[UPDATE: I'm keeping this entry in this blog due to the amount of interest and traffic it generates. It will be updated as needed when I hear from Karen and Jekara]
Ever watched the MTV television show "Pimp My Ride"? It usually has some poor car that needs a serious makeover and when the folks at West Coast Customs are finished with it, the original can hardly be recognized. Sometimes it isn't even the same car. Most of the time the show is fairly lame and has turned into more a sponsor showcase than a true auto showcase, it did have it's moments . . .
I was pleasantly surprised when I came across an episode of them 'pimping' a '55 Belair. Even though the old girl was a bit rough (a serious understatement) at the beginning, they knew a classic when they saw one and kept the bling bling to a minimum. When she rolled out, she was a beauty and still had her pride.
Here's a shortened version of the show - in Quicktime format. I have added some of the dialog and a bit of sound track. It has been shortened quite a bit. It's still large and will take a while to load - taking a bit of time to play. If you like to see these old Chevy's restored rather than crushed, then you should enjoy this. Click the image above to jump to the show ... or click Pimp My Ride - Jekara's '55 Chevy
I have received some e-mail (and additional pictures) from the owner of the '55 in the episode. Welcome Jekara! This very nice lady has sent three more photos of the car - before and after shots. Oh... and one other photo too.
"Thought you might get a kick out of these...the car at home. The car going over the Grapevine, Hwy. 5 in Los Angeles, and the car covered up to protect it from the roofers...last, ME!"
Check out the Big Bertha Pictures link to see the show, and the rest of the links to find out what's happening to her.
I think MTV and WCC did a nice job on the ole' girl. They put her back in good shape. By doing the Bel Air and doing it right, I also think "Pimp My Ride" brought credibility back to the show.
Enjoy.
