See the Cadillac Pimp-Mobile from ‘Shaft’!

Stax Museum of American Soul Music celebrates the music greats of the genre in its Memphis home, but the place of honor can be given to just one great ride.

Positioned on a rotating stage in the iconic museum is the gold-plated Cadillac owned by Isaac Hayes. Built especially for the soul singer-songwriter in 1972 as part of a contract negotiation, it has a fur-lined interior, refrigerated bar, television, and 24-karat gold detailing on the exterior — including gold windshield wipers. This sweet ride is the ultimate pimp-mobile.

Hayes, who was a true Memphis legend, took pride in cruising around town in the tricked out Cadillac Eldorado while working as both a record producer and an in-house songwriter at Stax. The record label was located in the former theater on McLemore Avenue, so the car may have even visited the current museum.

Unfortunately, Hayes went bankrupt and lost his beloved car. Stax itself shut down in 1976, although it left behind an influential legacy in music recording with artists like Otis Redding and Albert King. However, when the building reopened as a museum in 2003, Stax and the Hayes Cadillac were reunited once again.

If you have yet to make a trip to Memphis to check out this soul legend’s dope ride, we found this 37-second video posted by Luxuryland for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

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