Copied from Jalopnik.com
by Jay.
early Wednesday morning. Host of TLC's
and winner of numerous awards for his designs, his death at 63 was
premature and unexpected. His company has released a statement stating that
Coddington was "a long-time diabetic" who "died from complications that were
brought on from a recent surgery." Honestly, we find this a bit vague, but now
is the time to
. Full details below the jump.
Boyd Coddington Hot Rod Icon, Automotive Innovator and
Star of TV's American Hot Rod Dies at 63
Boyd Coddington was the man who made hot rodding and custom cars a
household hobby
Anaheim, CA- February 27, 2008- Boyd Coddington, the creative visionary
who took hot rodding to an art form and custom wheels to a new level dies at
63. Coddington who was a long-time diabetic died from complications that
were brought on from a recent surgery. It was Coddingtons' ever
forward-looking view at the design and art of the hot rod and his
unconditional desire to create the finest quality cars that became the "Boyd
Look".
"It is a major loss for the automotive enthusiasts and hot rod
aficionados around the world. Boyd Coddington did so much more than create
automotive trends, he also built the finest hot rods. He was entertaining on
his TV Show (TLC's- American Hot Rod) and an ambassador who educated.", said
Harry Hibler, former publisher of Hot Rod Magazine.
Coddington who grew up in Idaho was a car enthusiast from a young age. At
age 12, young Boyd traded his prized shotgun for a Model A Ford, this began
the legacy of the "Boyd Look". Moving to Southern California to chase his
dreams of chrome and customizing, he first worked as a shop machinist at
Western Gear. Then in the 1970's, Coddington found work as a maintenance
repairman and machinist at Disneyland. Coddington would recount fondly his
experience at Disneyland and the companys desire for perfection, a trait
that he instilled in everyone who worked at his hot rod shops.
Coddington's first major opportunity at developing the "Boyd Look" was
when Vern Luce bankrolled a dream. The "Vern Luce Coupe" was Boyd's vision
of what could be done to create the ultimate 1933 Ford hot rod. Boyd would
refer to his look as getting rid of the bumps and allowing the lines of the
car to show. Coddington removed door handles, hinges and massaged the
body
dynamics in a way that no one every had ever realized. To make the
Vern Luce coupe even more dynamic was his trademark use of billet aluminum
to create parts that were unique to ever hot rod. The result of his first
creation was the prestigious "Sloanaker Award", the first of many.
Over his thirty-year reign as the "King of Hot Rods", Coddington created
dozens of hand-built hot rods and custom cars. Coddington has amassed
numerous awards and was the first builder to ever win the America's Most
Beautiful Roadster (A.M.B.R.) award six times. Collectively, Boyd created
more respect for hot rods than ever thought possible, his hot rods have been
in Museum exhibits and even the cover of Smithsonian Magazine.
Coddington's innovations have become not just hot rodding touchstones,
but influences that have helped the entire aftermarket industry flourish.
Building cars that stand the test of time and have creative names such as
CadZZilla, CheZoom, Aluma-Coupe, Smoothster, Boydster I and Boydster II set
him apart from others. His client list also included ZZ Top, The Beach Boys,
Van Halen's- Michael Anthony, Brad Penny of the LA Dodgers, Budweiser, White
Cap, Sobe, Old Milwaukee Beer, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Hershey.
Boyd Coddington was also an entrepreneur with a driven desire to build
his company and see his goal become reality. In the 1980's, Boyd literally
re invented the wheel by creating the billet wheel for hot rods. Coddington
and long-time friend Lil' John Buttera found they could machine practically
anything they needed from solid aluminum. It was Coddington who took the
idea and made it commercially viable. In the 1990's, his hot rod shop and
wheel company had grown and was so successful that he took the company
public in an I.P.O. on NASDAQ.
Boyd Coddington was less known as a father of five boys and a man who had
an infectious laugh. To many he was the under-the-gun, deadline-stomping
star of "American Hot Rod" a persona that led some to believe he was
cantankerous. Actually, Coddington was a humble and somewhat shy individual
who loved kids and was a true philanthropist. Coddington has continually
employed those were mentally challenged and gave them a welcome environment
to learn and work. Through his "Coddington Foundation", Boyd and his wife Jo
gave to the community and an array of charities.
Boyd Coddington was honored during his life as Hot Rod Magazine's "Man of
the Year", he was inducted into numerous Hall's of Fame. His hit TV show
"American Hot Rod" brought world wide notoriety and corporations sought his
talents. The "Boyd Look" will live on and his spirit will forever remain the
hot rodders inspiration.
Survived by his wife Jo Coddington and his five sons Boyd Coddington Jr,
Christopher Coddington, Thomas McGee, Gregory Coddington and Robert McGee.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the
Coddington Foundation to benefit a variety of Boyd's favorite charities
Please address your donations to: Coddington Foundation, 811 E. Lambert Rd.,
La Habra, California, 90631
Services will be held on Wednesday March 5, 2008, 9 a.m. at Our Lady of
Guadalupe Church, 900 West La Habra blvd., La Habra, California, 90631,
(562) 691-0533. A reception will be held immediately following the service
(Approximately 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) at the Boyd Coddington Hot Rod's and
Collectibles, 811 E. Lambert Rd., La Habra, California,
90631
Back to the Home of the AMC Gremlin