A 1989 Ford Taurus that was customized for a 2005 episode of Pimp My Ride has recently appeared in a junkyard in Southern California. The elaborate paintwork and modifications have withstood the test of time fairly well, but I guess nothing is permanent. By the way, can you believe 2005 was over 20 years ago?
This past weekend, news of this latest addition to the Wilmington, CA, Pick-Your-Part yard made its way to the RADwood Facebook group. I did a little digging and confirmed that it is indeed the same ’89 Taurus sedan that was featured in Episode 37 of Xzitit’s MTV show during the summer of ’05.
The vehicle received a bespoke gauge cluster, quirky doors, and of course, an elaborate paint job. I can’t claim to remember all the details—I’m pulling the information from xzibitcentral.com. It’s intriguing that it seems to still carry a West Coast Customs license plate in the junkyard. I wonder if it had been tucked away in some Hollywood garage since the episode aired.
Here are the images the junkyard posted for its inventory listing:
I considered making a joke about Xzibit’s official fan site here, but I’ve got nothing on Mr. X to the Z. I was a preppy suburban kid during his peak, so naturally, I used to blast his tracks without a hint of irony (and occasionally still do). In fact, I’m planning to rattle my office walls with “X” again after wrapping up this post.
That said, in my unexpected dive into this little rabbit hole, here’s more about “Rashae’s 1989 Ford Taurus.” The storyline from the episode suggested that “the owner aspired to be a Hollywood stuntwoman.” This piqued my curiosity—did she ever achieve that dream?! A quick online search indicated that the highlighted “car-owner” Rashaé Minor has had a few small roles since Pimp My Ride aired, but most of her acting credits came before she appeared on Xzibit’s show.
She has actually earned two stunt credits: in the 1998 Nic Cage film City of Angels and the 1996 Schwarzenegger classic Jingle All the Way. She must have been a stunt-kid.
Right now, if you’re thinking, “wait, she was already an actress, was Pimp My Ride even real,” well… probably not. While I’m not directly stating it, I think it’s fair to assume that some of the contestants and their vehicles were arranged by the show’s producers rather than selected from the general populace.
But who really cares—the essence of the show (let’s perform extravagant modifications on dilapidated cars) is still entertaining. And that’s really what the show was always meant to be.
As for this Taurus, it became part of the yard inventory on Saturday. I bet that by the time most of you read this, the desirable parts have already been stripped. However, if you’re nearby Wilmington, it might be worth the $2 entry fee to check it out! One of those doors would make a cool piece of garage décor.
Have any leads on other classic TV cars? Shoot me a message at [email protected].
**Modified Ford Taurus from ‘Pimp My Ride’ Now Found at California Pick-Your-Part Junkyard**
In an intriguing development for car aficionados and fans of the legendary MTV show “Pimp My Ride,” a modified Ford Taurus that achieved notoriety on the program has made its way to a California Pick-Your-Part junkyard. This specific vehicle, recognized for its extravagant modifications and distinctive design, presents a rare chance for collectors and fans to acquire a piece of automotive heritage.
**History of the Ford Taurus**
The Ford Taurus, initially introduced in the late 1980s, rapidly became one of America’s top-selling vehicles. Renowned for its dependability and roomy interior, the Taurus has seen numerous redesigns over the years. However, it was in the early 2000s that the car was transformed into a canvas for modification on “Pimp My Ride,” a show that took typical cars and converted them into remarkable masterpieces.
**The Pimp My Ride Phenomenon**
“Pimp My Ride,” hosted by rapper Xzibit, was famous for its extravagant modifications, which typically included flashy paint jobs, premium audio systems, and creative interior designs. The modified Ford Taurus featured at the junkyard was among the standout vehicles from the show, demonstrating a mix of creativity and automotive craftsmanship that mesmerized viewers.
**Characteristics of the Altered Taurus**
This particular Ford Taurus showcases several remarkable modifications that embody the show’s trademark style. Notable features include:
– **Custom Paint Scheme**: A bold, attention-grabbing color palette that differentiates it from standard models.
– **Enhanced Sound System**: Quality speakers and subwoofers that provide an engaging audio experience.
– **Interior Upgrades**: Distinctive upholstery and custom seating that combine comfort with flair.
– **Performance Modifications**: Adjustments to the engine and suspension that improve driving dynamics.
**Now Available at Pick-Your-Part Junkyard**
The arrival of this modified Ford Taurus at the California Pick-Your-Part junkyard has sparked substantial interest among car enthusiasts, collectors, and fans of “Pimp My Ride.” Visitors to the junkyard can examine the vehicle and potentially recover components or even restore it to its previous condition.
**Final Thoughts**
The modified Ford Taurus from “Pimp My Ride” symbolizes a unique blending of pop culture and automotive customization. Its appearance at a California Pick-Your-Part junkyard offers not only a nostalgic journey for fans of the show but also an opportunity for a new generation of car enthusiasts to connect with a piece of television legacy. Whether for parts, restoration, or simply as a collectible, this Taurus is bound to draw attention and inspire ingenuity among automotive fans.