Hooniverse Asks- What’s The Coolest Non-Car Brand Car or Truck Edition?

Robert Emslie

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amc-gremlin-x-levis-01

Whether aligned with a fashonista such as Gucci or Ralph Lauren, or beer belly biker brand Harley Davidson, automotive tie-in editions have a long and storied history. Denim jeans typically play havoc with car upholstery, the securing rivets on pockets and general rough texture abrading over time the sturdiest of leather or cloth. AMC, in an attempt to spruce up their lineup figured to fight fire with fire, offering seating surfaces made out of denim and taking the unusual – but revenue generating – tact of allowing another brand’s logo on their cars, that being LEVI’S. 

Not all non-auto tie-ins have been so pedestrian. Ford, though both its Lincoln and Mercury divisions, have merged the fashion world with that of the auto with Nautica editions of Mercury vans and cars, as well as Givenchy, Bill Blass and their ilk on certain fancy pants Lincolns. Those brands seem to be more the kind that people want to attach to themselves, but what about other, less famous names?

What do you think is the coolest non-automotive tie in to ever be appended to a car or truck model? Have you ever owned one, or do you aspire to do so?

Image source: Flipacars

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Robert Emslie

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68 responses to “Hooniverse Asks- What’s The Coolest Non-Car Brand Car or Truck Edition?”

  1. calzonegolem Avatar
    calzonegolem

    Self filling drinks cabinet ftw
    Overfinch Land Rover
    <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/rr_hh_of_lo_06.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
  2. JayP2112 Avatar
    JayP2112

    Maybe cutting it close but Bullitt wasn't a car movie.
    I had the 2001 Bullitt.
    <img src="http://img2.netcarshow.com/Ford-Mustang_Bullitt_GT_2001_800x600_wallpaper_02.jpg&quot; width="600">
    I looked for a used S197 Bullitt but those things were running $4k over a standard GT.
    Ended up with the Lime Green GT. It's a better looking car anyway.

    Reply
    1. Arco777 Avatar
      Arco777

      I have one of the 2008 Bullitts. Suprises me how it holds its value.

      Reply
      1. JayP2112 Avatar
        JayP2112

        Sell me your grille and I'll be your pal.
        I've pretty much made a Bullitt out of my standard GT. I found the exhaust from a guy in San Diego, cheap suspension from CL and Ebay. Modded the grille like a Boss. Some dude sold me the 18" wheels and F1 Supercars for $500…
        I just lack the steering wheel and the grille you owe me.

        Reply
  3. LTDScott Avatar
    LTDScott

    Likely the only car which also included a beach towel, head band, and wrist bands.
    <img src="http://hooniverse.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/85tbd007.jpg&quot; width="725/">

    Reply
  4. $kaycog Avatar
    $kaycog

    Cabela Ford pickup.
    <img src="http://image.automotive.com/f/reviews/editors_notebook/18228937%2Bpheader/0905_01_z%2B2009_ford_f-250_cabelas_edition%2Bside_view.jpg"width="500"/&gt;

    Reply
    1. Hopman Avatar
      Hopman

      That actually seems logical, given the fact that many of the guys who drive trucks also hunt & fish.
      Now where's the Bass Pro Shops Silverado?

      Reply
  5. Hopman Avatar
    Hopman

    Coolest Interior: the AMC Levi's Gremlin
    Coolest other product: How about the VW Jetta Trek that came with a bike or the VW Golf K2 that cam with either a pair of skis or a snowboard?
    For vehicle tie ins I'd like to see:
    The Ford Focus "F-Stop" edition: comes with a free camera
    The Nissan NV (van) "Snap-on edition" comes with a rolling tool box & is color matched to your truck.

    Reply
    1. SSurfer321 Avatar
      SSurfer321

      VW giving away free transportation with their cars, because you know it's going to leave you stranded at some point.

      Reply
      1. JayP2112 Avatar
        JayP2112

        Focus Kona:
        <img src="http://www.focusfanatics.com/gallery/data/506/medium/21610RF-00-with-bike-websize.jpg&quot; width="450">
        The side trim looked like a bike tire.

        Reply
        1. Hopman Avatar
          Hopman

          Never saw that one.

          Reply
        2. MVEilenstein Avatar
          MVEilenstein

          Always wanted one of these. I love that color.

          Reply
          1. HSA Avatar
            HSA

            The color is probably the only desirable thing there. I had a Focus once, and after 10 years, I still wonder what made me to buy it.

          2. MVEilenstein Avatar
            MVEilenstein

            What don't you like about them?Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

          3. HSA Avatar
            HSA

            First and foremost, the total lack of quality. Focus is extremely common over here and practically every car has had the same problems. A 3 years old, 80,000 km driven car almost for sure has had problems with ignition coil (at least the 1.6 l engine, I'm not sure of the others), emissions, idle regulation, transmission, wheel bearings, central locking (locking and unlocking intermittently all by itself), seat heaters,… Mine had all of these well-known faults within one year, except the wheel bearings – unless they had already been replaced before I bought the car. Then there was the famous rust problem. Mine got two doors, hood and trunk lid replaced completely and the two remaing doors repaired when the car was 4 years old – the local dealership had two mechanics dedicated for this job as it happened to every Focus around. No wonder Ford only gave it a 1-year warranty, which was unheard of. All other brands I know offered at least 3 years warranty at the time.
            On top of that, at least the wagon version felt really unstable. The directional stability was poor and the roll stability too. It felt like driving a small van with no load. I test drove 3 almost new, identical cars so I think it was not a tyre problem or failed suspension in this example.
            Why did I buy it? Well, the 1st gen. Focus got excellent reviews in magazines, there were plenty of them available at a reasonable price (oh, maybe there was a reason for that?!), and it felt all right when I first tried it. Yes, there were lots of discussion going on about the problems, but I somehow thought these issues would have been fixed after the car had been in production for two years. No, they weren't.

          4. MVEilenstein Avatar
            MVEilenstein

            Your story is fairly common among first-generation Focus owners. That's unfortunate.
            We bought an 04 ZX5 in 2006 with the remainder of the extended warranty on it, which we used to fix a faulty window regulator a few months later. As of this morning it has about 150,000 miles on it. I will say that 2012 was a bad year for repairs – new water pump, spark plugs, wheel bearings, and brakes. However, it has been surprisingly trouble-free for the last seven years, and I fully intend to drive it another 150,000. Even after nine years, it feels taut and responsive. It's not a sports car, but it handles great.
            My gripes with the Focus have everything to do with ergonomics, and nothing to do with mechanics. Like, why would you put a parking brake release halfway under the armrest?

          5. HSA Avatar
            HSA

            Wasn't 2004 Focus of the second generation? It might have been way better.
            After so many years, I don't remember much about ergonomics. Well, all the warning lights were arranged in an arc that was positioned right behind the steering wheel. On the positive side, the interior was tall enough and the visibility was good. This was one reason for considering the Focus at the first place.

          6. MVEilenstein Avatar
            MVEilenstein

            It was the last year of the first-generation models, at least here in the US.
            Yes, visibility is good, and it fits my 6'1" frame just fine. The front seats are starting to show signs of wear in the last 6 months; it might be time to recover them.

          7. JayP2112 Avatar
            JayP2112

            I had a standard Focus are a rent car for a few days. It sucked hard! I hated it.
            Later when shopping for something that was less easy to wreck, I came across several reviews for the SVT. Totally different car and likes it so much that I bought a 5 door.

          8. MVEilenstein Avatar
            MVEilenstein

            Awesome. What year?Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

          9. JayP2112 Avatar
            JayP2112

            2004. I got the last SVTs for sale in Tx. It really was a fun car to drive.
            <img src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/5296_146613107852_7966602_n.jpg&quot; width = "450">

          10. MVEilenstein Avatar
            MVEilenstein

            Good for you. Always wanted one, but the mrs. won't drive a manual. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

          11. BobWellington Avatar
            BobWellington

            I love those wheels.

          12. JayP2112 Avatar
            JayP2112

            Those are the Euro package. I didn't care for the 6 spokes.
            The wheels were also used on the last gen Focus 'sport'.
            <img src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/08q2/267453/2010-ford-fiesta-and-refreshed-2009-focus-to-satisfy-us-craving-for-small-cars-photo-201339-s-429×262.jpg&quot; >

          13. BobWellington Avatar
            BobWellington

            Yeah, even though I didn't really like the design of the last gen Focus, the Sport package certainly made it a lot better looking.

        3. danleym Avatar
          danleym

          What part of that came with the car- the bike or the cat?

          Reply
        4. dukeisduke Avatar
          dukeisduke

          I've seen a few of those running around (used to see one on the way to work in the mornings), in Texas, believe it or not. If that cat was on my car, he'd become an ex-cat.

          Reply
          1. Devin Avatar
            Devin

            But the cat goes so well with the color scheme.

    2. smalleyxb122 Avatar
      smalleyxb122

      Jetta Trek, or “How to how to overpay for a mountain bike, but roll it into your car payment.”

      Reply
  6. smalleyxb122 Avatar
    smalleyxb122

    Perhaps the most natural non-automotive venture was the WB Venture. I mean, if you’re buying a minivan, you probably have kids, and kids love the Looney Tunes, right?
    <img src="http://y3.yzimg.com/s3/media/get/key.0008q8q9rc07092u/size.112×84"&gt;

    Reply
    1. dukeisduke Avatar
      dukeisduke

      Something to keep them entertained when it breaks down.

      Reply
    2. OA5599 Avatar
      OA5599

      Don't forget the WB Viper.
      <img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fDcG7sPEI7U/SvMJAd-KK0I/AAAAAAAAGGw/4Zc5j6Ev5GU/s400/Daffy_viper.jpg"&gt;

      Reply
  7. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    The one that I would like to own is the 1999-2004 F-150 Harely-Davidson edition. Not because I'm a Harely fan, but because it was the only way to get the 5.4L supercharged engine in a configuration other than the short step side bed, regular cab of the Lightning.

    Reply
    1. JayP2112 Avatar
      JayP2112

      The 5.4 SC almost made it into the Lincoln Navigator.
      That would have been AWESOME.

      Reply
  8. RichardKopf Avatar
    RichardKopf

    Givenchy Lincoln Mark V:
    <img src="http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j129/hoopd87/1977-Lincoln-Mark-V-Givenchy-Edition-c_zpsb66761d7.jpg&quot; width =600>

    Reply
    1. scroggzilla Avatar
      scroggzilla

      Pish posh! The Oleg Cassini AMC Matador was where it was at!
      <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SdMlBzeRPao/TE4eQ5a2DrI/AAAAAAAAAMY/mReRvSZWtwI/s1600/cccassinimatador.jpg"&gt;

      Reply
    2. salguod Avatar
      salguod

      I'm not sure these designer editions count as they weren't tied to a non-automotive product. However, if they do my vote goes to the Pierre Cardin Javelin:
      <img src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/09q4/301696/amc-javelin-amx-pierre-cardin-edition-interior-photo-305361-s-1280×782.jpg&quot; width=600>

      Reply
  9. Vavon Avatar
    Vavon

    The completely white Peugeot 205 Lacoste wich was loaded with equipement, back in 1984-1986.
    Sunroof, electric windows, central locking, leather steering wheel, striping and several green crocodiles!
    <img src="http://205.chez.com/images/205LACOSTE.jpg&quot; width="625/"> <img src="http://www.forum-peugeot.com/Forum/static/mesimages/41653/2934539_3.jpg&quot; width="625/">

    Reply
  10. PotbellyJoe Avatar
    PotbellyJoe

    <img src="http://www.autointell.com/News-2001/April-2001/2001-Toyota-Roxy-ECHO.jpg"&gt;
    The Toyota Roxy Echo. Vinyl side decals gives it that "I like to look like a surfer" look that all teenagers are going for. And don't think that the enhancement package was solely on the outside, this seat had unique seat covers that put thousands of tiny Roxy logos under you. So chic!
    In fact this car was so nice, even at its $14,500 MSRP, our dealer held on to it for over a year. I guess he just couldn't see himself selling it.

    Reply
    1. mr. mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
      mr. mzs zsm msz esq

      Until very recently there was one three houses away from me, they have a subaru wagon and jetta now and give decent candy at halloween. I had no idea it was roxy theme. I had no idea what roxy was until I just googled it either.

      Reply
    2. BobWellington Avatar
      BobWellington

      That's the coolest looking Echo I've ever seen, which is to say not cool at all.

      Reply
  11. OA5599 Avatar
    OA5599

    LBJ instituted the Chicken Tax in the 60's, and some American automakers used poultry tie-ins on some versions of cars tweaked for performance.
    Ford "farmed out" their highest performance models to a chicken farmer for a while before ultimately handling that production in house.
    <img src="http://stwot.motortrend.com/files/2010/01/26628290.jpeg&quot; width="500">
    Plymouth hitched its wagon performance taxi to a cartoon bird.
    <img src="http://www.lhmopars.com/MOPAR_Ads/1970_Plymouth_Road_Runner_ad1.jpg&quot; width="500">

    Reply
  12. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    <img src="http://www.jorymon.com/images/2011/january/jj1.jpg"&gt;
    Because Jackie Chan.
    Because asymmetrical air intakes.
    Because "editon."

    Reply
    1. buzzboy7 Avatar
      buzzboy7

      Name three things that aren't Jackie Chan:
      Evo 8
      Evo 9
      Jackie Chan

      Reply
      1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
        Peter Tanshanomi

        BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ…

        Reply
    2. Will Avatar
      Will

      Also, I like how they print *JackieChan* as one word. Evo is JC fast!

      Reply
  13. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    <img src="http://hooniverse.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/6018714474_44c4a6c6c3_b-340×262.jpg"&gt;
    Yes, I'm serious on this one. Hear me out. I always thought the Nautica treatment nudged the Villager from the "invisible" category into the middle range of "unobjectionably dapper." Considering that neither overpriced preppie clothes or mediocre minivans are my bag, I'd have to say there was some admirable synergy going on there.
    [IMAGE CREDIT: Hooniverse]

    Reply
    1. dukeisduke Avatar
      dukeisduke

      The noises they make after the exhaust manifold studs break ( a common problem with the 3.0l Nissan V6 used in these) would get you kicked out of the yacht club.

      Reply
      1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
        Peter Tanshanomi

        I didn't mean to imply it wasn't sucky. I just meant to say it didn't look sucky.

        Reply
  14. MVEilenstein Avatar
    MVEilenstein

    A little self-promotion. Plus, Levi's.
    http://hooniverse.info/2013/03/08/found-on-craigsl…

    Reply
  15. POLAЯ Avatar
    POLAЯ

    I like when auto stuff shows up on other items.
    Like DC's Shoebarus!
    <img src="http://www.vividracing.com/catalog/wm.php/images/dcvolcano2.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
    1. POLAЯ Avatar
      POLAЯ

      …or shoevrolet!
      <img src="http://www.clublexus.com/forums/attachments/car-chat/138027d1233638587-when-your-shoes-have-to-match-your-gt3-chevy-shoe2.jpg&quot; width="600">

      Reply
      1. POLAЯ Avatar
        POLAЯ

        or Eddie Bauer Aerostar! Oh, it just looks like a shoe.
        <img src="http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1995FordAerostarAd05.jpg&quot; width="600">

        Reply
        1. Age_of_Aerostar Avatar
          Age_of_Aerostar

          this made me smile!

          Reply
    2. wunno sev Avatar
      wunno sev

      i had a pair of pininfarina-designed fila shoes that i asked my mom for, just because they were pininfarina-branded. they were actually pretty ugly. (they were also cheap, which probably didn't hurt.)
      <img src="http://stroganovka.ru/images/pininfarina/fila.jpg"&gt;

      Reply
      1. POLAЯ Avatar
        POLAЯ

        Nice cross-bowlers if your an Italian Mod!

        Reply
    3. Vavon Avatar
      Vavon

      How about LaShoe?
      <img src="http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2008/01/28/driveliferedshoes_gallery__600x400.jpg"&gt;

      Reply
    4. mazder3 Avatar
      mazder3

      <img src="http://theawesomer.com/photos/2010/11/112510_nike_delorean_dunk_5.jpg"&gt;

      Reply
      1. POLAЯ Avatar
        POLAЯ

        I wish I could run 88mph!

        Reply
  16. Tomsk Avatar
    Tomsk

    Though technically marketed as its own make and model, the Cadillac Eldorado-based Pierre Cardin Evolution is pretty rad. It had a color TV, VCR, bar, fridge, and a $63,000 price tag (and that was in 1980 dollars).
    <img src="http://blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads//2010/10/1981CadillacEldorado_01_700.jpg&quot; width="500" />

    Reply
    1. topdeadcentre Avatar
      topdeadcentre

      Holy overpriced front overhang, Batman!

      Reply
  17. POLAЯ Avatar
    POLAЯ

    CHUCK NORRIS CORVETTE! Hui-YAA!
    <img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wPwvH9WCJbo/S3LG5E_Q6cI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/J29yJhfvpUE/s400/ChuckNorris_Corvette.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
  18. Preludacris Avatar
    Preludacris

    <img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAyNFg5OTQ=/$T2eC16J,!zEE9s3!%28ImuBRKCOFJWiw~~48_20.JPG" width="600">
    Wayne Gretzky F-150.

    Reply
  19. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    <img src="http://image.trucktrend.com/f/auto-shows/suzukis-first-pickup-truck-for-the-us-market/8058797/suzuki-equator-rmz-4.jpg&quot; Width="500">
    Does a non-car tie-in count if it's still within the same corporation?

    Reply
  20. mike Avatar
    mike

    For the man who wants his car to come with matching cufflinks: The Bill Blass Edition Lincoln Mark V!
    <img src="http://www.lincolnversailles.com/LCM3/79%20Bill%20Blass%20Mark%20V.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
  21. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    I'm not much of a VW fan, but I really like the Magpul VW bus.
    <img src="http://ttag.zippykidcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Magpul2.jpg"width=500&gt;

    Reply
  22. sporty88au Avatar
    sporty88au

    A couple of examples from Down Under – I'm not sure I'd call either of them cool.
    Nissan Pulsar Reebok – I don't remember if it came with a pair of shoes for when it breaks down.
    <img src="http://i34.tinypic.com/211p43m.png"&gt;
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E_4jTdvHcw
    Holden Barina Sportsgirl (a local womens fashion retailer) – I'm sure the graphics on the side were cunningly designed to prevent any man from ever borrowing the car, even for a short run to the local shops. I could only find a Youtube link to the TV commercial for this one:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXzTG6Mjg7A

    Reply
  23. Will Avatar
    Will

    <img src="http://blogs.cars.com/.a/6a00d83451b3c669e2017d3cba1105970c-800wi&quot; width="600"> <img src="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fiat_Panda_II_Alessi_001.jpg&quot; width="600"> <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/Fiat_Panda_Tanker_concept_car.jpg&quot; width="600"> Last is my favorite, from wikipedia…unveiled at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy, the Panda Tanker features only three doors. And although the overall shape has remained unchanged, the two rear doors have been replaced by solid panels to free up some extra load space in the practical cabin. Rugged extras and underbody protection also help to set the Tanker apart from the standard Panda 4×4 model. Designed in conjunction with Italian extreme sport clothing manufacturer Dainese, the show star is equipped with sports seats incorporating a rigid titanium fibre shell.
    Reflecting the matt paint finish of the exterior, the cabin has a back-to-basics feel. With no rear seats, the load floor offers flexible attachments for fixing sports kit, while an aluminium structure is designed to carry mountain bikes.

    Reply