HOT WHEELS ART, Schwinn, Scooby, Celebs, Phantom & Concepts!
What’s up, Lilliputians and WELCOME TO TODAY’S AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE DAILY! Fireball’s Art is comin’ like a Hulkified SteamTrain… and today, it’s THE HOT WHEELS SILHOUETTE, A CLASSIC SCHWINN & SCOOBY’S MYSTERY MACHINE!! Check out this babies on Mugs or grab a Print and have Fireball SIGN IT!
DID YOU KNOW?? Schwinn bikes have a rich history, from their beginnings as a family business to becoming an iconic American brand, with fun facts including the company’s shift to motorcycles and then back to bicycles. Ignaz Schwinn, a German-American bicycle designer, co-founded the Schwinn Bicycle Company in 1895 with Adolph Arnold. The iconic Schwinn Sting-Ray, with its high-rise handlebars, banana seat, and racing slick tire, was created in the 1960s, inspired by kids customizing their bikes to look like motorcycles. Hollywood stars like Dorothy Lamour became early ambassadors for Schwinn bikes, helping reestablish the brand as a market leader. The last U.S.-made Schwinn bike rolled off the production line in 1982.
Also in today’s GRAPE CRUSH BLAST… Fireball’s Car Shows bring the best people out (L2R, The late TONY DOW, Music Producer THOM PANUNZIO, the Ball, SoCal’s WES NIELSEN and “Talkin’ About Cars” Co-Host RANDY KERDOON!) Fireball at Cinema Vehicle Services back in the day with one of the TERMINATOR SENTINELS… and of course, THELMA & LOUISE!
FEATURED COMMISSIONS! These new babies are now ON MUGS and are HOT!! The ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM SPECTRE, RAM REBEL 1500 & GOODVIBES PORSCHE 995 for the Talk Show “Late Night Playset!” Also, be sure to grab Fireball’s latest AUTOPOP BOOK Volume 1 as the perfect GIFT for those that love TV CARS or ROB PAULSEN’S Coloring Book! And shhh… don’t tell anyone but a MUSCLE CAR Coloring Book is coming next!!
SPOTLIGHT!! Did you know that The Fireball Tim Garage also has AN EBAY STORE here? More COOL CARS to check out!!
NEWSFLASH!! Join Fireball in the California Desert for THE INGLIS CLASSICS CAR SHOW in August!! HOT!!
PARTING ART SHOT! A Classic Car Sketch from the Master SYD MEAD from the 60’s! We want THAT FUTURE NOW!
BEST OF SHOW! While NEW EPISODES are coming, check out this Classic Playlist fulla MERCURY’S! Watch Below or ON YOUTUBE
*All Products in The Fireball Tim Garage are available WHOLESALE for Shops, Dealerships, Museums and more! Let’s make it happen!
*New AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE ART on Mugs, Canvas & TeeShirts are in THE GARAGE! https://fireballtimgarage.art
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NEW FALL GUY, FANTASY, Brosnan, Schwinn & BEST OF SHOW!
Welcome to AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE DAILY, folks!! Let’s start this Boogie with ALL-NEW FALL GUY & FANTASY ISLAND MASTERPRINTS!! Been a lot of requests for these babies, as they were super popular shows and everyone wanted to be a STUNTMAN… or own an ISLAND! Which one would YOU want more?? PLUS, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK & EVEL KNIEVEL!!
DID YOU KNOW?? The idea for Fantasy Island was initially pitched as a joke by creator Aaron Spelling, who said “What do you want, an island where people can go and live out their sexual fantasies?” to an executive who surprisingly loved the concept. Network executives initially wanted Orson Welles to play Mr. Roarke, but Spelling declined due to concerns about his temper on set!
Also on today’s RICH CORINTHIAN BLAST… Fireball Car Show Peeps start out with Legendary Bond, PIERCE BROSNAN, OZZY OSBOURNE, PARNELLI JONES and Fireball on set for STREET TUNER CHALLENGE in his original Shop in Torrance! And the cool cars start up with a SCHWINN, Windy Campbell’s PINK DUSTER, Fireball’s AUTOTRADER SECURITY TEAM and a some WINFIELD SHOW STRIPERS! The talent in this town is OFF THE HOOK!
And lastly… Fireball’s ’89 BAT on all it’s glory makes you think… should he design the NEXT MOVIE.
Today’s BEST OF SHOW comes from COUNTY LINE CARS & COFFEE where Fireball spots and INSANE RENAULT DAUPHINE! WATCH BELOW or ON YOUTUBE NOW!
*New AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE ART on Mugs, Canvas & TeeShirts are in THE GARAGE! https://fireballtimgarage.art
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*THANK YOU for LEAVING A REVIEW in the Garage! It really helps and 10% goes to DOG RESCUES.
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Fireball SKETCHES up SCHWINN GRAPE CRUSH Concept Art…
In the dynamic world of cycling, few names resonate with enthusiasts quite like Schwinn. Renowned for their innovation, quality, and style, Schwinn bicycles became an emblem of freedom and adventure, particularly in the 1960s and 70s. What propelled Schwinn to the zenith of success during this era? The answer lies not only in their commitment to engineering excellence but also in their daring embrace of unique colors, names, and designs that captured the spirit of the times.
Today, Fireball busts out the GRAPE CRUSH SCHWINN inflamed with coolness for those that rode this purple demon on wheels. Check the WHAT’S IN THE GARAGE!!
One of Schwinn’s most iconic creations from this period was the Orange Krate. Introduced in 1968 as part of their Sting-Ray series, the Orange Krate immediately captivated the imagination of young riders across America. Its vibrant hue, reminiscent of a summer sunset, was a bold departure from traditional bike colors. But it wasn’t just the color that made the Orange Krate stand out; it was the entire package. With its sleek design, high-rise handlebars, and unmistakable “banana” seat, the Orange Krate exuded coolness in every pedal stroke.
Following the success of the Orange Krate, Schwinn continued to push the boundaries of creativity with their color palette. In 1971, they unveiled the Grape Krate, a striking bike finished in a deep, luscious purple – aptly named Grape Crush. This audacious color choice not only turned heads but also solidified Schwinn’s reputation as a trendsetter in the industry. Suddenly, cycling wasn’t just about transportation; it was a form of self-expression, a way to make a statement.
But Schwinn’s innovation didn’t stop at colors alone. They also introduced imaginative names that added personality to their bikes. Models like the Lemon Peeler, Apple Krate, and Cotton Picker became household names, each evoking a sense of nostalgia and adventure. These names didn’t just describe the bikes; they imbued them with character, transforming them from mere modes of transportation into cherished companions on the open road.
Beyond colors and names, Schwinn’s designs were ahead of their time. From the sleek lines of their road bikes to the rugged durability of their mountain bikes, Schwinn consistently delivered products that exceeded expectations. Whether cruising along the boardwalk or tearing through dirt trails, riders trusted Schwinn to provide a superior riding experience.
Schwinn’s success in the 60s and 70s can be attributed to more than just their engineering prowess. It was their willingness to embrace bold colors, imaginative names, and innovative designs that set them apart from the competition. Today, as vintage Schwinn bikes continue to command attention at auctions and in collectors’ garages, their legacy lives on as a testament to the power of creativity in cycling.
Let’s ride…
The awesome SCHWINNS of BUELLTON…
The BUELLTON Vintage Trailer Show revealed a lot of cool stuff that I’ll be posting over the next week. But today… it’s the BIKES. Specifically, SCHWINNS.
I had several as a kid and many of these remind me. Currently have a yellow ’72 at the Museum. What did you have??
RACER X, Trek, Hutch, Leno, Adam 12, Ferris & MARS ATTACKS!
A crazy amount of AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE DAILY today!! Did you have a favorite TV SHOW, MOVIE or CARTOON growing up? Then chances are that Fireball’s SKETCHED IT! And that means that it’s on MUGS, CANVAS or TEES in the Garage! And if he hasn’t done it yet, REACH OUT & LET HIM KNOW! askfireball@fireballtim.com
Today, we slam the accelerator with RACER X SHOOTING STAR ART, THE STARSHIP ENTERPRISE and THE HUTCHMOBILE from Starsky & Hutch! Super cool art for your Garage Walls, Studio or anywhere in the house! Plus… the Mugs make your Joe GO!!
DID YOU KNOW?? The iconic USS Enterprise design, featuring a saucer-shaped primary hull, cylindrical secondary hull, and outriding engine nacelles, was conceived by Matt Jefferies and established the core ship design for the Star Trek franchise. Walter “Matt” Jefferies, the model’s principal designer, created several design ideas for the Enterprise to fit the requirements of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. To support his final design suggestion… Jefferies created a rough 4-inch balsa and cardboard prototype. A 3-foot “pilot” model of solid wood was built by model-maker Richard C. Datin, and it resulted in the final 11-foot model that is now in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum! Wow!
Also in today INTERSTELLAR BLAST… Fireball and LENO check out the Mini M600 that Fireball designed for MINUSA in 2008. Bonkers, at Nearly 700hp!! A Classic SCHWINN spotted at County Line Cars & Coffee and the Ball ON THE MOVE in Ventura Via the BEAST!
MUGSHOTS!! Today’s Featured Mugs are STARSKY’S TORINO, a Classic AC COBRA & a sleek ADAM 12 FISKER KARMA! Should they do a new Series??
Fireball’s ZANY ZIPSTERS Kid’s Book is finally out!! The PERFECT GIFT for Kids that love cars and will definitely SPARK THEIR IMAGINATION! Get it at Barnes & Noble NOW!
FEATURED ARTIST today is Scifi Painter CHRIS FOSS and his amazing piece from DUNE. The Guild Ship…
CONCEPT ART! Fireball’s done over 400 films & TV Shows in the last 40 years and here’s a couple from MARS ATTACKS and Loki’s MUSTANG from SON OF THE MASK!
Today’s BEST OF SHOW is AMC!! Check out the Episodes below or ON YOUTUBE!
*All Products in The Fireball Tim Garage are available WHOLESALE for Shops, Dealerships, Museums and more! Level up your Store!
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BARETTA, Tony Dow, Eddie Munster, Vintage Fireball & UFOs!
Amazing Sunday Morning and WELCOME TO AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE DAILY!! Today, we head back to 1975 for the TV Show BARETTA with Bobby Blake. PI’s were in and he drove a beat up POS 1966 Impala! So… Fireball had to SKETCH IT and now it’s been MUGGED!! CHECK IT OUT!!
DID YOU KNOW?? The show’s theme song, “Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow,” was originally instrumental, but lyrics were added later and sung by Sammy Davis, Jr! Baretta ran from 1975–1978 and Stephen J. Cannell created the character Tony Baretta. Robert Blake also appeared as a child actor in 22 Red Ryder movies as “Little Beaver!”
Also in today’s CLASSIC TV BLAST… Fireball CAR SHOW PEEPS include TONY DOW, BUTCH PATRICK and BILLY GIBBONS from ZZTOP!! PLUS, some Vintage Fireball from SANTA’S VILLAGE Circa 1969, Fireball sportin’ a Classic SCHWINN, Scootin’ some Fireball Scooter Shooters and Ed Straker’s UFO CAR gets a MUG!!
Off to WHEELS AND WAVES today!! Episode of BEST OF SHOW coming this week! Have an awesome Sunday, folks!
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SMOKEY, Denzel, Scwhinn, Pinups, Joe Dirt & NEW JOHN WICK!
Welcome to AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE DAILY! Let’s start out with an ICON being some SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT 1977 FIREBIRD TRANS AM MASTERPRINT ART to make us long for the days of Moonshine, Chases and Sexy Frogs! MUGS & TEES in the Garage, too!
DID YOU KNOW?? “Smokey and the Bandit” was the second highest-grossing movie of 1977 right after Star Wars, and Burt Reynolds was paid $1 million for his role in the movie. (Cheap by today’s standards!) But the movie’s budget was only $4.3 million!! ZOIKS!
Also in today’s RUM RUNNIN’ BLAST… DENZEL WASHINGTON in TRAINING DAY is driving what car? (LEAVE A COMMENT!) KATHERINE HEPBURN scoots a Classic English Car in the BAHAMAS and Elvis buys his Mom another ROLLS! Fireball Pop lived to 96 and sadly passed last year, but his Iconic HOLLYWOOD STORIES will live on in thousands of our favorite shows! Check out THE LIST! The SUX 6000 was from WHAT FILM?? And it’s going to be SKETCHED! Another Fireball MASTERPRINT hits the Garage with the 1972 SCHWINN VIOLET STINGRAY, a Hot Sexy PINUP flanks a Classic CAMARO, SEMA reveals some FIAT Badassery, Brutal BUICK GRAND NATIONAL, Hellish PONTIAC and JOE DIRT! (Sketch coming soon!) And lastly, MAGNUS WALKER pours over Fireball’s Sketches for his PORSCHE SOLARPUNKED COLORING BOOK!
Today’s GARAGE EPISODE?? A 1960 SLIPPERY SILVER CHEVY IMPALA! Plus, check out the TRAILER for the new JOHN WICK “BALLARINA” MOVIE below!!!
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- Fireball Tim has been a Hollywood Concept Artist for 40+ years, responsible for the design of over 400 film & TV Show Cars, Weapons, Sets, Props & Worlds!
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JETSONS, Knievels, Monkees, SEMA Cars, Jeeps & Wonder Woman!
Good morning from AUTOMOTIVE POP CULTURE Central! And as cool as wheels are… Fireball’s gotta do a JETSONS SPACESHIP from time to time… so here’s a NEW MASTERPRINT for those who grew up with the World’s Best Cartoon Series!
BUT DID YOU KNOW?? Though “The Jetsons” never specified exactly what year in the future the show took place. Original press materials said it was set in 2062—a century in the future. But it was the network’s first show to air in color, though only viewers in a few cities could actually see it in color! But the show also predicted Flying Cars, Vertical Cities, Smart Bathrooms, Robot Assistance, Smart Appliances, Video Meetings & 3D Printed Food! Yikes!!
Also in today’s ASTROTASTIC BLAST… Fireball scoots town with Actor DENISE CROSBY (Watch Below!) hangs out with CREW KNIEVEL at SEMA 2024, the MONKEEMOBILE was cool full size and Diecasted, Diecast GIRLS are coming to VEGAS for the February SUPERCON, more SEMA BUILDS, WONDER WOMAN ready to smack some Evil Villain Hiney, Fireball’s Commissioned BLACKHORSE JEEP Concept Art and a Vintage Snap aboard a SCHWINN from 1972!!
In today’s Garage Episode… Watch Fireball DRAW THE JEEP, baby!!
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Fireball Garage gives the Perfect Gift of COOL CARS…
Got someone’s BIRTHDAY rollin’ up? Well, give them THE PERFECT GIFT of COOL CARS!! Or Bikes… Or Planes… or something UNIQUE!
The Fireball Tim Garage is full of HUNDREDS of hand-drawn SKETCHES from the Master of Movie Cars to match that perfect gift for someone you love. Dads, Moms, Uncles, Aunts, Mother-In-Laws… unless they are yelling at you right now, in which case we recommend a shovel…
Otherwise, peruse the Garage and solve the problem by finding that UNIQUE GIFT ITEM that comes from the HEART and SOUL of CAR CULTURE. And if you don’t see what you’re looking for, REACH OUT for a Custom Piece!
Today’s BEST OF SHOW?? A sick MASSIVE Chrysler-Powered HOT ROD!!
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AUTOMOTIVE INSPIRATION is… Sharing life’s ride with those around us
Originally published in the Malibu Surfside News
As I’ve mentioned many times in this article over the last five years, I get the pleasure of taking unique people to unique places on my show that we shoot here in town. This past week, I got to do something really fun.
There are many cool automotive places in L.A. many people don’t know about and a good part of our show Fireball Malibu Vlog is to reveal those places and help expand our love of cars. So this week, I grabbed legendary “Leave It To Beaver” actor Tony Dow and his wife Lauren, met up at the new Caffe Luxxe for an amazing cup of joe and headed up PCH to the Murphy Auto Museum in Oxnard.
Now, if you didn’t know about the Murphy, I wouldn’t be surprised. But with our help, you’ll get a chance to peruse some of the coolest nostalgic cars that ever were. Head honcho David Neel runs the place and you can see him easily at a distance as he moves classic cars, muscle cars and even vintage trailers from spot to spot for coming weekend shows.
But the Murphy is different than most car museums, as it’s also an automotive storage facility. As in, if you have a cool car with no place to put it, you can rent some space where they not only keep your car clean, but share your perfect gem in a museum setting.
Other things Tony, Lauren, Ken Vela from WIKD Kustoms, my wife and I caught wind of were the classic Schwinn Bicycles, massive HO Scale Trail Set, tons of walk-in vintage trailers and a back shop where several classics were being worked on. Also, some great art on the walls from automotive designer, friend and confidant Mark Stehrenberger.
I’m very grateful to call David a friend and we’ve done many things together. I get a chance to drive cars from this museum down into Malibu for the car shows here in town, including my own, but also have had the opportunity to experience a massive Vintage Trailer Camp-out in Buellton in September with a great group with over 195 trailers.
But the day at the Murphy also included Tony driving two classic cars, thanks to David. An Avanti and amazing Dodge Fastback. Be sure to check out our show to see what we did, and if you love cool cars, let me know so we can take a spin by visiting www.fireballtim.com.
Much appreciation goes to the Murphy and all the docents — like Ken — who make the place an enjoyable experience. Be sure to check out www.murphyautomuseum.org to see when the shows go off. From Air Cooled Vdubs and Corvairs to Studebakers, this place is a nostalgic car lover’s dream garage.
And if there are any of you celebs out there who want to take a spin with me to one of these cool spots, just reach out. I just took actor Jonathan Banks to The Automobile Driving Museum a week ago, but there’s also the Petersen, The Metropolitan Pit Stop, The English Car Company and many more. All you have to do is ask. Until then, I’ll keep driving.
