YESCO announced it has completely restored the vintage Rancho Super Car Wash pink elephant sign in Rancho Mirage, California. Retained by Preservation Mirage, which celebrates and protects the architectural history of the city, YESCO refurbished the sign’s neon tubing and worked with their vendor, Graffiti Inc., to provide the landmark with fresh paint
In 2023, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Rancho Mirage, the Rancho Super Car Wash sign was also designated as a historical landmark by the Rancho Mirage City Council, ensuring it will remain a permanent fixture on Highway 111 for generations to come.
FUN FACTS:
- The Rancho Super Car Wash sign was awarded historic designation on Sept. 7, 2023.
- The pink elephant sign was originally designed by Beatrice “Bea” Haverfield in Seattle for the Anderson family, who owned and operated five pink elephant car washes across Washington and Oregon.
- In 1966 Richard Fromme and his wife Marilyn, the daughter of Eldon Anderson, opened the Rancho Super Car Wash in Rancho Mirage, California.
- The pink elephant neon sign standing on Highway 111 today was built by Tube Arts Display in Seattle for a car wash in Portland.
- In 1966 the Frommes moved to Rancho Mirage. The sign was packed into their moving truck with the elephant’s head sticking out the top for the duration of their journey. It was rebuilt and installed at its current location by Chief Sign Crafts.
- The restoration project took YESCO two weeks to complete.
“Reminiscent of America’s mid-century design and style, the Rancho Super Car Wash neon sign is the most iconic symbol of Rancho Mirage,” said Jeff Young, executive vice president, YESCO. “YESCO is proud to breathe new life into this historical landmark, so it can be enjoyed for decades to come.”