The Big Banana Car: How a Custom-Built Hot Rod Turns Traffic Stops into Community Outreach
Steve Braithwaite, the creator and operator of the 23-foot-long “Big Banana Car,” was pulled over by law enforcement in Billings, Montana, on Wednesday due to a license plate discrepancy. The incident, which resulted in no citation, marks a routine occurrence for the vehicle, which has logged over 250,000 miles across North America since its construction in 2008. Braithwaite, a hot-rod enthusiast, built the custom vehicle on a pickup truck chassis after being inspired by unconventional custom builds featured on the British television program Top Gear.
Why does the Big Banana Car attract frequent police attention?
According to Braithwaite, the vehicle is frequently stopped by law enforcement primarily due to its highly visible, unconventional appearance rather than traffic violations. In an interview with Cowboy State Daily, Braithwaite noted that during the first decade of the vehicle’s operation, he was likely one of the most frequently pulled-over drivers in the United States. While some stops involve checks for documentation or equipment compliance, many officers initiate contact to photograph the vehicle or engage in conversation. Braithwaite recounted a notable interaction in West Virginia where an officer stopped him under the humorous pretense of having “peeled out” at a traffic light.
How did the Big Banana Car project begin?
The project originated in 2008 following a chance observation at a gas station. Braithwaite, who was seeking a creative outlet after growing bored with traditional car shows, viewed a banana in a fruit bowl and visualized a vehicle design. He utilized a pickup truck frame as the foundation for the build. The vehicle has since become his primary mode of transportation, funded largely by voluntary contributions from passengers and supporters he encounters while traveling. The project is currently branded as “The World Needs More Whimsy Grand Tour,” reflecting Braithwaite’s goal of traveling through Central America and eventually shipping the vehicle overseas.
Comparison of Custom Roadside Attractions
The Big Banana Car is often compared to other iconic promotional vehicles in American pop culture. While the Big Banana Car functions primarily as a community-engagement project and a personal passion, it shares the road with corporate-owned marketing vehicles like the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.
| Vehicle | Origin | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Big Banana Car | Individual Custom Build | Community engagement/Personal project |
| Oscar Mayer Wienermobile | Corporate Marketing | Brand promotion |
What is next for the project?
Braithwaite intends to continue his long-distance travel, with future plans to navigate through Central America and pursue global transit. He has publicly proposed a race against the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to generate public interest, though he notes that Kraft Heinz, the parent company of the Wienermobile, has not formally engaged with the challenge. The vehicle remains a fixture at community events, where Braithwaite offers rides and photo opportunities to the public, maintaining his commitment to what he describes as a global need for “whimsy.”
Key Takeaways
- Verification: The Big Banana Car is a street-legal, custom-built vehicle based on a pickup truck chassis.
- Operations: The vehicle has accumulated over 250,000 miles, with its owner funding travel through community donations.
- Law Enforcement Interaction: Stops are frequent but typically non-punitive, often serving as social interactions between the driver and local authorities.
- Future Goals: The owner, Steve Braithwaite, is planning an international tour, aiming to transport the vehicle through Central America and across oceans.