In keeping with our recent examination of the aesthetics of bumper stickers, we are pleased to announce the search for the Ugliest Car in America.

"The car has become an article of dress with which we feel uncertain, unclad and incomplete."
-- Marshall McLuhan

"Some cars are so hideous and disgusting they bring down real estate values in the neighborhood ...We want those."
-- Pete Palmer, Spokesperson for Vehicle Donation Center

"Beauty may only be skin deep, but ugly goes clear to the bone."
-- Red Foxx

First Place: The Gold Pinto Award
The Vehicle Donation Processing Center, Inc., located in Fontana, California, is searching for America's Ugliest Car. This nationwide contest will identify three winners on March 1, 2005: First place is the Gold Pinto Award; Second place is the Silver Pacer Award; Third place is the Bronze Gremlin Award

They don't mention whether the vehicle has to be operational or not: not running adds quite a few options to those in pursuit of ultimate ugliness.

"While people continue to donate their cars for a variety of reasons - IRS tax deduction, avoiding headaches in selling a used car and confusing DMV paperwork and smog hassles - another reason is that their cars are downright ugly and obnoxious," says Pete Palmer of the Vehicle Donation Center. "The Ugliest Car in America Contest is a fun way to spread the word that car donation continues to be a viable option for those looking to save on their taxes while avoiding the hassles of selling their heaps and helping their favorite charity."

We have donated our last several cars, though not to this organization. The tax break is similar to the trade-in or sale value, especially for a vehicle not worth that much anymore; it's convenient because they pick it up and you don't have to deal with any of the hassles of selling a car; and it's is for a good cause.