in pop culture history. The enduring legacy of this partnership highlights the enduring power of strategic product placement and its ability to shape consumer perceptions and preferences.
