Seven Auto-Inspired Halloween Costume Ideas for 2023

No one is really ever too old for Halloween. Are some of us too old to go door to door asking for candy? Yes, and you need to stop. But for the rest of us, Halloween can be a great opportunity to experiment, socialize, and rejuvenate the child within. 

However, a single slip-up during costume prep can potentially derail the entire experience. Stay clear of the trappings that come with last-minute costume planning; we all know that a simple name tag on a white buttoned shirt will not fly in 2023. Courtesy of  Charles Gabus Ford, here are seven Halloween costume ideas with an automotive spin. 

Formula One Drivers 

Formula One racing has seen its popularity skyrocket in the United States over the last several years, thanks in part to the Netflix documentary series Drive To Survive. Another potential reason for the uptick in viewers? The racers just look cool. The sport’s allure is amplified by its visually striking elements, from the vibrantly illuminated tracks to the cars themselves. The drivers’ racing suits are no exception. Bonus points if you show up at your party representing Team Red Bull, who are currently dominating the 2023 standings. 

Safety notice: real Formula One racing overalls are flame retardant, but we’d advise against testing this out on your costume.

Lightning McQueen 

Pixar was so captivated by the potential of an entirely sentient automotive universe that they didn’t stop at making Cars – they expanded its world with two sequels. Owen Wilson’s aspiring champ Lightning McQueen was the hero of those movies and, provided you can find two extremely large eyeballs, his is the costume that will resonate with Pixar fans of a certain age. 

If you’re chaperoning your child to a Halloween party, Lightning will help immediately endear yourself to them for the evening. After all, who doesn’t love a champion, especially one decked out in such vibrant colors? Just make sure you don’t accidentally order Mater. Mater’s the worst. 

The Mystery Machine 

Imagine the sheer number of masked sociopaths that would be roaming the streets of De Moines this Halloween if not for the reliable engine of the Scooby gang’s Mystery Machine. If you’re looking for a more retro take on the iconic pop culture vehicle costume, the Scooby gang’s vintage van is the way to go. (The Ghostbusters wagon less flamboyant, but still an acceptable alternative in a pinch).  

Clearly, there are bonus points to be awarded if you bring a canine companion with you. Just don’t bring a dog that looks nothing like Scooby Doo; everyone knows there were no Yorkshire Terriers riding shotgun in the Mystery Machine, and you will get called out for it. 

Speed Racer 

Speed Racer’s 2008, Wachowski-helmed big-screen revival may have been a box office bust (despite its enduring, trippy visuals), but the character still makes for another solid old-school selection thanks to his iconic yet relatively simple design. The white pants, blue collared shirt, and red scarf scream thrift store finds, and surely there’s an old bike helmet in your garage you can slap a red “M” on to. You’re guaranteed to be the hit of the party – at least amongst 1960’s anime enthusiasts. 

As was the case with the Mystery Machine, you could go the extra mile and bring along a pet – in this case it would be a monkey to represent Speed’s chimpanzee sidekick Chim Chim. Just remember that, since Chim Chim isn’t nearly as ubiquitous to pop culture as Scooby-Doo is, you may wind up spending your night fielding a lot of questions. That time might be better spent watching 2008’s Speed Racer which, once again, rules.

Sweet Tooth 

Did anyone actually watch Twisted Metal, Peacock’s unlikely revival of an all-but-dormant Sony PlayStation franchise? It’s difficult to say, since streaming services tend to be withholding when it comes to little things like “ratings.” One thing we know for certain; if you’re looking to completely unsettle everyone this Halloween, it’s hard to go wrong with this costume. 

In the game’s lore, Sweet Tooth was a maniacal clown who operated from his renovated ice cream truck. In the show, he’s a maniacal clown who operates from his renovated ice cream truck and is voiced by Bojack Horseman’s Will Arnett. Maybe know the vibe of the party you’re attending before you commit to this one.

Take Your Pick from Mad Max: Fury Road 

Fury Road was one of the most acclaimed blockbusters of the last decade, and a large part of its appeal resided in its eccentric character designs. With a spinoff film in development, centered around Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa, the madcap thriller has endured well into 2023.

You really can’t go wrong with any of the oil-stained Furiosa, Tom Hardy’s masked Max, Nicholas Hoult’s melanin-deprived War Boy Nux, or even Immortan Joe, who gives Sweet Tooth a run for his money in the bad vibes department. Maybe leave the flaming guitar at home though (unless you have enough official Formula One uniforms for the entire party).

Karl Benz 

Though the origin of the first automobile continues to be a source of debate (some go as far as crediting Leonardo da Vinci for the invention in the 15th century), the earliest credit is often bestowed upon Karl Benz, the German engineer who applied for a patent for his “vehicle powered by a gas engine” in 1886. (Why he didn’t patent his own mustache oil is anyone’s guess.)

The point is, if you attend you costume party dressed as nineteenth century engine designer Karl Benz and someone correctly identifies you, you owe that person a drink.

Regardless of what costume you choose, Charles Gabus Ford is here year-round for all your (real life) vehicle needs. Check out our full selection of new and used vehicles, and as winter approaches, make an appointment to change your oil, check your battery and brakes, and any other service your vehicle may require, right here at Charles Gabus Ford.