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 rejuvenate the child within. 

Still, make one wrong move when planning your costume for the big party and everything can come undone. Don’t get stuck coming up with a costume plan the night before, as let’s face it – no one respects the guest who walks in with a name tag plastered on a button-up shirt. Courtesy of Billy Wood Honda, here are seven Halloween costume ideas with an automotive twist. 

Formula One Drivers 

The Formula One circuit’s popularity has skyrocketed in the United States over the last few years, thanks in part to the Netflix documentary series Drive To Survive. Another potential reason for the uptick in viewers? Simply put, the drivers look cool. Part of the sport’s appeal is the flashy aesthetic element, and the racing suits are no exception. Bonus points if you show up representing Team Red Bull, who are currently dominating the 2023 standings. 

Safety notice: real Formula One racing overalls are flame retardant, but you may want to read the fine print on your F1 costume before you test this. 

Lightning McQueen 

Pixar was so enamored with the possibilities of a fully cognizant automotive world that they didn’t just create Cars – they expanded its universe with two sequels. Owen Wilson’s Lightning McQueen was the de facto star of those movies, and his is the costume that will probably endear you most to Pixar fans of a certain age. 

If you’re accompanying your son or daughter to a Halloween party, this is the costume guaranteed to transform you into their hero for the night. Just make sure you don’t accidentally order Mater. Mater’s the worst. 

The Mystery Machine 

Imagine the sheer number of sociopaths that would be roaming the streets this Halloween if it wasn’t 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, this is the way to go. (The Ghostbusters wagon is a less colorful but still acceptable alternative in a pinch).  

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

Speed Racer 

Speed Racer’s 2008 big-screen revival may have flopped (despite being awesome), but the endearing character still makes for another inspired vintage choice thanks to his iconic yet relatively simple design. Provided you can find a white helmet to ink the red “M” on, the white pants, blue collared shirt, and red scarf should be a cinch. You’re guaranteed to be a hit, at least amongst 1960’s anime enthusiasts. 

As was the case with the Mystery Machine, you could go the extra mile and bring along an animal companion – in this case, a monkey to represent Speed’s pet chimpanzee Chim Chim. Just be aware that Chim Chim isn’t as ubiquitous to pop culture as Scooby-Doo is, and you may wind up on the receiving end of many questions.

Sweet Tooth 

Did anyone actually watch Twisted Metal, Peacock’s unlikely revival of a basically dormant Sony PlayStation franchise? It’s hard to say, since streaming services tend not to share things like “ratings.” But we know one thing for certain; if you’re looking to unsettle a lot of people 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 settle on this one. 

Take Your Pick from Mad Max: Fury Road 

Fury Road was one of the most critically acclaimed blockbusters of the last decade, and a large part of its appeal resided in its off-the-wall character designs. The film still endures in 2023 with a spinoff film in development, centered around Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa.  

You really can’t go wrong with any of the oil-stained Furiosa, Tom Hardy’s masked protagonist, Nicholas Hoult’s deathly pale War Boy Nux, or even the nightmarish Immortan Joe. Maybe leave the flaming guitar at home though – safety precautions and all that. 

Karl Benz 

Though the origin of the first automobile continues to be a source of debate, the earliest credit is often given to the German Karl Benz, who applied for a patent in 1886 for his “vehicle powered by a gas engine.” 

The point is, if you attend a costume party dressed as Karl Benz and someone correctly identifies you, that person automatically wins the night. 

Hopefully following our guide this year will lead to plenty of winning for yourself. Whoever you choose to be this Halloween, know that Billy Wood Honda is here year-round for all your (real) vehicle needs. Stop in today to check out our new and pre-owned inventory, and as winter approaches, make Billy Wood your one-stop shop for Service and Parts.