Airing from 1984 to 1989 on NBC, the TV series “Miami Vice” was a massive hit, beloved by legions of viewers for its stylish locations, thrilling undercover police drama and roster of guest stars. Hip and fun-loving Miami-Dade police detectives Sonny Crockett and Rico Tubbs, portrayed by Don Johnson and Philip-Michael Thomas, chased down the bad guys in flashy exotic cars and speedboats that became stars with a huge following in their own right, thanks to their TV use.
The “Miami Vice” franchise gained a whole new lease on life during the 2000s at a party for the Jamie Foxx film “Ali,” where the fast-rising young actor spoke with original “Miami Vice” co-producer Michael Mann and suggested a big-screen adaptation of the beloved TV series. Starring Colin Farrell as Crockett and Foxx as Tubbs, the film “Miami Vice” premiered in Los Angeles on July 20, 2006, followed by its North American release on July 28, 2006. Going on to gross over $164 million worldwide, the movie was an immediate commercial success that enjoys cult classic status today and received praise for Michael Mann’s inimitable direction and visual style.
In addition to the movie cast, one of the stars in “Miami Vice” was “MOJO,” this appropriately named 2006 MTI 40 R/P (Race/Pleasure) offshore catamaran that will be offered at the upcoming 2025 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction with No Reserve. Featured in the movie as Detective Crockett’s main waterborne ride, “MOJO” is reportedly – and believably – capable of hitting 160 mph flat out, with the muscle delivered by twin supercharged Mercury Racing outboard engines rated at 575 horsepower each, driving polished Hering propellers. Lightweight, powerful, fast and, of course, flashy, “MOJO” was the ideal big-ticket waterborne transport for Crockett’s drug-dealing playboy persona while undercover.
On-screen usage of “MOJO” included the sequence where Crockett and Isabella, his love interest, travel to Cuba, with Moby’s “One of These Mornings” featuring Patti LaBelle as the musical backdrop. More recently, the boat appears with an enclosed canopy for the updated opening sequence, where Crockett and Tubbs finish a close second in a race around Miami. Paying homage to the original 1980s TV production, these movie sequences recall the scene where Crockett and Tubbs travel to St. Andrews Island in the fifth episode from Season 1, titled “Calderone’s Return Part II,” and the climactic boat race from “The Great McCarthy,” Episode 8, also from Season 1.
Unforgettable in its brilliant white hull, custom “MOJO” graphics and race No. 03, this MTI offshore catamaran exemplifies the Miami waterfront lifestyle with its stunning power, performance and commanding presence. An upholstered “MOJO” cockpit motif reinforces the catamaran’s unique movie character. Seated in the twin bucket seats up front, the driver and co-driver are greeted by the right-hand steering wheel, throttle levers and bold, white-faced Livorsi instruments monitoring each Mercury Racing engine’s vital signs, including twin tachometers, plus oil-pressure and coolant-temperature gauges. A digital Sony audio system delivers additional entertainment as desired, including marine-grade loudspeakers. Accompanying items include “MOJO” caps and water bottles, plus a document binder. Rounding out this impressive package is a tri-axle trailer for on-road transportation to your home port and beyond as required.
Michael Mann’s film adaptation of “Miami Vice” continued the legend of the iconic television series for entirely new generations of hard-core fans of the franchise. As one of the film’s starring vehicles, “MOJO” offers you the opportunity to share in the fun. Sure to garner attention and admirers everywhere you use and display it, this 2006 MTI Series 40 offshore catamaran is a true “movie star” that exemplifies its maker’s Race/Pleasure designation in every possible respect. See it during the April 24-26 Palm Beach Auction at the South Florida Fairgrounds – and be sure to register to bid for a chance to make this unforgettable movie icon yours!
Written by independent automotive journalist David Neyens
Sure to garner attention and admirers everywhere you use and display it, this 2006 MTI Series 40 offshore catamaran is a true “movie star” that exemplifies its maker’s Race/Pleasure designation in every possible respect. See it during the April 24-26 Palm Beach Auction at the South Florida Fairgrounds – and be sure to register to bid for a chance to make this unforgettable movie icon yours!