[Previous entry: "Who Says They Don't Count?"] [Next entry: "Not Exactly Maverick and Goose"]

02/28/2008: "RIP Boyd Coddington"

If you're a custom car guy, then today is a sad day. Boyd Coddington, one of the original masters of the chop top trade, has died.

Coddington was famous for his custom skills long before being introduced to a new generation of fans via his Discovery show "American Hot Rod". Boyd was easy to spot - he was the one in the perpetual ballcap and Hawaiian shirt. His cars were just as memorable ... if you ever saw one of the classic ZZ Top videos, then you're already familiar with his work.

Beyond his own work, Coddington passed his knowledge to younger fabricators like Chip Foose and Jesse James, who have make names for themselves as they continue his legacy.

Coddington died yesterday in Whittier at age 63. The cause of death was not disclosed.