You're thinking of Overhaulin. And I think for the audience on this forum it would be a better fit. Generally it is some kind of Chip Foose project done to somebody's stalled classic car project. Very good show.
I often wonder how the pimp my ride cars end up. But calling the people chosen "losers" is not fair. They're usually just as excited and grateful as the people on Overhaulin, and they're usually nominated by their friends as someone who is a great person who deserves a better car. Usually there's some kind of sob story about having to drive their dying grandma around or what-have-you. They're usually young and broke though, so I do kind of wonder how well the car is maintained, can they afford to insure it now, etc etc.