If you live in Seacoast, you've probably seen Richard Allen's car: 'This is my happiness'
PORTSMOUTH — If you see a heavily decorated 2017 Ford C-Max Hatchback driving around the Seacoast, it's Richard Allen. The 48-year-old Portsmouth resident has made it his goal to bring smiles to the entire area, traveling as far south as Seabrook and as far north as Old Orchard Beach, Maine, getting attention wherever he goes.
"It makes me happy to know other people are happy," he said. "It's something that people love, so why stop?"
The idea started during COVID-19 shutdowns. Allen was sitting at Hampton Beach trying to brainstorm ways to boost morale during a dark time. In 2020, Allen owned a Chevrolet Silverado with latches on the roof for flag attachments. At first, Allen purchased a few American flags to honor veterans, but once he started adding colorful items to his car, it was hard to stop.
In the last two years, Allen has transformed his car for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. According to Allen, it takes him around six days to decorate for each holiday.
"It's my artwork," Allen said. Allen said he spends about $350 to $400 to cover his car, affectionately named Betsy #5.
His goal is not to have a single uncovered spot on the vehicle. At night, the car lights up with orange, green and purple lights, in addition to inflatables. It requires power, batteries and technical skills to get it set up.
"It's basically a computer on wheels," Allen said.
For Halloween, Allen has gone above and beyond to deck out his ride.
He dedicated parts of the design to author Stephen King, adding themes of Pennywise the clown, citing "It" as his favorite movie. Bar-goers in downtown Portsmouth revel at the car and sometimes ask for a ride. In the front seat, his stuffed animal Oogie Boogie takes precedence. Other items include Jack and Sally from "The Nightmare Before Christmas," iridescent spiders, bloody stickers, pumpkins, mummies, skeletons and skulls.
Art runs in Allen's family, he said, citing his experience in charcoal painting and pottery as the foundation for his creativity.
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On the three days each week Allen is off from work as a cashier at Rite Aid on Lafayette Road in Portsmouth, he spends 6 to 8 hours driving up and down the coastline. Fist bumps, cheers, honks, smiles and head turns are just some of the reactions Allen receives. The car remains decorated almost all year round, except for inspections.
Allen said he suffers from neuropathy and sciatic nerve damage and sustained a head injury in 1996 that left him with short-term memory loss.
"Even though I have those personal problems, I don't let it stop me," he said. "No matter what, I push forward. I shouldn't have been here."
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Additionally, Allen said, he drives to honor a friend who died of brain cancer about eight years ago. Allen said he helped his friend as a caretaker before his death.
Faith is a motivator, too. Allen likes to spread the word of God when driving around the Seacoast. Allen believes he is still alive because of his Christian beliefs. He believes giving back to the community is a reward for himself. He lives in low-income housing and considers his art as an escape.
"This is my happiness," Allen said.
Allen is currently looking for an emotional support dog to join him in the passenger seat. He also accepts donations in person and online.
Allen plans to bring his car to the Trunk or Treat event at the Mall at Fox Run in Newington at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, distributing candy.
He can be found on TikTok as RichardAllen1974.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Richard Allen's car a work of art to bring joy to Portsmouth NH area
