A Brief History
When one thinks of the ultimate flashy “pimp mobile,” certain cars come to mind. The flashiest, gaudiest, most impressive pinpin’ rides, the cars we would expect the Number 1 pimp on the block to be riding in. Cars that came from the factory fancy and impressive, and with a little customizing would serve notice to all around of the prestige and importance of the occupant.
Digging Deeper
5. 1960 Cadillac Hearse.
This car is already a passable Batmobile without the need for customizing. Big, black, layered with chrome and retaining large fins, the self respecting pimp has room in the back for a mattress or, heaven forbid, dead bodies. Plus, the superstitious factor people have will induce fear from its mere arrival and presence. Various customized stretch limos can also be used, but not with the allure of a hearse.
4. 2015 Lamborghini Aventador SuperVeloce.
With 750 horsepower produced by its 6.5 liter V-12, this super car can flee the police at over 217 mph, reaching 62 mph in only 2.8 seconds. A 2017 model will shave some weight off, making it marginally faster. With nifty doors that rotate up and out of the way, this is a visually striking car that any observer will immediately recognize as a super car. Apologies to Ferrari and other super car manufacturers, this car is our favorite.
3. 2003-2016 Rolls-Royce Phantom.
This rolling mansion does not need customizing as it is that glamorous from the factory. Especially the extended wheel base model, this car will command any street scene. Amazingly for a 5500 pound car, the Phantom can zip to 60 mph in only 5.9 seconds thanks to its 6.75 ltre V-12 that produces 454 horsepower. Since 2007 an armored model has been available, a must have for any self respecting pimp. Stand by for the next generation Phantom, expected in 2018. Honorable mention to Bentley.
2. 2008-2009 Hummer H-2.
With a big 6.2 liter engine making 393 horsepower, this pimpin’ ride could power its 4 wheel drive over curbs, through fences, and over or around other obstacles if there was dire need for escape, presumably from other jealous pimps. To truly make this car a pimp mobile, customizing is pretty much necessary. Often equipped with video screens for the entertainment of passengers, these cars also lent themselves well to be armored against small arms. Carrying 6 or 7 people made them useful for picking up and dropping off ho’s. Runner up in the giant SUV division, the 2005 Ford Excursion, a 10 cylinder engine monster that outweighed the Suburban by a ton.
1. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado convertible.
With its soaring tail fins and giant tail lights the rear end looks like 2 jet planes, or perhaps a space ship. The rest of the car is adorned with tons of chrome, and the grille is jeweled. The most expensive Cadillac model from 1957-1960, this was the top of the line, and therefore the most prestigious American car of its day, an icon of excess. With a smooth and powerful 6.4 liter V-8 that made 345 horsepower, other motorists knew who the king of the road was. Although rare in those days, these behemoths were equipped with power windows, seats and locks, air suspension, air conditioning and cruise control among other amenities. Other Cadillac Eldorado models can be considered suitable substitutes, especially with proper customizing.
Question for students (and subscribers) to ponder: As this list is subjective, what cars do you think should be on the list and why?
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Pimp My Ride: Street Racing. Activision Inc., 2009. PlayStation 2 video game.
