Modern Charioteers: Robot Obama

Last week we saw some sick modern motorcycle chariots. I wouldn't want you to think the chariot revival is only for manly biker men, so here's something for you Berkeley types:

A SOLAR POWERED CHARIOT DRAWN BY ROBOT OBAMA.

via Wackymobile

Drink it in.

This chariot previously came in George Bush and Arnold Schwarzenegger models. Designer Bob Schneeveis is a neurobiologist and longtime alternative energy designer. Watch his hysterical interview with the 'Hippie Gourmet' here (embedding disabled) to see robot George Bush in a gladiator outfit pulling two hippies in tie-dyed shirts and funny hats around Schneeveis' neighborhood.

Here's the chariot in action at Maker Faire SF 2011! (Sans Obama head)

The Modern Charioteer

In my usual morning reading about the global economic meltdown my mind was blown by this modern-day charioteer cruising on the interstate. He's driving this thing with reins. Note the NASCAR billboard!

via Art Car

Chariot racing was the main spectator sport of Greek and Roman civilization, complete with heroic riders, politicized racing factions and city-destroying sports riots. Our anonymous driver above isn't the only one to feel the magic. Youtube user Magician132 has video of his awesome motorcycle chariots in action at Sturgis. He sells these things!




Says Magician132:

I build three a year and the price range is around $100,000.00. It's worth every penny. You can have three or four people with you and carry a bunch. The best way I can describe riding on my chariot is as follows, especially doing about 70 MPH, that's when you really get this feeling that comes over you, picture yourself standing on a flying carpet as everything goes floating by, it's awesome. That's the feeling, nothing like it.

They were going to do an exhibition at Daytona Beach in 2008, with WCW wrestler Buff Bagwell as the celebrity spokesman! But the shipping company lost some crucial parts so it didn't happen. Bummer. This looks like a sickeningly awesome ride.


Because I'm a nerd, I have to point out that this idea was first explored back in the early days of motoring. Check out this German four-bike chariot from 1938.

via Silodrome