Shaq's $200,000 custom Range Rover got stolen so California garage had to step in to save the day
Published on Dec 30, 2025 at 6:51 PM (UTC+4)
by Jack Marsh
Last updated on Dec 30, 2025 at 6:52 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
In a bid to recover the stolen Range Rover customized for Shaquille O’Neal, Effortless Motors went above and beyond to make Shaq whole again… and more.
Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is renowned for being a huge car enthusiast, often placing custom orders to have his favorite vehicles modified to fit his seven-foot frame.
Most of these custom cars come courtesy of Effortless Motors, a California-based dealership specializing in extending the size of SUVs and sports cars.
However, one Range Rover delivered from the dealership was stolen from Shaq during transport, and now they’ve been on the hunt to find it.
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Trying to recover Shaq’s stolen Range Rover
In early November, it was reported that the custom Range Rover designed for Shaq had been stolen in Georgia, after it had been shipped out for an interior seat makeover.
At the time, Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard shared a video on social media revealing that it was stolen in transit and the Office was in pursuit of one person of interest.
However, nearly two months later, Effortless Motors tried to find it themselves,
While the team didn’t go to the extreme lengths that this Florida man did with his plane to find a stolen Rolls-Royce, Effortless Motors attempted to find private sales with matching vehicles to locate its whereabouts.
Liaising with the authorities, the team was told that the stolen Range Rover was likely already shipped overseas, and that
“Unfortunately, we didn’t find the one they took… it’s probably in Dubai by now,” they admitted.
Instead, the festivities were running wild within the team’s generous minds, and they thought of an alternative method of keeping their high-profile celebrity customer pleased.
How a California dealership replaced it with an even bigger surprise
Having linked up with the basketball icon on many SUVs before, Effortless Motors surprised Shaquille O’Neal with another custom Range Rover.
Handing him the keys, the dealership demanded that they wouldn’t take a penny in exchange for the replacement motor.
“Bro, you bought me a Range Rover?” Shaq quizzed.
“I don’t usually take gifts, but I’ll take the Range Rover.”
The car was customized exactly how the original was, with extended seating and personalized details tailored to Shaq’s size and preferences.
They didn’t stop there either.
Knowing that Christmas was around the corner, the team loaded the custom SUV with presents and a cheque for $25,000, all to be put towards his annual ‘Shaq-a-Claus’ charity toy giveaway.
Having partnered with the brand on a range of custom cars throughout 2025, the pair appear to have even more in store for the rest of 2026.
As for the location of the original stolen Range Rover? It looks like that will remain a mystery.
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Jack Marsh is a journalist who started his media career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from the University of Chester. As an avid supercar and racing enthusiast, he has a passion for everything from Formula 1 to NASCAR. Whether it's highlighting the intricacies of McLaren’s anti-dive suspension revelations or recognizing celebrities’ multi-million-dollar rides, he has a keen eye for the faster things in life.
