Artist Otis Frizzell’s designs on Jaguar E-Pace
ARTIST OTIS FRIZZELL’S CAREER PATH INCLUDES BEING A HIP HOP PERFORMER, TV AND RADIO HOST, AND TATTOOIST. HE RUNS THE LUCKY TACO FOOD TRUCK WITH HIS WIFE SARAH
What are you driving?
A Borosco White 2018 Jaguar E-Pace P300 AWD R-DYN SE2. We have had it for three months.
And you’re a Jaguar ambassador?
I prefer to think of my relationship with Jaguar as a partnership. I am working on a collaborative art project with Jaguar, with more to come. Sarah and I also have plans for The Lucky Taco to join up with Jaguar for events this year.
Did you choose the E-Pace or did Jaguar?
We chose the E-Pace. The F-Pace was bigger than we need, and as we use the car for a (somewhat luxury) Lucky Taco delivery vehicle, we needed the boot space that the E-Pace offers.
What do you like about it?
It’s beautiful. It’s all luxury and comfortable. The leather interior
. . . the stereo is amazing. It’s great around town, but comes into its own on the open road.
How much can you fit in it?
We load it up to its max when we deliver Lucky Taco Fiesta kits to Farro Fresh and a few local supermarkets. And when Sarah and I get a much needed weekend away, we fill it up with chilli bins full of food to cook for our mates.
What do you always have in your car?
We like to keep it clean inside. But I’ve finally trained myself to keep a bunch of reusable shopping bags in the boot.
How does it fit your personality?
It’s more luxury than I’m used to. More power, too. But I’m learning to live with it.
Being an artist, how important are a vehicle’s aesthetics?
Very important. To be honest, it makes me feel special when I drive it. When I started talking to Jaguar about our ongoing relationship, I said we wanted to put The Lucky Taco skull on the hood. They were totally into it. It felt great putting a skull on the hood of such a lux vehicle.
First car?
When I was 17 I got my grandmother’s 1971 Mini. (I was born in 1971, too) I loved it. It was the ultimate, tiny hoon mobile.
Any cars you regret selling?
I had a 1965 MK3 Zephyr when I was 19. It was a real pig, but it was just so cool. I always dreamed of tidying it up and making it nice, but it ended up becoming a money hole. I I had to sell it. I bought a “sensible” car after that. Bummer.
Who taught you to drive?
My dad [artist Dick Frizzell]taught me how to drive. Back in the 1980s you could get your full licence at 15. 15! I sat my licence before I was ready because I was desperate to drive, and I failed. So I went back to Dad for some lessons and got my shit together. Second time I sat, I aced it. Got my license at 16.
Tips for young drivers?
Don’t rush it. If you ain’t ready, you’re a danger to yourself and everyone else. And learn to reverse parallel park.
Your dream vehicle?
Woah, probably a pillarless 1964 Chevrolet Impala. Not too fussed up. Just clean, with a modern stereo.
Best road trip in this vehicle?
Sarah and I have friends with great houses in Port Waikato, and north past Matakana. That’s the furthest we’ve gone in the E-Pace. We enjoy the drives because we’re rolling in such nice wheels, and it means swims, friends and great meals when we arrive.
Five favourite driving songs?
It depends on what we’re listening to at the time. Usually some Sola Rosa, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Lord Echo, Ladi 6. It’s a long list.
Favourite movie car scene?
All of The Blues Brothers movies.
And your thoughts on electric and driverless vehicles?
I think electric cars are a great idea. I have had the chance to drive the I-Pace. Driverless cars feel like an inevitability, and I’m sure a computer could be a better driver than half the idiots on the road, but for me? I prefer to be behind the wheel. I love to drive.