CHICAGO — Steve Bross wears his allegiance to the Blackhawks on his hood.
The Pilsen native owns the Hawk Mobile, a 2008 Jeep Wrangler outfitted with Blackhawks logos, players' autographs, the team's black and red colors, and UC FAN Blackhawks license plates. The interior even features custom Hawks-logo floor mats, with a logo also covering the spare tire.
The Hawk Mobile was part of last week's Patriots Day Parade in Garfield Ridge and the Fourth of July parade in suburban Brookfield. Upcoming events include the Brotherhood for the Fallen in September and Coptoberfest in October.
"People always want to take pictures with it and check out our autographs," said Bross, who now lives in LaGrange. "We get a lot of horn honking and 'Go Hawks' yelling."
Justin Breen discusses the Hawks Jeep on DNAinfo Radio:
The 55-year-old Bross, who has been a Blackhawks fan since he was 5, said the Hawk Mobile originated in 2008. He decorated the Jeep with some black and white stripes and large Hawks logo and noticed an immediate reaction from Hawks supporters. With help from friends, he souped up the Jeep with custom exterior and interior designs in 2009.
When the Hawks won Stanley Cups in 2010 and 2013, the Hawk Mobile was upgraded with respective logos.
Bross, whose everyday car is a 2014 Ford Fiesta, said the Hawk Mobile's customizing cost a bit under $3,000, but it was worth it.
"The Hawk Mobile represents my pride in my team," he said.
