The "Mexican Blackbird"-a...
The "Mexican Blackbird"-a '58 Ford Thunderbird customized at SO-CAL Speed Shop for ZZ Top's Billy F. Gibbons.
Frontman and guitarslinger for the blues-rock band ZZ Top, Billy F. Gibbons, commissioned SO-CAL Speed Shop in Pomona, California, to funkify his '58 Ford Thunderbird and it was recently unveiled at a special ceremony at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California.
Located in the Bruce Meyer gallery section of the facility, the customized 'bird (which gets its name from a 1975 ZZ Top song found on the Fandango album) was painted gloss black with gold scallops and is highlighted by a custom gold and black interior. SO-CAL's Alex Xydias and Pete Chapouris were both on hand when the cover was pulled back and the car revealed to applause of the gathered crowd.
The occasion coincided with the opening of a small SO-CAL Speed Shop satellite store (inside the Petersen museum's gift shop) as well as the grand opening of a Johnny Rockets burger restaurant that connects to the museum on the same floor. Burgers and hot rods-who could ask for anything more?
SO-CAL Speed Shop's Alex Xydias...
SO-CAL Speed Shop's Alex Xydias (left) and Pete Chapouris prepare to unveil Billy F. Gibbon's customized Thunderbird at the Petersen Automotive Museum.
Inside Johnny Rockets on opening...
Inside Johnny Rockets on opening day. This particular iconic burger stand, located inside the Petersen Museum, is part of an international chain of almost 300 stores (29 states and 11 countries).