RIP – Boyd Coddington – The American Hot Rodder
February 28, 2008 by Jason Bean
Filed under Celebrities, Movies & Television
Automobile master craftsman and artist, Boyd Coddington died yesterday. He was famous for his beautiful modifications and improvements on cars like the Cadillac and “little deuce coupes”.
Coddington, who started building cars when he was 13 and once operated a gas station in Utah, set a standard for his workmanship and creativity, with his popular “Cadzilla” creation considered a design masterpiece. The customized car based on a 1950s Cadillac was built for rocker Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.
Boyd had gathered even more fame recently with his Discovery Channel TV show, “American Hot Rod”. That’s where I was first really introduced to him. I had already been fans of Jesse James from “Monster Garage” and Chip Foose from “Overhaulin’” but I didn’t realize that they were both students and apprentices of the master Coddington in his own garage.
Boyd’s creativity and vision will be missed directly from his leaving this earth, but I’m sure we will continue to see the nuances and influence of that vision for years to come from those who have worked for and been inspired by him.
Our sincere sympathies and condolences to the Coddington family during this time.
Visit Boyd’s website at BoydCoddington.com
It is a sad day when an absolute automotive genius leaves us. His creations not only forced other car customizers to redefine their terms but the automotive industry as a whole. I have known of Boyd Coddington and his creations for several years and his insights will continue to be practiced for years to come. To the lucky owners of the cars Boyd actually built with his bare hands, you should consider yourselves owners of art and cherish them as if they were Picasso’s. I know the chances of me ever owning one of these pieces of art is very unlikely but I know that if the chance ever does come about I won’t hesitate to collect it. RIP Boyd, you will be missed by the entire automotive community.
We love you and you will deeply be missed