A Symbol of Community and Integrity
Randy and Lorraine Barnes unexpectedly became the owners of Rancho Super Car Wash (AKA the Elephant Car Wash) in 2008, a decade after Randy had initially retired. Originally from Portland, Oregon, the couple was already familiar with Rancho Mirage because they were snowbirds. “We fell in love with Rancho Mirage,” Randy explains. “It’s so beautiful, and the sense of community here really drew us in.” They made the move to Rancho Mirage in 2005.
“It was quite a surprise when Randy came home and told me he’d bought the Rancho Super Car Wash,” Lorraine laughs. “I had to explain to Lorraine that I’d always dreamed of owning a full-auto service car wash,” Randy says. “But there’s something rewarding about cleaning vehicles and revealing their vibrant colors. I see so many unique cars that come through here.”
Despite the unexpected acquisition, Lorraine is grateful. “Once we bought the car wash, it was more work than we anticipated, but we both work here full-time, and it’s become my passion as well,” Lorraine adds. “It’s been good for us; we work well together at home and at the
Car Wash. After all these years, over 30 years, we still enjoy each other’s company!” Lorraine beams.
Since then, they have built rapport with customers from all around the world. Randy and Lorraine enjoy getting to know their regulars, meeting new faces, and fostering a sense of family within their team.
When asked if a memorable experience stood out, they recalled a touching story involving one of their regulars. The man was grieving the recent loss of his mother. On the day he decided to visit the Rancho Super Car Wash, his heart was heavier than usual with grief. He parked his car in the familiar bay, and the Pink Elephant neon lights cast a soft glow over his vehicle. He then handed over his keys to the Car Wash team. “The crew began cleaning his car, moving the seats to reach those crevices. During that time, one of the guys found something under the seat and, not thinking too much about it, just placed it in the cupholder for the owner,” Randy elaborated.
Hours later, the customer returned to the car wash, still weighed down by grief. But something glistening caught his eye as he settled into the driver’s seat. Sitting in the cup holder was his mother’s favorite diamond bracelet, a precious item he thought was lost forever and dearly missed. Tears welled in his eyes as he reached out to hold the meaningful bracelet, feeling like it was a comforting sign from his mother—a small glimmer of happiness in the darkness of his grief.
The following day, armed with fresh sandwiches and beverages, the customer returned to the Elephant Car Wash to personally thank Randy, Lorraine, and their team. He recognized the bracelet could have easily vanished, and no one would have known. The customer wanted them to know how much their integrity meant to him and how deeply it touched his heart to be reunited with his mother’s bracelet.
Tears glistened in his eyes as he recounted the story to Randy and Lorraine. They listened quietly, their own eyes misting over with emotion. In a world filled with uncertainty and pain, they take immense pride in the integrity and kindness displayed by their team. “That story really resonated with us; it epitomizes the integrity that we strive for,” Randy said passionately.
Last year, the Rancho Mirage City Council added to the legacy of the Elephant Car Wash when it designated their sign, which features the adorable pink elephant, as a historical landmark. This pivotal decision ensures that the sign will continue to stand proudly along Highway 111 for generations to come, serving as a symbol of Rancho Mirage’s rich history, an invaluable landmark for nearby
businesses, and a reminder of simpler times.
The iconic Rancho Super Car Wash pink elephant sign has recently been comprehensively restored. Preservation Mirage, an organization devoted to safeguarding the city’s architectural treasures, played a pivotal role in the restoration. Two companies, YESCO, and Graffiti Inc.,
worked in tandem to preserve and refurbish the sign’s neon tubing and expertly refinish the sign’s body.
In addition to their commitment to preserving Rancho Mirage’s heritage, Lorraine and Randy are deeply entrenched in the community. Their dedication shines through their extensive support for hundreds of charities, with contributions made to twenty different causes this year alone. Their unwavering philanthropy underscores their role as pillars of the Rancho Mirage community, exemplifying the spirit of compassion and solidarity that defines this vibrant city.
Stop by and say hello at the Rancho Super Wash, located on Highway 111 by Indian Trail in beautiful Rancho Mirage. Look for the sign with the neon and pink elephant!
