Built in 1974 by artists Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez, and Doug Michels and funded by Stanley Marsh 3, Cadillac Ranch stands as one of Amarillo's most prominent landmarks. Located on private land off of I-40, it's difficult for travelers to miss the half-buried Cadillacs.

Upon closer observation, visitors will notice that these vehicles are broken-down, have lost their original colors, and are now coated with decades of graffiti spray paint. Anybody familiar with this spot, however, knows that this is not the result of vandalism, but a tradition. Guests who visit often bring spray paint cans, marking the monument as they please.

Surprisingly, the now-disfigured Cadillacs were once fully intact, but after its initial opening to the public, visitors began defacing the cars. Stanley Marsh and the Artists behind this piece did not mind this and actually encouraged guests to make this art piece their own. Decades later, countless visitors have transformed these monoliths into something entirely new.

(Photo by BIPS/Getty Images)
(Photo by BIPS/Getty Images)
loading...

This attraction has garnered tourists from all over the world, has been featured as an Easter egg in films such as Cars and has even appeared on Rihanna's Instagram page where she expressed some strong political options in the form of spray paint on the cars. It's amazing that a piece created 48 years ago is regularly given new identities by its guests, who come to make their own contributions to this piece of art.

So to those of you who have not yet made the trip to Cadillac Ranch, it's time to pick up some spray paint and let out your creative flair on this public spectacle. Just be sure to take pictures, because you'll find that others are ready to make their own marks as well.

More Bad Reviews of Places In Amarillo

So bad they're good...

You've got to read these confusing, amusing, and unintentionally hilarious bad reviews of Amarillo's major area attractions.

LOOK: The Enigmatic Art Oddity of Cookie Time

This quirky and whimsical place is tucked away behind a fence off US-287N and Cherry Street. While it may seem like a head-scratcher at first, you'll soon find yourself drawn to the unique and memorable displays at Cookie Time.

Things We Would Put In Our Version of Cadillac Ranch

Amarillo Landmarks: Negative Yelp Reviews

Yelp can be a strange and angry place. That's what I found out recently when I decided to sort the reviews by "lowest rating" first.

I was okay with the people upset over bad service and what not. But I came across a few reviews that, for lack of a better word, left me speechless in their scathing negative reviews on some of Amarillo's most iconic places. Prepare your self for plenty of head shaking and "I dunno" shrugs.

Top 25 Things To Do In Amarillo

Here are the best things to do in Amarillo.

More From NewsTalk 940 AM