MTV on BT Vision: Pimp My Ride, Dirty Sanchez and more

“The popularity of shows like Pimp My Ride is high,” said the Guardian’s John Robinson. “In hip-hop videos, the rappers’ favourite luxury cars are being displaced by modified cars.”

Located not far from the intersection of Top Gear and Changing Rooms, the MTV show is the ultimate redecorating show for the terminally car-smitten.

Fronted by wisecracking fairy godrapper Xzibit (pictured above), each episode features the restoration and totally rad customising of one lucky Los Angelino punter’s bucket of bolts by a Californian custom body shop.

As Chris Ayers noted in The Times: “The car usually emerges with brightly coloured paintwork, chrome wheel rims, a leather interior and a built-in video game console.”

Highlights of series one include the West Coast Customs crew turning a Land Cruiser into a convertible and creating a mobile yoga studio in the back -– complete with bamboo floor.

While Danelle’s early 80s classic car is given new décor, an espresso machine, a chandelier and a dressing room in the boot.

Pimp My Ride’s influence has been little short of phenomenal.

The show has evolved into an unexpected worldwide hit format, with international variations including Trick My Truck, Pimp My Whatever, a Maori-language version in New Zealand, and videogame versions.

Originally conceived as little more than a low-budget lifestyle filler, Pimp My Ride has taken off to such an extent that ‘pimp’ is now commonly used as a verb, meaning to improve.

Also new from MTV this month

My Super Sweet 16 (series 3)
My Super Sweet 16 takes you on a wild ride behind the scenes for all the drama, surprises and over-the-top fun as teens prepare for their most important coming-of-age celebrations.

Dirty Sanchez (series 1)
This series chronicles the antics of three young men from the Welsh valleys and a Burberry-clad southerner, who love nothing better than inflicting pain upon each other in hilariously obscure ways.

Watch now for £0.96 per episode, or enjoy as much TV as you like for £6.85 a month

To find on your service: Browse Vision TV > Browse by TV Channel > MTV

IMAGES: Pimp My Ride © MTV