Wow, this has been a really bad week for the auto industry, with the passing of several important players. Long-time automotive journalist and Road & Track
contributor Paul Frère passed away (Paul Frere Dies
), and UAW's Douglas Fraser passed away (UAW leader Douglas Fraser passes
), both within the last few days, and now I'm sorry to report that hot rod designer Boyd Coddington has also died. So far the cause of death has not been announced, but Jalopnik is reporting that Coddington had been in and out the hospital a couple of times recently.
A modern-day George Barris
Coddington, long-known in hot rod circles, made his name known to millions thanks to The Learning Channel's American Hot Rod ...
Many liken him to being a later-day George Barris. Whereas Barris had a huge influence on hot rod design in the 1950s and 1960s, Coddington did the same but 30 years later, as he is credited in creating a new aesthetic in hot rod design. Besides creating street rods that were simply stunning to look at, he inspired other hot rod designers such as Chip Foose and Jessie James, who both worked for Coddington before starting their own design shops.
Full story here and here.
Here's Inside Line's take: Hot-Rod Visionary Boyd Coddington Dies at Age 63
Full story here and here.
Here's Inside Line's take: Hot-Rod Visionary Boyd Coddington Dies at Age 63
ateixeira says:
01:20 PM, 02/27/08
RIP Boyd.
The man was far from perfect, but he always managed to be interesting.
I wonder if his ship will keep operating? Maybe Duane will take over.
rick8365 says:
02:41 PM, 02/27/08
Talented and entertaining guy - RIP.
irnmdn says:
09:57 PM, 02/27/08
His designs were a joke, but he was nice guy. May his soul rest in peace.
isaacl says:
09:11 AM, 02/28/08
RIP Boyd Coddington......
its becuase of his legacy that Foose and all this "customizing" is the rage...
i respect your history Boyd...
ONE LOVE!!!!!
yrnut says:
11:57 AM, 02/28/08
RIP Boyd His hot rod visions were among the best. I hope this contines on in his name and honor. Thanks for all the great rodding memiores
dennisvarni says:
08:47 PM, 03/ 1/08
I have truely lost a good friend. We will all miss him. He had great visions and had the largest set of balls to take on any project. I have so many great memories of Boyd and he will live in my heart forever. Dennis Varni