The Tale of the “Flying Saucer” Car: Taking Creativity to the Streets
When it comes to unique and unconventional vehicles, America’s roads are no stranger to their presence. However, not all of these peculiar creations adhere to the legalities of the road. Recently, a pair of motorists had a firsthand experience of this when they were pulled over by an Oklahoma State Police officer in their “flying saucer” car. This extraordinary vehicle, resembling a genuine UFO with its pop-up cockpit dome and shiny body panels, was built by Dennis Bellows on a 1991 Geo Metro. Unfortunately, despite his efforts to study the rulebook during the construction process, Bellows couldn’t account for every traffic law.
The driver of the “flying saucer” car, Steve Anderson, found himself on the receiving end of a lane violation, which prompted the officer to issue a warning. Interestingly, this encounter marked the fourth time police had stopped the saucer on its journey from Indianapolis to the Roswell UFO Festival in New Mexico. Anderson’s fascination with aliens since the age of 8 inspired him to commission Bellows to bring his extraordinary vision to life.
Upon being pulled over, two individuals in the cockpit greeted the officer, with Anderson playfully raising the Vulcan hand salute from “Star Trek.” While the car had encountered plenty of law enforcement attention on its way to the festival, it was met by Roswell officers who were well aware of its impending arrival.
Building the “flying saucer” car was no easy task. Bellows devoted eight months of night work to complete this extraordinary vehicle. The bubble roof, a defining feature of the car, had to be meticulously formed by hand. Bellows carefully warmed pieces of plexiglass to create the dome shape that gives the car its distinctive appearance. Inside, the car boasts custom toggle switches and all the standard automotive features like turn signal stalks. However, it remains unclear whether the car has air conditioning to combat the considerable heat generated by the plexiglass. Adding to its uniqueness, the car’s original horn sound was replaced with a laser sound, further enhancing its “otherworldly” aura.
For Anderson, showcasing the “flying saucer” at the Roswell UFO Festival was a momentous occasion. While he had attended the festival in previous years, this was the first time he brought along his extraterrestrial-inspired vehicle. Surprisingly, rather than being deterred by his numerous run-ins with the law, Anderson has developed a quirky sense of humor about the car. He occasionally delights officers by presenting them with a fake license under the name “Al Ien” and playfully claims his home planet is Krypton.
The story of the “flying saucer” car serves as a testament to human creativity and the boundless possibilities of personal expression. Despite its legal hiccups, this remarkable vehicle captivates both enthusiasts and law enforcement alike, reminding us that sometimes, even on the roads, an element of whimsy and imagination can make a journey truly unforgettable.
