Boyd Coddington

[427TJ]

Saw this on the HAMB:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245904

[Dave Rifkin]

That is sad news; if you read the entire thread you'll also see mention of Lil John Buttera being in bad shape as well. The poster doesn't go into details other than saying that John is in worse shape than Boyd at the moment.
Two icons of the hot rod world; let's hope they pull through.

[CT Mark]

Just heard that he died this morning. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif Anyone else heard that?

[Mr70]

Who..Boyd or John?

[John]

...sad news indeed

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=246079

[ANDY M]

I called Boyd's web strore, boydcoddington.com, and they confirmed the news.
My sympathy to the family. May his memory alway be a blessing.

[PeteLeathersac]

Sorry to hear the sad news...prayers and sympathy to Boyd's family and friends..

Sad also to hear Lil' John isn't well...haven't heard much of him in recent years and sure hope he comes around..

~ Pete

[427TJ]

So I guess the Boyd bashing will stop now. Funny how we humans love to attack someone while they are alive but then sadly mourn that person's passing.

I am guilty of this behavior myself.

Boyd definitely revolutionized hot rodding, as did John Buttera (who "discovered" Boyd), and some have grown to dislike Boyd's style because it pushed the price of hot rodding, for a vast majority of us, to unaffordable levels and away from the backyard rodder on a tight budget. One could make the case that Boyd was the father of today's "Rat Rod" (sorry, I know that's a stupid term) and low-buck hot rod scene through the backlash against his (and Buttera's) style of car and the ever escalating cost of that style of car. The GNRS can no longer be won with anything less than a Boyd-style half-million dollar (and up) car. So Boyd deserves both scorn and praise because overall he kept the "hobby" alive and pushed us, one way or another, to keep innovating. He innovated upward in style and cost while the backlash to his style forced innovation downward (in cost only, low-buck innovation is incredible these days) and the result is the low-buck "traditional" hot rod scene.

Either way, thanks Boyd! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Hylton]

He did a lot for the hobby even though he wasn't the nicest guy in the world. R.I.P. Boyd Coddington...

[MosportGreen66]

Wow. My sympathies to the family.
What a shock. RIP

[427TJ]

Most successful business people are not always the nicest people. If you wanna' get rich you will probably have to piss people off along the way. If Boyd were a nice guy all the time he might never get a car finished. "Nice guys finish last." Probably why he hired Wayne to crack the whip in the shop and be the designated a-hole, otherwise those guys might work at their own speed and BS a lot more during the day. (How many shops have you been in where BS dominates a lot of the work day?) Ever wait 6 to 12 months (or longer) for body and paint? Maybe if the body/paint shop owner was more of an a$$hole and less of a nice guy your car would get done sooner! Plus, the a-hole charges more because he gets your car done in a reasonable period of time! The "cheap" guy is often (not always) the guy who takes a year to get your body/paint done. You gotta' pay to play and Boyd seems to have learned that early.

[wheelhop]

After reading about ten pages of post on that other site, I read he died of liver failure.
Lot of good things said about him, not portrayed well on his own show. RIP

[ORIGLS6]

Rumor has it the liver problems were inherited. Supposedly his father died of the same ailment.

[SSJunkie68-69]

This is from the GoodyGuys site and HAMB site as well.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boyd Coddington 1944-2008
Article Updated On: 02/27/2008 Mail this article to a friend

Hot Rodding pioneer Boyd Coddington passed away this morning in Southern California. He had been hospitalized for several months with various health complications. He was 63.

Coddington remained at the forefront of the street rodding world for nearly 30 years and was involved with Goodguys from the very beginning selecting his legendary Boyd Coddington Pro’s Picks at Goodguys events around the country. Boyd spearheaded the great renaissance of the street rodding hobby in the late 70s and early 80s and is the father of billet wheels and “smooth” style street rods, hot rods and customs. His impact on our industry is gigantic and unprecedented. A quick look back at the cars he and his team gave to our industry is mind boggling. The Vern Luce Coupe, CadZZilla, Chezoom, the Smoothster, the Boydster, the Aluma Coupe, the list goes on seemingly forever.

Besides his own prodigious talents, Coddington worked on special projects with some of the top designers in the automotive aftermarket. Chip Foose and Jessie James both worked in the Boyd Coddington hot rod shop for several years and now each have their own cable TV shows. Other well-known designers such as Thom Taylor, Larry Wood (Hot Wheels designer), Todd Emmons, Chris Ito (International) and Eric Brockmeyer happily collaborated with Boyd over the years. Larry Erickson, currently with Ford Motor Company (Chief Designer, Mustang), worked with Boyd in the late Eighties to develop the enormously popular Cadzzilla, a radical custom based on a Fifties Cadillac for Rocker Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. Some would say that this is one of the finest custom-cars of all time in design and execution. Boyd's hot rods won the prestigious "America's Most Beautiful Roadster" an unprecedented seven times, the Daimler-Chrysler Design Excellence Award twice, and he's been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame, the National Rod & Custom Museum Hall of Fame, the Route 66 Wall of Fame, the Street Rod Marketing Alliance Hall of Fame, and was voted "Man of the Year" in 1988 by Hot Rod Magazine.

The Smithsonian Institution also recognized Boyd’s work, when his own '33 coupe was part of a 1993 exhibit titled "Sculpture on Wheels." Cars from the Coddington shop have also won the Ridler Award and the Al Slonaker Award.

In 2005, Boyd and his wife Jo founded the Coddington Foundation to provide a unique opportunity for terminally ill children to experience their dreams through building hot rods which are then auctioned for charity. The Coddington Foundation also provides work opportunities, job experience, and financial sponsorship for mentally challenged adults 18-60 in order to assist them in entering the workplace and raises funds for other non-profit organizations such as La Habra's children’s programs and the Elwyn Foundation through various charity events including the annual Coddington Foundation Car Show and Fundraiser.

The impact of Boyd’s passing will be felt far and wide and for many years to come. Former Goodguys Gazette editor Steven K. Anderson, now with Buckaroo Communications reflected on Boyd saying “I was close with Boyd for 25 years. Boyd welcomed me into his inner circle back in the 1980s. He gave me some great opportunities. He selected me and Hot Rod Magazine editor Rob Kinnan to drive CadZZIlla across country in 1990. Boyd more than any other person changed the face of hot rodding and brought it into the mainstream of the automotive world. He was a great marketing mind. Without Boyd – hot rodding would not be on the level it is today. Anyone making a living in today’s industry selling wheels and hi-end cars owes a debt of gratitude to Boyd Coddington.”

Back when the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association was gathering steam in the late 1980s, Coddington came along for the ride and remained active with Goodguys until his death. “Boyd was there with us since the very get go,” said a somber Gary Meadors, founder and Chairman of Goodguys. “He was one of the founding fathers of this whole street rodding movement and resurgence. His smoothie cars revolutionized and gave a re-birth to a giant segment to the hot rodding hobby. He brought pride and clout to our deal. He put hot rodding into the mainstream with his work, his recent television show and his charitable work. His presence at our events and his Pro’s Pick awards meant a lot to our event participants and members. Boyd was indeed a Goodguy. We will really miss him.”

Coddington is survived by his wife Jo, and sons Boyd Jr., Chris, and Greg. Funeral arrangements are pending…

------------------------------------------------------------
~Wheels Up and RIP Boyd~

[Dog427435]

[ QUOTE ]
So I guess the Boyd bashing will stop now. Funny how we humans love to attack someone while they are alive but then sadly mourn that person's passing.

I am guilty of this behavior myself.

Either way, thanks Boyd! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Ditto - Thanks and RIP Boyd!

[427.060]

RIP.
James
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/FREE/467772614/1065

[1967 Impala]

Lil John Buttera also passed away today.

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

He was definately an ICON in the HOT ROD WORLD.I myself am guilty and did a little bashing on him due to what I viewed on the show also. May he REST IN PEACE and be remembered for all the GOOD he did over the years,PRAYERS for HIM and his FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

[kwhizz]

[ QUOTE ]
Lil John Buttera also passed away today.

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[kwhizz]

Actually Dick Brogdon ran Boyd's shop and he didn't want to be involved in the T.V. nonsense........Dwayne was the T.V. Boss.............

Ken

[x Baldwin Motion]

It dosen't matter if you like his recent work or the kooky TV show antics, his creations have influenced almost every aspect of our hobby and most of the current builder/designers. My sympathy to his loved ones.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gifR.I.P. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif


http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q101/65z13/MissingMan.jpg

[Tommy]

[ QUOTE ]
Lil John Buttera also passed away today.

[/ QUOTE ]

He is struggling but has not passed. There is a thread on him on the hamb also and conformation today that he is still with us.


page 14, post #274.POKE HERE (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179757&page=14)
Tommy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[camarojoe]

This is a shocker. Erik and I met Boyd just this past October at the SEMA show...He seemed to be in good health and in good spirits. I've heard lots of "stories" about him, but he was very pleasant and both he and Ken "Posie" Fenical took time out of their conversation to talk to us. They seemed like genuine car guys. Like his style or not, he was a legend in the hot rod world.
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j293/joebarr/DSC08672.jpg

[1967 Impala]

"He is struggling but has not passed. There is a thread on him on the hamb also and conformation today that he is still with us."

Yes you are right I saw that he had passed on another board then with out even checking first I posted that misinformation here ,I 'm sorry about that.

[Supercar_Kid]

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j134/ErikMBarr/DSC08670.jpg

[Belair62]

CadZZilla was amazing...

[camarojoe]

[ QUOTE ]
CadZZilla was amazing...

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed... the baddest custom Caddy ever built IMO. Still looks as cutting edge as the day it was built, over 15 years ago.
http://www.leblogauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/Joest_Jonathan_Ouaknine/cadzilla.jpg

[1967 Impala]

Looked it up on the HOT ROD magazine site and it was first drivin in 1990 !!!! Thats 18 years ago your right the best ever!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif

[camarojoe]

[ QUOTE ]
Looked it up on the HOT ROD magazine site and it was first drivin in 1990 !!!! Thats 18 years ago your right the best ever!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Coolest Cad built for the coolest cat.
As far as I know, Billy still has it in his collection, along with a pair of matching bikes.

http://www.htexas.com/photos/features/gibbons.jpg

[olredalert]

-----I have made some negative comments in the past about Boyd. Im not sorry I made them but the latest were made without knowing of his health issues. Boyd was an enigma of sorts. He was a true revolutionary in the car building world and I do recognise his accomplishments. May he rest in peace........Bill S

[Canuck]

I wonder if his health issues had anything to do with the show being canceled.
Yes he was creative. The image portrayed of him on the TV show did not do him justice.
Paul

[Canucklehead]

The hotrod world would not have been where it is today if not for him RIP.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif


I had heard that Cadzilla had changed hands i believe it was $350k.??

[PeteLeathersac]

The time I hooked up w/ Billy Gibbons we talked half the night about cars and I was quizzing him about the CadZ and HogZ's...he's a real car guy!!!.

Funny thing too is when I mentioned I had a old WhiZZer bike and a few original BliZZard factory racing snowmobiles, he told me he wants anything old with an engine and ZZ in the name!.

Sorry to sidestep the Boyd post..

~ Pete

[SS427]

[ QUOTE ]
he told me he wants anything old with an engine and ZZ in the name!.


[/ QUOTE ]

There you go Paulette. Get rid of Kwhizz and his bike all in one shot........ http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
he told me he wants anything old with an engine and ZZ in the name!.


[/ QUOTE ]

There you go Paulette. Get rid of Kwhizz and his bike all in one shot........ http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


LOL...good one Rick http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[kwhizz]

Hey!!!!!! Knock it Off!!!!!!!!!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/tn_DSC01041.jpg

[Xplantdad]

Ken, isn't it kinda hard to watch the TV with the bike in the way? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[bashton]

I had the opportunity to spend time with Boyd several times over the last 5-6 years and he was always a gentleman. A few years back, I was on business in California and decided to give him a call, as he said to come on by the shop if I was ever around. After spending well over an hour getting a personal one on one tour, I left thinking that he really was not the guy that many thought he was, or what he was shown as on American Hot Rod and was truly a car guy and enthusiast, just like the rest of us.

A couple years ago I ran into him and invited him join me for breakfast; again nothing but a gentleman and we spent more then an hour talking cars and mutual acquantences. Last year Boyd and his wife came to or Dallas Autorama show and signed autographs for many hours and brought a smile to many faces.

As several have stated, the Hot Rod world would not be what it is today without the contributions of Boyd Coddington and I truly believe that his influence may never be duplicated.

RIP Mr. Coddington and my sympathies to all of the Coddington family (and crew).

BA