December 20, 2020 Bill Swislow

Auto Parts Come Alive

The right artist can bring auto parts and auto repair alive, whether through grotesque hybrids, anthropomorphized mechanicals or mechanics who are plain realistic.

Moo and Oink's Hydraulics, 47th Street. The connection to the better-known Moo & Oink grocer remains mysterious

Over a period of years Samad Ahmadi ran his own festival of art on Broadway north of Bryn Mawr Avenue in Chicago. First was his body shop. This sign for Samad Auto Sales & Service, Broadway near Ardmore, was an early work by Ahmadi, long gone but spectacular

Over a period of years Samad Ahmadi made a variety of artistic contributions to Broadway north of Bryn Mawr. This sign for Samad Auto Sales & Service, Broadway near Ardmore, was an early work by Ahmadi, long gone but spectacular. Broadway near Hollywood

Over a period of years Samad Ahmadi ran his own festival of art on Broadway north of Bryn Mawr Avenue in Chicago, including this body shop. The hand lettering was among his more modest efforts

Briefly, Samad Ahmadi converted his Samad Auto Sales & Service building to a combination Middle Eastern restaurant/art environment. Broadway near Ardmore

Briefly, Samad Ahmadi converted his Samad Auto Sales & Service building to a combination Middle Eastern restaurant/art environment. Broadway near Ardmore

Briefly, Samad Ahmadi converted his Samad Auto Sales & Service building to a combination Middle Eastern restaurant/art environment. Broadway near Ardmore

Briefly, Samad Ahmadi converted his Samad Auto Sales & Service building to a combination Middle Eastern restaurant/art environment. Broadway near Ardmore

Briefly, Samad Ahmadi converted his Samad Auto Sales & Service building to a combination Middle Eastern restaurant/art environment. Broadway near Ardmore

Briefly, Samad Ahmadi converted his Samad Auto Sales & Service building to a combination Middle Eastern restaurant/art environment. Broadway near Ardmore

This highly detailed sign is one of a pair that looks to be by the same artist, but advertising shops four miles apart on South Western Avenue. This one, Rene's Auto Parts, is between Flournoy and Lexington (700 south). The sign is long gone

This highly detailed sign is one of a pair that looks to be by the same artist, but advertising shops four miles apart on South Western Avenue. This one, Rene's Auto Parts, is between Flournoy and Lexington (700 south). The sign is long gone

This immensely complex shop sign is one of a pair that looks to be by the same artist, but advertising shops four miles apart on South Western Avenue. This one, Rally Auto Service, is near 43rd Street, though the sign is long gone

This immensely complex shop sign is one of a pair that looks to be by the same artist, but advertising shops four miles apart on South Western Avenue. This one, Rally Auto Service, is near 43rd Street, though the sign is long gone

The crazing is amazing. Complete Auto Repair, Western Avenue near 75th Street

Complete Auto Repair, Western Avenue near 75th Street

Sign for Gomez Auto Radiator & Welding. The sign was at Ridge Avenue and Clark Street

Dependable Auto Repair, 47th Street near Christiana

Dependable Auto Repair, 47th Street near Christiana

Parts-16

Anthropomorphized radiator painting. Nevada Radiator, Las Vegas-Roadside Art

Anthropomorphized radiator and slogan, "Best Place In Town To Take A Leak." Nevada Radiator, Las Vegas-Roadside Art

Overheated cartoon radiator. Ace Radiator, National Avenue, San Diego-Roadside Art

Overheated cartoon radiator. Ace Radiator, National Avenue, San Diego-Roadside Art

Complete Car Service, Whiting

Complete Car Service, Whiting

Complete Car Service, Whiting

You're not likely to see a winged wrench every day. Tony's Auto Repair, Hohman Avenue, Hammond

Tony's Auto Repair, Hohman Avenue, Hammond

The scorpion mascot is unexpected. Also the mechanic's enlarged legs. Cabrales Auto Repair, Calumet Avenue, Hammond

Cabrales Auto Repair, Calumet Avenue, Hammond

An emphasis on the vicious. Quick Service Auto Center, Pulaski Road at Berteau

An emphasis on the vicious. Quick Service Auto Center, Pulaski Road at Berteau

Quick Service Auto Center, Pulaski Road at Berteau

Quick Service Auto Center, Pulaski Road at Berteau

Quick Service Auto Center, Pulaski Road at Berteau

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