Unless you’ve been living under a rock you probably know that a little TV program called Breaking Bad is heading chaotically towards its series finale. Only six episodes of the show remain and filming has already wrapped. That’s why one of its star cars, a 1983 Toyota Tercel 4WD Wagon driven by the character Jesse Pinkman, is for sale on eBay.
It’s not every day that a JNC becomes a TV star, but ever since Bryan Cranston’s chemistry teacher-turned-drug kingpin character sold his Pontiac Aztek, the red Tercel has been the vehicle that defines the show. Ironically, it’s only after the pair start making mad dough (and Jesse’s lowrider Monte Carlo gets turned into swiss cheese) that he buys the Tercel with which to prowl New Mexico’s streets.
That might work for evading Albuquerque P.D., but what about rabid JNCers and Toyotaku swiveling their heads to check out the sweet Sprinter Carib?
There were apparently two identical cars used for filming, but Breaking Bad‘s production company is keeping the other one. $3,700 (with 12 bids at the time of this writing) may seem a bit high for a Tercel with 200,000 miles on the clock and a salvaged title, but hey, this is an Emmy winner, bitch! See the auction on eBay.
Images courtesy IMCDB.
Maybe the buyer will find some packs of money under the seat…
Ya know before the second series came out (So this is right when I started hauling propane in late 07/early 08) , there was one just like the ones in the series that used to live in Alamogordo/Ruidoso. Used to pass it every day coming back from work as it trundled up 70. Normally met it at Mescalero or so. It’s wheels were not painted black (Least not that I remembered), but the body color and patina are spot on.
I used to really love the little 4x Tercels. Several friends had them and even though I drink from the over flowing keg of 76 to 90 Subaru wagons, and such (Last count I think it was 16 through my meager collection over the last almost 25 years and six remain in it. Two are now approaching JNC status, and four are JNC) I always had a soft spot for the little Tercel.
Now, though, I am not sure I want to be labeled a Meth cook from New Mexico. Since I sort of lived and worked in the areas where … allot of Breaking Bad was shot. I am not sure I want to own and drive the ‘Methmobile’ I mean sure I cook up allot of fun stuff, EF25 franken motors, custom gear sets, bla bla bla. But sorry, not cooking -that- stuff.
Still I sort of… well ok. It went over my budget already. Even if, as I gaze into my crystal ball.. The car will be worth quite a bit more coin in say 20 to 25 years time, especially since it is a documented car and has screen presence. I really want to add it to my collection. Not just from a perspective of increasing value. But because the Tercel 4x IS a interesting car, and the screen presence is just icing on the cake.
Myself I would drive it occasionally. (At least 300 to 500 miles a year) Leave it completely unaltered cosmetically and just attend to normal mechanical issues and maintenance issues. Of course it would be stored in my shop that is semi climate controlled.
But, should I really be labeled a Meth Cook with the quintessential methmobile, as well as a Fuji turn coat? What the hell, ya only live once. I am watching the auction with baited breath and a little more budget right now. 47 minutes left.
$4550 not bad at all
If anyone is reading this and owns one of these wonderful little cars – or buys that BB T4WD – join our Club; many helpful folks and flame-free! We’re not into completion audio and neon underbody lighting – just maintaining the little guys. We also have a REAL Toy Factory Workshop Manual available for free D/L.
http://www.tercel4wd.com/index.php