BEEP BEEP

PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER CAR ART
BY ARTIST MICHAEL IRVINE

Targeting a youthful, and perhaps rebellious market, Plymouth chose to play up the speed, agility and “catch me if you can” attitude of the ever-elusive Road Runner in it’s branding, marketing and promotion. Borrowing the name, adorning the body with decals, and even going so far as to include a horn that went ‘beep, beep,’ Plymouth succeeded in creating an image that would carry the car well into the 1970s. Touted as being economical muscle cars, these big blocks were very appealing to a young, power hungry consumer. Today, they are sought after by collectors worldwide.
Finding inspiration, as Plymouth did in 1968, from one of the most wildly popular cartoons of our generation, Michael chose America’s southwest, Monument Valley, as the backdrop for featuring these powerful muscle cars. The painting actually mirrors the creative process that began the cartoon in 1949. “[We] thought it would be funny to do a parody of chase cartoons,” said Warner Bros. animator, Chuck Jones.
The car and cartoon’s rich history were elemental in Michael’s decision to set the cars against a backdrop reminiscent of the cartoon itself. With hints and nods to the Road Runner’s stomping ground, “BEEP BEEP!” is part of Michael’s ‘American Blacktop’ Series, in which he puts you right in the middle of the action.

Limited Edition reproductions
Individually Signed/Numbered by Michael Irvine
Embossed with Michael's Studio Seal
Certificate of Authenticity

LIMITED EDITION PRINT (only 800 produced)
Overall size: 36 x 24"; Image size: 32 x 20"
10pt satin finish, acid free, museum quality stock