Leave it to Kanye West and Jay-Z to display impeccable taste in automobiles. Nowhere is this more apparent than in their music video for “Otis” released in 2011, a chart-topping Һit that earned them the Best Rap Performance Grammy.

While the song’s catchy rhythm and mesmerizing visuals captivated audiences, the true star of the acclaimed music video was the sleek and pristine Maybach 57. As Kanye and Jay-Z cruised around California in this luxurious vehicle, it exuded an aura of invincibility. The car boasted commendable features and a significant history since its appearance in the “Otis” video.

In this article, we’ll explore why the Maybach 57 was such a triumph, tracing its journey from modifications made for the video to its eventual auction.

The “Otis” music video featured the duo driving a 2004 Maybach 57, which was skillfully coordinated by Jayson Dumenigo, known for his work on major film sets like “Furious 7” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” The stunt coordinator praised Kanye and Jay-Z for their collaboration and the enthusiasm of the models involved.

The selection of the Maybach 57 was entrusted to Shelly Ward Industries, who had just two days to procure and revamp the car. The team undertook extensive alterations at Shelly Ward Industries in North Hollywood, including unfastening the doors and adding silver adhesives around the tires. The more daring stunts were performed at Downey Studios, with meticulous safety precautions in place. Notably, a 360 stunt was executed by Swedish professional race car driver Samuel Hubinette.

The tight filming schedule posed a significant challenge, leading to work stoppages during design meetings and rushing the fabrication crew to implement changes.

Before its transformation for the video, the Maybach 57 already embodied elegance and simplicity as a four-door sedan. The starting price of $300,000 reflected its luxurious status, while its 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12 engine allowed it to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles in 5.1 seconds. The car also pampered passengers with a 21-speaker sound system and massaging front and rear seats.

Following the “Otis” video fаme, the Maybach 57 made headlines again at a Phillips de Pury & Company auction on March 8, 2012. Interestingly, it was presented not as a mere car but as a piece of contemporary art, a testament to the influence of Jay-Z and Kanye West in bridging art, music, fashion, and cinema. Surprisingly, the Maybach fetched only $60,000 at the auction.

Sadly, the car’s sale and subsequent events hinted at the Maybach 57’s eventual demise. Struggling with low sales and the 2008 economic crisis, Maybach ceased production in 2013 and faced fierce competition from the soaring popularity of Rolls-Royce. Currently, Maybach only exists as a trim level in limited Mercedes-Benz models. However, the possibility of a 2022 model brings hope to fans.

While the Maybach 57 may no longer be in production, its presence in the “Otis” music video immortalized its classy exterior and exquisite interior, forever etching it as an unforgettable element in the annals of music video history.