As a tribute to late NBA star Kobe Bryant, fellow former player Shaquille O’Neal undertook a detailed restoration before presenting Bryant’s LandCruiser as a gift to his family.
It’s always refreshing to find out that celebrities are good people at heart.
For many, it comes as no surprise that former NBA Player, Shaquille O’Neal, has kept a level head over the years with numerous tales of down-to-earth acts.
The latest is a heartfelt move that is sure to touch basketball and car fans alike.
O’Neal has undertaken a ground-up restoration of friend and teammate Kobe Bryant’s first car.
The late Bryant drove the 1996 80 Series Toyota LandCruiser, during his final year of high school, with the vehicle used by other members of his family over the years.
Bryant was signed to the Los Angeles Lakers that same year, and it was here that Bryant and O’Neal formed their friendship.
However, the pair sparked a feud that escalated numerous times over their playing careers, but upon his retirement, O’Neal has referred to Bryant as one of the greatest players during his time at the Lakers.
O’Neal’s history with vehicle modifications often treads a more custom route, with the 216cm tall basketballer turning to vehicle customisers to tailor vehicles to suit his towering height.
Famously, O’Neal has owned a modified Ferrari 355 Spider that had the fuel tank relocated to under the bonnet to provide the required cabin space to fit more comfortably, along with wider aftermarket seats.
Recently, a similar extension project was carried out on a C8 Corvette, with a 50cm stretch to improve cabin access.
Other cars in O’Neal’s garage over the years have included a custom coupe version of a Lucid Air sedan, a Dodge Challenger convertible, and a Chevrolet Express van with a Louis Vuitton-trimmed interior.
For Bryant’s LandCruiser, O’Neal stuck with a more faithful restoration.
The work was carried out by Effortless Motors in Riverside, California, with the 80 Series returned to its original showroom condition.
Years of use and neglect had seen the LandCruiser develop rust in places, with a worn interior and the original paint covered in an ageing wrap.
The car remained with Byant’s family following his death in 2020.
Effortless Motors repaired the body damage and repainted the car in its original Dark Emerald Pearl finish.
Period-correct trim, interior, and plastics were restored or replaced to bring the car back to its original condition.
O’Neal has maintained a close connection to Bryant’s mother, and maintains contact with his mother, who was the recipient of the restored LandCruiser, which was presented to her privately as a tribute on what would have been Bryant’s 47th birthday.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
