Shaq had incredible reaction after seeing his 1-of-1 world-first 1964 Impala boat for the first time before taking it for ride
Published on Jul 18, 2026 at 6:09 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Jul 18, 2026 at 6:09 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
When Shaq laid eyes on his 1-of-1 1964 Impala boat for the first time, he had a remarkable reaction.
And if you received a boat that looked like this, we can only imagine how you would respond.
This extraordinary boat is the work of Effortless Motors, who have previously collaborated with the retired basketball player.
Some of their team was around to accompany Shaq on his first ride, and it was a ride to remember.
Shaq may be a tall man, but it’s his purchases where he really goes big
You know the saying ‘Go big or go home’?
That might have been invented for Shaquille O’Neal himself, a basketball star as renowned for his spending habits as he is for his stature.
After all, this is the man who splashed a seven figure sum on cars after a car dealer ticked him off.
What else would you expect from the man who forgot he had two Escalades, and shelled out a small fortune on a huge custom Corvette?
But it’s not just land vehicles that have Shaq’s attention and his money.
He’s now expanded into buying boats.
But in true Shaq style, there’s a twist.
Effortless Motors worked their magic
Based on a 1964 Chevy Impala, this boat bears the same boxy design, but is now waterborne.
The boat’s gold color scheme is intended as a direct replica of Ice Cube’s iconic Impala that he drove in the movie Boyz n the Hood.
It even has the LED headlights.
And when Shaq laid his eyes on it, he was like a kid at Christmas.
Pulling in the nearest person to him for a bear hug, he began loudly yelling in excitement.
“Oh my Impala boat has arrived! Oh my god!!” he exclaimed, with a wider smile than we’ve ever seen.
The basketball legend also joked that the incredible build was ‘worth three points’.
“Only one in the world baby, let’s go.”
And as you’d expect, he wanted to take it out for a test drive.
This Chevy Impala boat took to the water beautifully
A storm was coming in as they set the boat up in the water, but that did nothing to dissuade them.
While rocking and bopping along the waters, Shaq and the Effortless Motors gang looked like they were having a whale of a time.
“Effortless Motors deliver,” Shaq announced with satisfaction.
After all, this isn’t the first time the company has worked with the ex-basketball star.
In fact, the collaboration is becoming something of a family affair, after Shaq’s son put a brand new Mercedes-Benz S-Class on his tab.
Like father, like son.
By the time Shaq had finished taking his Chevy Impala boat for a spin, he’d attracted something of a crowd at the docks.
Like the true professional he is, he took some photos with fans that had gathered.
We’re just left wondering what other cars would look good in boat form.
Maybe that’s a question for Effortless Motors to ponder in the future.
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
