THE OBSERVER
by Eli Smith


This paramilitary Saab sedan is a staple at Burning Man and at Seattle Art Car parades.

The Observer is nicknamed "Max," for the Mad Max character immortalized by Mel Gibson in the 1981 movie. Camouflage paint, large over-arching sprung antennas, an orange siren, lots of fog lights, PA loudspeakers hooked up to mikes on the dash, and instructions in pseudomilitary jargon stenciled on the sides, all make this a memorable Art Car. But the real show is the people who turn out to play in it!


Updated: August 13, 2002