Hot rod builder Boyd Coddington dies

Boyd Coddington, the hot-rod builder known by many from the TV show American Hot Rod, passed away yesterday at the age of 63.

About.com Cars contributor BJ Killeen and her husband, photographer Scott Killeen, knew Boyd Coddington personally. I asked BJ what he was like in person. Her reply:

Scott had photographed Boyd’s cars since 1990, and we both spent time with Boyd and his lovely wife Jo while we were making BUILD BOOK #4. Boyd may have appeared rough on the surface, but he had never been anything but extremely nice to both of us. He never failed to sign an autograph or stop to have his photo taken with a fan. Although few realize it, Boyd is the one who changed the hot rod industry; his vision for customizing vehicles set the standard for just about every designer who followed. He created so many memorable, award-winning vehicles, and was a man who knew what he wanted, and knew how to get it. We will miss his presence at the many industry auto shows, and we grieve along with his wife Jo and his sons.

Boyd may be gone, but his legacy lives on in his work -- check out some of his amazing cars at www.boydcoddington.com. Rest in peace, Boyd. -- Aaron Gold

UPDATE: More information about Boyd and his work can be found in this blog entry at About.com Classic Cars.

Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images