FYI: The iconic chopped-up Maybach 57S featured in Kanye West and Jay-Z’s "Otis" music video is on display in Los Angeles.
The Maybach’s Unconventional Journey
The legendary Maybach 57S, which gained fame in Kanye West and Jay-Z’s iconic "Otis" music video, has resurfaced at a Los Angeles auto show. First brought to the public’s attention in 2011, this luxury car was dramatically transformed using power tools by the artists during the music video, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
From Music Video to Auction Block
Debuting on August 11, 2011, the "Otis" video, directed by Spike Jonze, showcased the duo skillfully hacking the luxury vehicle, setting it apart as a unique piece of automotive art. The video propelled the Maybach into automotive history, with the vehicle later making its way to Phillips de Pury & Co.’s New York Contemporary Art Evening Auction. Surprisingly, it sold for just $60,000—a fraction of its estimated worth and original retail price. Nonetheless, the proceeds benefited charity, turning this vehicle’s chaotic modification into something meaningful.
Current Status: Preserved and Displayed
A decade post its glamorous music video appearance, the altered Maybach 57S found its new home with West Coast Customs. Despite the time passed since its debut, the car remains a spectacle, maintaining its adventurous redesign, including the hood-to-trunk swap. Even though questions remain about its roadworthiness, the vehicle stands strong, a testament to its intriguing past.
A Must-Visit for Auto Enthusiasts
Visitors to the Los Angeles car show can witness the Maybach 57S in its current form. This chopped-up automotive relic shares space with other distinctive vehicles, like Paris Hilton’s vibrant pink Bentley Continental GT. But for those inspired by bold automotive endeavors, nothing beats the experience of seeing the "Otis" Maybach up close.
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Conclusion
The chopped-up Maybach 57S is more than a car; it is an icon of creative destruction and charity. Its journey from Kanye West and Jay-Z’s masterpiece to an auction item and now a showpiece in an auto show marks an adventurous narrative of transformation. Intriguing automotive fans worldwide, this Maybach continues to captivate audiences with its rich history and enduring presence.
Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
