Torn between two loves; the cactus and the car

Another of the black and white photos Andrew has given me over the years. This one has always made me wonder at the almost perfect balance of car and cactus. Is there a story of the car? Or is the story the cactus? Is the fact the car is with the cactus the story?
Obviously the cactus are the reason you stop to take this particular photo. But then the NY plates on the car in combination with the cactus are also rather intriguing. Did this person drive their Triple A/Kiwanis club stickered car all the way to the desert SW? Is this their destination? Or are they turning around and driving back home? Inquiring minds wish they could know...