Jalopnik
As reported yesterday, hot rod visionary Boyd Coddington died early Wednesday morning. Host of TLC's American Hot Rod 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 remember Boyd Coddington. Full details below the jump.
Boyd Coddington Hot Rod Icon, Automotive Innovator and Star of TV's American Hot Rod Dies at 63Boyd 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
[Source: Boyd Coddington]
Comments
I love those glasses. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Combustion.
I had honestly never heard of the guy until yesterday, and this is very sad. My grandmother died suddenly at the same age (and now my parents are just a couple years shy)
last night wikipedia listed his death as the result of a lacerated ulcer, then this morning as a result of surgery.
i've also heard he was hospitalized last month after a heart attack, but also after choking on spaghetti. no idea but he's been in and out of the hospital since last month.
No speed limits and no EPA where Boyd is now. Godspeed, Boyd.
Ahem. Did someone say "Alcoholism"?
Boyd reminds me of the type of football coach that the the plyers hate playing under - a real hardass who is never ever satisfied with the effort or the results. And then a decde or so later, after the hurt feelings have repaired, the love the guy and realize everything they learned from him.
A few decades from now, Pebble Beach will have top-end hot rods on display, and Boyd's creations, along with Foose et. al. will be embraced by the blue blazer and big ass hat crowd.
looks to me like the Beetis got him.
Boyd could have to coolest funeral procession of all time. I really hope the current owners of his cars assemble and give him the ultimate send-off. If I were president, I would order the secret service to make it happen.
Found this yesterday: [www.bilsport.se]
In this article a close friend of Boyd and Bernt Karlsson named Lasse Theander (also dad of a friend of mine) is interviewed. It states that Boyd complained to Bernt that he just fainted and got bruces. A couple of days later he passed out in his car on the parking lot. His wife Jo drove him to the hospital and they found out it was blood poisoning. They could not cure him.
Do not have time to translate the whole article..sorry
The fact is Boyd was a great artist and a visionary. It didn't however make him the smartest businessman. Remember Von Dutch basicly died broke, and Big Daddy Roth wasnt swimming in money when he passed. Love him or hate him the guy managed to bring people together and build some beautiful cars. His legacy in some of the rolling pieces of art will be remembered for a very long time. I recently looked over some 500 photos I took at the first Street Rod Nationals I attended in 1982. The Vern Coupe and a 32 three window that Lil John Buttera built hand just exploded on the scene. It is amazing to see how many rods back them looked so dated today except for those two cars. Timeless design is just that, timeless. The people who really knew Boyd will always remember how talented he was, the rest will figure it out soon enough.
Some quotes from his frenemy, Chip Foose...
"His biggest talent was bringing talent to the table," said Foose. "It was like we were all spokes but we had to attach to one hub. He was the hub. He gave us the freedom to create."
Foose said: "He is the reason the industry is what it is today. He took what people were doing in their garages and put it into production and really legitimized this hobby into a business. Without him and Lil' John (Buttera) it would still be in garages."
Found on [www.autoweek.com]
Well, we already have Evel in the pantheon. Are we collecting deceased all-stars for a Jalopnik Hall of Fame? Because if we are, he needs to be in it.
This is now the time to honor an "artist". An individuals perception is their reality a few minutes of T.V. time does not define, or show a persons true character. Boyd Coddington, family and employees have given to the community on many levels and have helped numerous individuals, groups and families. My sincerest sympathy to the "Coddington Family".
Rest In Peace Mr. Coddington
@3wheeler:
Do not discount DIABETES!! It is a VERY SLOW KILLER!! My father and sister-in-laws mother died of complications of diabetes & my wife has it. It is a horrid thing.
Try not to put out things that are not there.
He could get blood poisoning from a diabetic ulcer, like on his foot--those can be a nightmare to treat.
I had the fortune to go the mans shop in LA. Genius is the word I would use for him. I was merely raising a question about another illness that has also affected my family. Long live Boyd Coddington.
Diabetes is a nasty monster. It complicates and amplifies every malady that it makes the sufferer prone to. My mother in law is on no less than 20 prescription meds thanks to all of the complications her difficult diabetes has created. Her quality of life is crap. I can imagine that since the heart attack, Boyd was on a downhill slide. Diabetes is bad, bad news.
@HDC: I am with ya HDC. It is strong in mine and my wife's families. It is a truly horrid thing to have to watch.
I just hope technology and science make great gains so I do not have to watch my wife go through it all....
Not sure I could bear that.
His family and his company can be as vague as they want. Nobody owes us an explanation for the cause of Boyd's death.
@badco-fascism: Well said.
I cant believe what people are saying about someone they didn't even know. boyd was a great visionary in the hot rod industry and some of the best rods out there. RIP Boyd You will be missed.I only hope his cars keep coming out that shop. Thanks Boyd
Me be diabetic also. Diabetes sucks. No cure yet (but their gettin' closer)...
God speed, Boyd.
Diabetes can make anything that would be common into a complicated life threatening illness.
Godspeed Boyd! You will be missed, but hopefully your family will carry on the legacy of your name.
@DoctorNine: Amen! I will second the motion to create a Jalopnik Hall of Fame! I also nominate Boyd Coddington as the inaugural member of the Hall of Fame.
fyi
Heard Lil John (Buttera) is very sick with some incurable medical condition, too.
Judge him not by the TV show..Bet it was all scripted, the feud with Foose, the people leaving [and coming back], mike getting fired and going to Foose, all the employee altitudes..Its freak'in TV!!! I saw a lot of nice cars, body filler, and some leadwork..
RIP Boyd, you will be greatly missed for all of us who were inspired by your mission in life. Thanks for the memories. God speed Boyd
As a teenager, I bought cool models and souped them up. I started working on cars when I was 15, I am now 50, but when I was young, I heard of Boyd Coddington in magazines, but never knew a face with the name until I saw the series on TLC. I truly enjoyed the show, and the designs he made. The show really kept me watching because of my love of antique, and classic cars. I wanted so much to write to Boyd, and beg him to finish my 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 4 door station wagon, which I purchased in May, of 1982, right after selling my 1968 SS Chevelle. The '55 has only drag history to it, and at one time, was a national record holder in a street class. This car was a former SS/OA (super stock/O Automatic) Also, was an E/MP (E/Modified Production classed racecar)I was planning on making this a gasser, but have not gotten as far as I would have liked to I have had the body off of the frame twice, and have many new parts for it. I am seriously thinkng of selling it now, because of my inability to physically finish it myself, because of limited physical abilities, and lack of funds, from my inability to work since September of 1987. I was going to write Boyd, and ask if there ws any way that he could do a set of shows on the restoration of it, and actually get it completed. Now that he is gone, I will never see my dream through, and have the car completely restored, so I can pas it on to my son who is just starting college. I would like for the show to somehow go on, with Jo running the operation. I would hope everything that Boyd strived to achive in his short lifetime, will not just disappear, and be forgotten, but continue to live on strong. He was an icon, and a true inspiration to the hot rod industry. Boyd will be truly missed by us gearheads, and enthusiests. Jo, if you read this, I am so,so,sorry for your loss. He is with God.
I think God wanted a hot rod and decided that Boyd was ready to build it so smile and think of Boyd when you hear thunder going across the sky
When I was a kid I allways wanted to build cars.Growing up in Mesa Az, I mentored after Squeeges Hot Rod Shop, then saw Boyds work and mentored after him also. Both of these people (shops) have been like the lone Ranger to me. I would not be where im at now without there standards of detail and excellence. He will be greatly missed. God Speeds!
I'm thinking maybe GOD knew where there was a beat up old '55 Chevy and a crate motor and needed someone to put them together...who better?
which wife gets the company?
will foooose attend the funeral?
will Boyd customs actually sell for more they cost at the next Barrett Jackson?
Inquiring minds would like to know!
To "DISS" someone that has done so much, regardless of there experiences with Boyd ,It makes one think. You must look deep down into ones self and put yourself in the others place. Only then can you pretend that you have the power to judge someone. While Boyd may not have been perfect, what he has accomplished can never be taken away. So look upon yourself before you THINK you can take something from a man who "in spite of those who may think otherwise " has done so much for this industry and have made now a "purdy good living" off of what Coddington`s impact has been. I can remember when Street rod's were for guys that didn`t care what anyone else thought about there car especially if there car went faster than yours. WHERE DID THAT GO ? Did we loose sight of what we were really after in the first place.To have a "vehicle" that made US happy. I remember when NO ONE would drive something that was built with all off the shelf parts. Where did the originality go. Have we submitted to the "it`s not what it looks like , but who built it" syndrome .Can any of us weather the rise and fall so many times and still hold you head high with a product that one way or another any one could be proud of. When death finds you, how would you like your family to remember your stay on this earth?
With sincere respect,
RICK M, I/A
I think the team should make him a custom one off casket (Flamed out Duece coupe 32)to send him on his way!
I watched Boyd's show and saw the cars that he produced, he was the real deal doing what he loved. You can learn something from everyone. Hey John Mackenroe (tennis) didnt have the best personality, but tell me you didnt watch him play.
God speed Boyd. You will be greatly missed, you designs in creativity were unique and gave inspiration to us all. I hope the good work continues in memory of the great man you were.Living in the UK meant that I only ever got to see your amazing cars on TV, but boy oh boy, did they make me drool!! My thoughts go to the Coddinton family. RIP Boyd.
@oldercorvettes:
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