¿The ¿Shamu-difications¿ to this 2001 Volkswagen Beetle create a unique design that car buffs and curious on-lookers will never forget. It¿s not every day you see a whale on wheels!¿ said Greg Smith, senior publicist for SeaWorld and Discovery Cove.
Created by Craftsman Industries of St. Louis, the Shamu Cruiser has a 45-pound tail and nine-pound dorsal fin. The car is even equipped with ¿blowholes¿ that shoot water into the air much like the real killer whale that is SeaWorld¿s most famous attraction.
Equipped with blue wheels, the lower portion of the Shamu Cruiser features blue waves spilling onto Shamu to create the appearance that the whale is splashing through the water. The top part of the car uses a black and white paint scheme to create an image of Shamu, with the black tail located just above the license plate and the dorsal fin on the top of the new style Beetle.
For three years, the Shamu Cruiser has made educational tours throughout North America, promoting SeaWorld and Shamu the Whale. SeaWorld employees volunteer to drive individual legs of the car¿s journeys.
The Food Lion AutoFair¿s pavilion will also feature a modern replica of the 1905 Wright Flyer III airplane, an extensive collection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and several other wild-and-crazy automobiles such as the Zippo Lighter Car.
The four-day Food Lion AutoFair will also feature various makes and models from 45 car clubs; thousands of parts and memorabilia vendors; a car corral with hundreds of vehicles for sale or trade; and a collector car auction conducted by Tom Mack on Saturday.
Food Lion AutoFair hours are 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $8 per day for adults and available at the gates. Children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Parking for the event is $5.
Contact the Lowe¿s Motor Speedway Events Department at (704) 455-3205 for information.
Shamu the Whale vs. Shamu Cruiser
Shamu Shamu Cruiser
Species: Killer Whale 2001 Volkswagen Beetle
Orcinus orca Orcinus move-inus
Length: Up to 25 feet 15 feet
Weight: Up to 12,000 pounds 3,000 pounds
Cruising Speed: 4 mph 65 mph
Top Speed: 30 mph 100 mph
Diet: Fish, Squid, Unleaded Gasoline
Marine Mammals
Appearance: Large Dorsal Fin Large Dorsal Fin
Massive Tail Massive Tail
Black & White Color Black & White Color
History: Killer Whale Fossils VW Beetles
Date Back 60 Million Yrs. Date Back Nearly 70 Yrs.
