Images: WrapZone/Skeeple

As crazy as it may seem, the first Transformers movie hit movie theaters in 2007, and next year the series will celebrate ten years with its fifth, as-yet-unnamed movie. While the movies have starred a revolving cast of both human characters and CGI robots, the bright yellow Camaro named Bumblebee has stuck around, as has GM’s corporate sponsorship of the film.

After four movies and untold miles and battles, Bumblebee somehow continues to look pretty much pristine. That may be all well and good for GM’s corporate image, but in the real world the battered patina look has been catching on, so much so that graphics designer Skepple and vinyl wrap specialists WrapZone banned together for a unique vinyl wrap on this fifth-generation Camaro Z/28.

Blessed with bullet holes and blast damage, this is what Bumblebee should look like after all the intense fighting and human-saving the robot-in-disguise has had to endure. Soot and battle scars intermingle with the functional bits of the Camaro Z/28, such as its ground-scraping front lip spoiler and heat-extracting hood scoop.

The automotive era we currently find ourselves in often places modern cars at an odd juxtaposition with the ragged and worn look that has grown in popularity. Although many customizers stop short of actually introducing rust onto their rides, a few have fully committed to the patina look in the pursuit of authenticity.

With Transformers 5 slated for release next summer, should we hope to see a Bumblebee that actually looks like he’s survived four previous Michael Bay movies? Or will his paint and sheet metal remain forever flawless?