Tesla: Soul of a Kustom

George Barris’ Batmobile … Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s Beatnik Bandit … Darryl Starbird’s Predicta. These were the hot rod dream rides of my youth.

Elon Musk’s Tesla … the real-life hot rod dream ride of my adulthood.

I think that’s it. I think that’s one big reason people are so passionate about the Tesla brand—at least speaking for car fanatics like me who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s. Sure, there’s the environmental benefits of driving a Tesla. And that early-adopter high of driving the future. And that smug feeling you get driving by gas stations, especially on the coldest winter days. But there’s something else innately attractive about the Tesla brand. Something emotional. Something that makes you smile.

Then, one day as I scrolled through a hot rod website featuring bubble tops, it hit me. (If you don’t know what a bubble top is, Google it.) Today’s Tesla brand incorporates that “anything is possible on four wheels” mentality of the Kustom Car Culture.

Think about it. The grooviest early kustoms added modern conveniences like televisions and telephones to their one-of-a-kind designs. In your Tesla, you can surf the web, play video games, and even dial up a romantic, cracking fireplace right on your dash. The most futuristic kustoms of the past featured jet-engine power and some even floated on air. Your Tesla is powered by electricity and makes you feel like you can break the sound barrier. Plus, it operates on auto-pilot (with your hands on the wheel, of course) and lets you summon it from a parking space with your smartphone. Fun, ridiculous features made those early kustoms stand out on the crowded highway of sameness. Your Tesla farts. Yes, there’s now a whoopie cushion feature meant to shock and embarrass passengers. Need I say more?

The emotional connection people feel for Tesla goes far beyond the driving experience. At its heart, at least for some of us, is the fun factor. What other car continually improves itself—both with practical upgrades and safety features, as well as with silly add-ons like “Ride the Rainbow,” which turns the graphic roadway on your dash into a rainbow while playing a riff from “Don’t Fear the Reaper.” Totally useless. Totally unnecessary. Totally fun.

Yes, I know there are thousands of sane, grown-up reasons to love the Tesla brand. But for those of us who ever wondered what it might be like to drive the Munster Koach, now we have that opportunity. At least the opportunity to drive a vehicle that is unlike any other. And that’s why I believe today’s Tesla captures the soul of every kustom ever built.

Charge on!

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