The Carmadillo

Story by Kristine Tofte for The Austin Chronicle

“His body was sculpted by hammer and hand, his mean little face crafted with love. Built from the ground up by his two dads, C.J. Anderson and Avi Hartman, and mom, Kate Bower, the Carmadillo was then taught, or rigged, to shoot flames out of its eyes while going 30 mph. A short ride around the block garners stares of awe; some even bow.

Bower is from Southern California and Anderson from upstate New York. The two met at Burning Man in 2001 and got married there two years later. They moved to Austin in 2004 and now call it home. They wanted to show their newfound Texas pride, and with help from their friend Avi, the Carmadillo was born, a mini metal art car that comfortably seats two.

Carmadillo construction began earlier this year (2008), with a goal set to have it debut at this year’s Burning Man. We sat down with Carmadillo and family after their return from the festival in September.”

Read the interview with the creators HERE.

Fun Fact:

“Carmy” also won a “Best of Austin” award in 2008 for “Best New Little Armored Ride” - a blurb about that can be found HERE, along with some of the other winners.

  1. fuckyeahaustin posted this

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