When buying a new car, most people look for similar features. Does it have reasonable smartphone integration? Is the visibility good? What’s the fuel efficiency like?
But if you’re Art Simone – one of Australia’s most famous drag queens – your wish list looks a little different.
The host of the ACRA-nominated podcast Concealed with Art Simone needs her cars to be drag proof. That comes with very specific requirements.
“I’m currently driving a 2022 Toyota Corolla Atmos,” she said.
“I love the leather interior so I can clean off makeup smears easily, the sunroof that gives me a good extra inch for wig clearance and the giant display with CarPlay so I can find my way to gigs easily,” she said.
It’s not all roses, though. The Corolla comes up short when it comes to accessories. Specifically hair accessories.
“What I don’t like is that it doesn’t have a power socket for my hairdryer.”
Take note, Toyota engineers.
For the moment, Art’s happy with the Corolla. After all, she upgraded from a 2010 Yaris recently. But she does have an idea for what she wants to drive next.
“My next car would probably be something impractical and ridiculous, a bright blue Mini Cooper convertible,” Art said. “The ultimate clown car.”
It’s honestly hard to imagine. When in heels (and very she’s rarely out of them) Art is over six feet tall. If you add wig height to that, it’s like being in a room with a besparkled Amazonian.
But while the Mini Cooper is on the list, it’s also just a stepping stone to Art’s ultimate goal: “a nightmarish creation inspired by a Pimp My Ride makeover”.
“[It would have] everything I need to go from plain to Jane while I’m on the road. I’m talking full makeup station, wardrobe and mini bar.”
“Think Priscilla the bus, but only needing to be big enough for one super ego.”
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