Boyd Coddington was born in Idaho. He developed a love for cars at a young age and trained as a machinist.
In the late 1980s, he moved to California and immersed himself in the state’s custom car scene, the heart of hot-rodding culture.
He produced award-winning custom cars and attracted clients worldwide.
He starred in the TV programme American Hot Rod, which brought his builds and drama to audiences and solidified his legendary status.
In the 1980s, he built the ‘French Connection,’ a custom 1938 Lincoln Zephyr that blended American hot-rod flair with European sophistication.
The French Connection was inspired by Emil Delahaye’s French designs, specifically the 1939 Types 165 and 1949 Type 175S.
Boyd built it for his friend and client, Luce Verne.
The French Connection featured flowing curves, chrome accents, and a smooth, streamlined profile—a rare look for hot rods at the time.
The French Connection earned Boyd the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award, establishing him internationally.
The build set a new standard in hot-rod aesthetics, showing that hot-rods can be refined and luxurious, transcending typical muscle car designs.
Boyd popularised billet wheels that are machined from a solid block of material.
Boyd’s innovative approach continues to inspire builders even after his 2008 passing.
He was inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame and Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame, confirming his legacy in automotive culture.
The French Connection remains a testament to Boyd’s unique vision.
It elevates hot rods into artworks that appeal to American and international tastes.
‘It’s the kind of car that makes you want to say ‘bonjour’ with a Southern drawl.’
