Known Simply as “Boyd”

While most famous people throughout history have been known by their last names, one of the most influential and creative forces in the history of hot rodding was known to many simply as “Boyd.”

A Reserved Genius Behind the Scenes

Not as brash or harsh as his television show “American Hot Rod” often portrayed, Boyd Coddington was actually rather reserved, preferring to offer up a bit of humor or just stand back and watch as people marveled over the creations his creative teams turned out year after year.

Cultivating Talent and Innovation

Highly capable in his own right, Coddington employed many of the best craftsmen in the business to sculpt machinery never before seen. Several of these people went on to create their own enterprises, and even their own television shows, including Jesse James’ “Monster Garage” and Chip Foose’s “Overhaulin’.”

Award-Winning Machines and Iconic Designs

Over the years, Coddington earned many awards in the world of extreme machines, building cars in every genre, including many notable Chevys featured in magazines and on television. At the same time, the Coddington name brought bling to the center caps of billet wheels worldwide, making them one of the most celebrated brands ever.

A Quiet Force for Good

Beyond his business enterprises, Coddington quietly enabled a number of individuals with extraordinary challenges to hold their own in the workplace. He also reached out to others, like young enthusiast Russell Caldwell, whose Make-A-Wish request was simply to meet Coddington, who then took Caldwell on an automotive odyssey not to be forgotten.

A Lasting Legacy

If he were still with us, Coddington would push aside most accolades he was awarded over the last 40 years, deferring instead to those who allowed him to build his works of automotive art. Yet his contributions to hot rodding, and the automotive world in general, have no doubt brought about change, in both the way cars look and the way we look at cars. Coddington took the automobile to a higher level, forever changing our appreciation of all things mechanical.