Just like using fashion as a tool to express yourself, car wraps are the ultimate way for drivers to let their personalities shine on the road. Customizing your vehicle
is a cheaper alternative to a custom paint job
, and allows for the utmost creativity. Check out the wildest car wraps we’ve ever seen.
Getting into car wrapping
Drivers can opt for full or partial wraps when modifying their vehicles. Full wraps cover the car’s exterior paint in its entirety, while a particle wrap will focus design on a specific area of the car.
For a full wrap job, expect to spend at least $2,000 and kiss the automatic car wash goodbye. Wrapped cars should be hand washed with a specific cleaning agent at least once a week. This not only prevents damaging the wrap job, but it helps extend its life.
While car wraps can create an impressive wow factor, they’re not necessarily a solution for cosmetic imperfections. The best wrap jobs are applied to smooth and clean surfaces.
According to Cars Flow
, “[Wraps] can’t conceal deep scratches, aftermarket coating failures having an “orange peel” surface, peeling coat, evident rust, or cracking paint.” In fact, wraps may even highlight these issues. Also, ABS plastic and rubber are surfaces that don’t take well to this type of modification.
It’s also a good idea to look into the type of warranty that will come with your new customization. If you want to remove the wrap to sell your car or to apply a different design, it will cost about $600 and should only take a few hours. If possible, take it back to the shop that applied the wrap.
Different types of car wraps
If you have a specific message or graphic in mind, a custom wrap will be your best bet. It’s also perfect for small companies, or brands that want to advertise while on the road. And it’s not as nearly as expensive as it looks.
Have you heard of a shiny wrap? Owners who crave a sleek and polished look can opt for a shiny wrap to add an extra flair of sophistication. However, according to Cars Flow, “The only downside is the twisting element of the wrap, which may appear over time and dull the shine.”
If you’re all about keeping up with the latest trends, unique matte and satin wraps are an upgrade from the shiny wrap. It’s an awesome use of the vinyl. And no need to worry about damaging the car’s paint as the vinyl will act as a barrier against rocks, debris, and weather exposure.
Speaking of vinyl, it “has the quality to imitate different textures ranging from mechanized brushed metal to modern carbon fiber,” notes Cars Flow. It can also mimic stainless steel and leather. Textured wraps can be strategically applied to rear-view mirrors, headlights, and more.
MORE: What Exactly Are 'Souped Up' Cars?
Strange car wraps that turn heads
The Porsche Panamera Bape Camo—wow. We’ve seen cars in camouflage before, but this Porsche is out of control. The sports car has graffiti, a metal door graphic, and a WWII fighter jet mouth design. HotCars
deemed the vehicle a “knock-off hot-wheels car” that probably belongs to Kid Rock. It’s no secret that artist Kanye West is a fan of luxury. His Lamborghini Urus features a cream matte vinyl wrap created by Just A Wrap. While the wrap isn’t what we’d consider loud by any means, the earth-toned SUV reminds us of the neutral-colored pieces in his fashion line.
The sports car boasts tinted windows and a lower suspension. According to Cars Flow, “Besides its unique wrapping, the significantly big wheels are a brainchild of Kanye himself, created by Boyd Coddington.”
We are all for a mood-altering Lamborghini Aventador. Festival inspired, the psychedelic car looks barely street legal. Even the rims are sprayed with a complimentary colorful design.
Calling all sneakerheads! Another take on this sporty auto is the Air Jordan Lamborghini Aventador. With powerful performance and sleek aesthetics, this fast car may not be for everyone. The exterior features a two-tone matte light blue and white wrap and the famous Nike swoosh.
Even affluent car collectors aren’t able to access a McLaren Senna, let alone wrap one. The British supercar is known to cost about $1,000,000, and HotCars found one decked out in all things Gorilla. The exterior sports faux wood-like panels on the side of the body and irritated-looking Gorilla faces on the front and back.
The pinnacle of British sophistication, the Rolls-Royce Wraith is perfect as is. Unless you’re obsessed with neo-expressionism artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. We wouldn’t quite call the vehicle tacky, but it does look a bit like a toddler’s unfinished art project.
The best-selling Toyota Prius has been a popular car to modify throughout the years. But one wrapped with an intimidating bald eagle and the American flag waving in action is quite the looker. At least the patriotic car will be on theme for a fourth of July BBQ.
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