Formula Auctions

January 16, 2024

A Pimped Out Ride

During the 2000s, automotive television shows focused on revivals and restorations took centre stage in the world of entertainment across cable networks worldwide. Among these shows, one in particular reigned supreme on MTV network for six seasons, and all you had to do was reach out to them to have your ride pimped out. Despite some recent controversies, "Pimp My Ride" stood as one of the most iconic shows on television at the time. It took beat-up clunkers and transformed them into jaw-dropping spectacles, infusing each vehicle with quirky modifications and personal touches tailored to the owner's unique personality. One such transformation involved a 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Front of the Pimp My Ride Caravan seen at Petersen Automotive Museum

This 1999 Grand Caravan was meticulously crafted by Galpin Auto Sports (GAS) for a contestant named Laila, featured on season six, episode seven of "Pimp My Ride.” Throughout this episode, viewers had the opportunity to witness the remarkable transformation of a soccer spec minivan into a truly wild and extravagant vehicle. While the show often had a comical tone, it did provide a glimpse into the meticulous work the team at Galpin Auto Sports undertook, including extensive bodywork, interior enhancements, and upgrades to the Caravan's electronics.

Read of the Pimp My Ride Caravan seen at Petersen Automotive Museum
Rear of the Pimp My Ride Caravan seen at Petersen Automotive Museum

The van underwent extensive modifications, receiving a striking metallic pink and purple paint job adorned with a tribal graphic to create a captivating contrast between the two tones. Inside, the interior was transformed with denim upholstery, featuring a luxurious wrap-around couch complete with an adjustable footrest and a television, making it a unique way to kick your feet up and relax. Additionally, the team installed eight monitors throughout the back of the van to provide an enhanced viewing experience. To further reflect the owner's personality, they included a jewellery maker for Laila, allowing her to create beads and necklaces on the go.

Close up of the tribal graphic that split the pink and purple colours apart

Following the episode's conclusion, the van would eventually make its way to Boston and was sadly left abandoned, fading into obscurity as a forgotten piece of American entertainment history. However, its story took an unexpected turn when YouTube sensation Tavarish decided to purchase the abandoned minivan and embarked on a mission to restore it to its former glory.

The heart shaped exhaust tip that was installed during the episode

Tavarish would enter the project with enthusiasm, initiating a thorough cosmetic restoration and conducting a comprehensive overhaul of the mechanical aspects and electronics to ensure that every system functioned flawlessly. He documented the entire restoration process, and the videos quickly climbed the YouTube charts, amassing an impressive audience of over twenty-five million viewers through the series.

The aftermarket Motegi wheels were colour matched to the Caravan's pink hue

In a heartwarming gesture, Tavarish decided to gift the fully restored Caravan to friend and fellow YouTube car enthusiast “Hoovies Garage” as a Christmas present. Hoovie, in turn, generously donated the van to a museum where it was displayed for about a year, sharing its unique history with the public. After its museum stint, Hoovie reclaimed the van, but its fate took a twist once more when it ended up abandoned in a barn afterwards, left to slowly deteriorate once again.

Official clips of the Caravan's transformation on season 6 episode 7 of Pimp My Ride

Tavarish's connection with the van remained strong as he decided to purchase it once more. He diligently worked on bringing it back to running condition and carried out further body repairs, ensuring it was once again in top shape. Eventually, he made the admirable decision to donate the van to the renowned Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California.

The first part of the three part series of Tavarish resurrecting the Pimp My Ride Caravan

In May of 2023, I had the chance to personally encounter the van during a visit to the Petersen. However, despite being under the museum's care, the van has found itself once more exposed to the elements. It was parked in the museum's above-ground parkade, patiently waiting for the institution to determine its next chapter as a cultural icon of the 2000s automotive world.

Finale to Tavarish's series on the Caravan, where he gifted the minivan to his friend and fellow YouTuber Hoovies Garage

During the 2000s, automotive culture was thriving on television networks worldwide, and "Pimp My Ride" stood out as one of the most beloved shows of that era. Unfortunately, after the show's conclusion, this 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan endured a tumultuous journey, marked by a constant lack of care and abandonment across various locations in the United States. Now, it has found a new home at the Petersen Automotive Museum, where its future remains uncertain but promising. It is part of one of the most prestigious collections in the world, offering hope for its preservation and recognition as a significant artefact from the vibrant automotive culture of the 2000s.

Hoovies Garage doing an overview on the Caravan