Cody Tarantino Transforms a Vanderhall Into a Rolling Work of Art
- Father Time
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 24
Cody Tarantino is no stranger to unconventional canvases. His latest project, drawing directly onto a Vanderhall roadster using only pen and ink, pushed both his creativity and technical skill to new heights.
The project began when a private client approached Tarantino with a bold idea: to turn their three-wheeled Vanderhall into a one-of-a-kind art piece. Known for his detailed linework and meditative approach to illustration, Cody accepted the challenge, intrigued by the opportunity to merge fine art with automotive design.
Working entirely with pen and ink, Tarantino treated the car’s curved body like a sculptural canvas. Unlike paper or flat surfaces, the contours of the Vanderhall demanded an adaptive approach. He had to adjust perspective on the fly, recalibrate proportions, and constantly respond to the flow of the vehicle’s form. It was a test of patience and precision.
“It was the largest and most technically demanding surface I’ve ever worked on,” Tarantino shared. “The curves distort your eye and your lines. You can’t sketch loosely and clean it up later. It’s all final.”
The project took five full days of hands-on work. Each line was laid down slowly and deliberately, without the safety net of an undo button. As the drawing progressed, the vehicle was transformed into something entirely new—a fusion of performance, storytelling, machinery, and imagination.
Once the artwork was complete, it was sealed with a clear protective wrap to preserve the design and shield it from the elements, all without compromising the raw penwork underneath.
The collaboration was such a success that the client has already preordered a second Vanderhall. Plans are in place for Tarantino to begin work on the next piece as soon as the new vehicle arrives.
This project not only showcased Cody Tarantino’s versatility as an artist, it also marked an exciting new chapter in his creative journey. With the right vision, even a high-performance machine can become a canvas for something timeless.
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