Loss is always hard to accept. The loss of two such significant individuals within our industry is staggering. Having the likes of Boyd Coddington (1944-2008) and Lil' John Buttera (1941-2008) die within days of each other-Boyd on February 27 and Lil' John on March 2-would be unfathomable if not for the fact that it happened.
It would be hard to have grown up during the car culture of the 1970s until today and not have heard, seen, or been exposed to the life, cars, and products both of these hot rod legends gave us. I am mildly amused by the individuals who cast their ill will on billet, for it is as integral a part of our hot rod heritage, roots, and ancestry as the dry lakes, Flatheads, and torque tubes and cannot be denied nor ignored.
Both Boyd and Lil' John were individuals yet at the same time alike. They respected the other's abilities, talents, and accomplishments. Yet, it's true; these two hot rodders spent the last years of their lives not on the best of terms. Nevertheless, they found a common ground months before their deaths and were able to put the past in the past and begin anew.
Anyone who knew Lil' John knew he didn't suffer individuals who didn't try their hardest, take a chance, or leave it all on the table. Lil' was truly a pioneer in every sense of the word. He was never at a loss for words and oftentimes could make you feel like the proverbial "village idiot" in less than a dozen well-chosen syllables. A well-phrased sentence out of John's mouth could cut you down at the knees or make you feel as if you were on top of the world (the latter being an infrequent occurrence).
Boyd Coddington (1944-2008)...
Boyd Coddington (1944-2008) will be remembered for many things, but the Hawaiian shirts are ingrained in all of our minds.
Boyd, on the other hand, was a quiet gentleman. Many took this to be arrogance, or an attitude, but believe me when I say Boyd was a quiet and friendly man. That doesn't mean he didn't have his moments, but then all of us have our turn in the "barrel."
In this most humble of attempts outlined on these pages are stories that, hopefully, will give you insight as to what these men were all about (them, not their projects). The stories as told by lifelong friends, many of whom you will recognize as they "expose" these hot rod icons. What better way to start then each on the other's contributions?
Boyd on Lil' John
"I met Lil' John in 1974 or 1975. I used to hang out with him, and he helped me with some projects. He was a great inspiration and a great help in my whole career. I think I was inspired by the stuff Lil' John was doing." (For more on Boyd, refer to The Rodder's Journal # 9.)
Lil' John Buttera (1941-2008)...
Lil' John Buttera (1941-2008) didn't play by the rules; he made them so the rest of us could play.
Lil' John on Boyd
"Boyd was more of a machinist than I was, and I was more of a metal fabricator than he was. He understood how to make things out of plate, and I understood how to make things out of tubing. Boyd was way more ambitious than I am; the wheel thing is a good example. He had a much better head for business than I do, and he doesn't mind dealing with people, where I don't want to have that much grief or be that responsible for getting that much done. The thing I always liked about Boyd was if you would suggest something to him, he was never too proud to listen or acknowledge that your idea was cool." (For more of this interview, refer to Street Rodder's May '94 issue.)
Chris Buttera on Dad
"I always loved to work with my dad. He was always there to help me, and I was always there to clean up after him and help him with everything. Growing up at the drags with him was a blast, and it seems like I was at every one. It was during the time his cars ruled.