the cartoon genius of Stan Mott

I learned from Peter S that the above is based on a real situation, and he shared photos of the Bugatti that inspired this cartoon! 

How cool is that! 

Lead illustration for "Charlie Lucky and The Grand Prix Pignatelli" article.

 This was the first in a series of six "Pignatelli" articles by Robert G. Lurie. Basic theme: Innocent American-Italian sports car driver is coerced by Mafia relatives to unknowingly smuggle cocaine into the U.S. This was a particularly delicious assignment as it allowed me to design ferocious sports cars of my dreams!

he was also a damn good artist, here are the famous Mercedes Benz
Starting at bottom left; a 1934 W25, a 1935 W125, a 1939 W154, a 1939 W165, a 1954 300SL, a 1954 W196, and a 1954 W196R.

The Volkswagen Hammer
 Created with Robert Cumberford, text by Cumberford.
Sports Cars illustrated, July 1958
 AT LAST! A truly practical accessory for your VW

 Tired of finding dented bumpers and guards when you return to your parked VW? Here's a really effective solution from Improbable Industries.

 The VW Parking Hammer should bring an end to your problems. Fastened to your rear bumper with the sturdy built-in clamps, its imposing appearance intimidates the driver of even the largest and most powerful cars. A large, legible warning to STOP is formed integrally with the actuating plate.

 If anyone is so injudicious as to put any excessive pressure, on this plate, it will move forward far enough to release a simple pawl type safety catch. The catch, being released, no longer restrains the heavy coil spring, heart of the device. With the spring exerting its full power, and gravity lending its valuable assistance, WHANGO!

 There is a gratifying loud crash as the indestructible tool steel head strikes home. The careless driver will be appropriately astonished as he sees a happy baby face smiling up at him from the tremendous dent in the top of his hood, offering the cheerful admonishment "too close." His astonishment will in no way be lessened when he discovers that the hammer's face contained razor sharp reversed letters which have permanently inscribed in his hood the legend "You have just run into a Volkswagen."

And here he is racing carts with the King of Jordan in 1963

http://sbiii.com/cyclops/stmott-2.html
http://www.searchamelia.com/amelia-concours-celebrates-the-genius-of-stan-mott