The titans of modern hot rodding are gone, and with them, an era of unparalleled creativity. The passing of Boyd Coddington and John Buttera in 2008 left a void in the heart of the automotive world, marking the end of a foundational period for modern hot rod culture. Hot Rod magazine aptly stated that Coddington’s award-winning creations “legitimised street rodding as a native American art form.” His untimely death at just 63, compounded by the loss of Buttera, who was instrumental in defining the iconic "Boyd look," meant the very architects of contemporary hot rodding had departed. This retrospective celebrates their enduring legacy by revisiting six of Boyd’s most iconic builds, originally featured in the May 2008 issue of Street Machine.
The Dawn of the "Smoothed" Aesthetic: The Vern Luce Coupe
This was no ordinary hot rod; it was the catalyst for a revolution in custom car design. Built for the affluent businessman Vern Luce, this 1933 Ford coupe showcased the extraordinary possibilities when talent and financial resources converged. While it might appear understated by today's standards, the Vern Luce Coupe is the very car that pioneered the "smoothed over billet" aesthetic. Boyd meticulously eliminated every extraneous curve and protrusion, allowing the car's inherent lines to take center stage. If you're familiar with the original '33 Ford's grille area, you'll truly appreciate the extensive work involved in crafting those clean, flowing hood sides. The wheels were a particular marvel – one-off billet creations machined by Boyd himself, though they bear a striking resemblance to Indy Champ wheels! This groundbreaking vehicle has resided in Australia for many years and was previously highlighted in SM in May 2001.
A Recognizable Radical: The CheZoom
CheZoom was a bold departure from the norm, yet it was designed with broad appeal in mind. Conceived by Thom Taylor and brought to life by Boyd for Joe ‘Mr Gasket’ Hrudka, this custom was so extensively modified that a mere 10 percent of the original 1957 Chevy sheet metal remained untouched. Built upon Corvette underpinnings, CheZoom was engineered to be a true driver's car, utilizing entirely stock components that were simply enhanced with a meticulous paint job. Naturally, Boyd added his signature touch with custom-machined 17-inch wheels and a steering wheel. The interior was a sophisticated blend of grey leather complemented by teal tweed inserts.
The Cadillac That Redefined Elegance: CadZilla
I vividly recall the fascination of following Boyd’s team as they transformed a rather unassuming 1948 Cadillac into one of the most breathtaking custom cars ever conceived. What truly stands out is Boyd’s directive to designer Larry Erickson: they could fabricate any windscreen shape they desired. This creative freedom liberated the roofline from the constraints of a donor windscreen, a design innovation that has only recently begun to appear on factory-produced vehicles. Doesn't it bear a striking resemblance to a new Mercedes?
A Modern Interpretation of a Classic: The AlumaCoupe
While perhaps not my personal favorite of Boyd's creations, the AlumaCoupe represented a significant technological leap forward. Developed with input from Mitsubishi, this vehicle featured a mid-mounted DOHC turbo four-cylinder engine and debuted at the New York Motor Show in 1992. It was a forward-thinking reimagining of a classic design, and despite its modern mechanicals, it remained unmistakably identifiable as a hot rod.
The Deuce Reimagined: The Boydster
The original Boydster was Boyd Coddington’s personal vision of the classic Deuce highboy. The all-steel body, meticulously handcrafted by Marcel DeLay, underwent a dramatic transformation. DeLay skillfully stretched, pinched, and sectioned the traditional 1932 Ford profile, resulting in a far more contemporary silhouette. Elements from the 1933 Ford, such as the doors, were incorporated, while the body lines, chassis exposure, and grille shape were substantially altered, yet still retained their recognizable '32 Ford DNA. The Boydster II, for those who prefer fenders, is its distinct counterpart.
From Great to Awesome: The Smoothster
Initially conceived by Larry Erickson, this 1937 Ford cabriolet project was well underway when the original client withdrew, selling it to Boyd Coddington. Boyd then entrusted a young and exceptionally talented Chip Foose with the task. A series of inspired modifications transformed a car destined for greatness into something truly spectacular. Underneath, it housed 1992 Corvette running gear and Boyd's signature billet components, but it's the stunning 22-rib chrome grille that truly etches this build into memory.
But here's where it gets controversial... Boyd Coddington's influence was undeniable, shaping the very definition of modern hot rodding. Yet, some purists argue that his relentless pursuit of the "billet" look, while undeniably innovative, moved away from the raw, mechanical soul of traditional hot rodding. Do you believe Boyd Coddington elevated hot rodding to an art form, or did his signature style dilute its roots? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
