A “taponneux” vehicle has been causing a stir in the Quebec City area for a few days with its modified car, worthy of the famous Christmas film Le Sapin a des boules.
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“I’m amazed at how people react when they see me coming. They have sparkling eyes and it brings a little joy to their hearts, perfect for the holidays! “Just start Francis Lemay, who will be received by the journal.
The 20-year-old man from Saint-Agapit, southwest of Lévis, has traveled social networks on both sides of the river. Many thought they were caught off guard when they were passed by a car straight out of a Christmas fairy tale.
Mr. Lemay is traveling aboard a vintage Mazda Miata outfitted with 600ft of garlands of lights and a real Christmas tree a few feet tall. Everything is held together with adhesive tape, tension belts and can be operated with a little imagination.
“I can go anywhere except drive-thru and underground parking! ” assures the young man who installed the tree in a steel tube to ensure its maintenance.
Not the first time
Mr. Lemay has been engaged in this extraordinary activity for three years now, each time pushing the “delirium” a little further. And that’s only for Christmas.
On Halloween, he “teeth” one of his cars, adding red lights and a skull on the antenna to blend in with the background
“I’m a taponneur, I like to make my cars a little more unique,” he explains.
“It has its small effect, people sometimes try to film me when I’m out and give me thumbs up. There is even a driver who has already turned around to congratulate me! ‘ he adds, laughing.
No arrests
Despite the unusual appearance of his “Christmas Car,” Francis Lemay claims he has never received a Highway Safety Code-related fine.
However, he was first intercepted this week on the Grande Allée, where police told him the tree could be obscuring his rear view.
“They told me I should be fine if I prune the lower branches a bit to clear the view. I will do that,” says the young man.
When asked about the legality of such a vehicle, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) was unable to answer our questions yesterday.