# Retro Phone Cars Howard Davis's VW Beetle Mod By lourdes sanchez bayas | Published 2008-06-24 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modified-vehicles-howard-daviss-phone-car References: [likecool](http://www.likecool.com/The_Phone_Car--News--Gear.html) Howard Davis modified a 1975 [Volkswagen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-id-3-ev) [Beetle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meyers-manx) to make it look like a large throwback phone on wheels. Originally, Davis created this phone car to promote his telephone business called Datel Communications. Recently, Davis decided to take time off his job to take his fully functional phone car on tour to different cities to “put a smile on people's faces”. The gimmicky phone will garner some attention alright. But I don't see a windshield here. How does that work? Check out this other [customized vehicle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/romero-britto) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Retro-styled Vehicles:** Opportunity for automakers to create modern vehicles with a nostalgic design aesthetic. - **Promotional Branding:** Opportunity for businesses to create unique and attention-grabbing promotional vehicles. - **Touring Attractions:** Opportunity to create mobile attractions that travel to different cities and engage with audiences. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive:** Innovative car modifications and designs. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Creative promotional strategies using customized vehicles. - **Entertainment:** Mobile attractions and experiences for audiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Luminated Transparent Custom Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-id-3-ev.md) - [Retro-Style Electric Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/porsche-x-vw-renndienst-idbuzz-bus.md) - [Electrified Classic Saloon Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saloon-car.md) - [Road-Ready Dune Buggy Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fordzilla-hypervan.md) - [Semi-Transparent Concept Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/renault-twingo-concept.md) - [1930s-Inspired Hand-Built Automobiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iconic-auto-sports.md) - [Sci-Fi-Themed Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-2.md) - [Life-Size LEGO Brick Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1950s-cadillac-fleetwood.md) - [Rattan Detailed Custom Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiat-500-spiaggina.md)