What Was Boyd Coddington Net Worth When He Died?

Boyd Coddington, the legendary American hot rod designer, had an estimated net worth of $12.5 million at the time of his passing. Renowned for his innovative automotive designs and custom-built hot rods, Coddington revolutionized the hot rod industry with his distinctive style, blending classic aesthetics with modern engineering.

Early Life

Born on August 18, 1944, in Rupert, Idaho, Boyd Coddington developed a fascination with cars at a young age. As a child, he devoured car magazines and began working on his first vehicle—a 1931 Chevrolet truck—at just eight years old. Determined to turn his passion into a profession, he attended a machinist trade school, completing a three-year apprenticeship in machining.

In 1968, Coddington moved to California, where he balanced working as a machinist at Disneyland at night while building custom hot rods during the day. His dedication and craftsmanship quickly earned him a reputation in the car world, leading to the establishment of his own shop, Hot Rods by Boyd, in Cypress, California, in 1977.

Hot Rod Design

Coddington’s career took off in 1981 when one of his first major builds, a 1933 coupe for Vern Luce, won the prestigious Al Slonaker Award at the Oakland Roadster Show. This success cemented his place as a top custom car designer, and his signature “Boyd Look” became widely recognized. His designs featured radically transformed vintage cars, incorporating modern and scratch-built components while maintaining sleek, elegant lines.

One of his most groundbreaking contributions was the development of custom billet wheels, which he designed using solid 6061 forged aluminum. This innovation, created alongside fellow designer John Buttera, became a hallmark of Coddington’s vehicles. Over time, his billet wheel designs extended beyond hot rods, influencing the broader custom rim industry, particularly in hip-hop and luxury car cultures.

Boyd’s Wheels

In 1988, Coddington founded Boyd’s Wheels, Inc., a company dedicated to manufacturing and marketing his custom billet wheels. The business thrived as his designs gained mainstream popularity. His craftsmanship and forward-thinking approach helped shape the modern hot rod industry, inspiring countless builders and enthusiasts.

Coddington’s influence extended beyond his cars and wheels—he was a respected figure in the automotive world, frequently appearing on television and in magazines dedicated to car customization.

Health Struggles and Passing

On December 31, 2007, Coddington was hospitalized and later discharged after New Year’s Eve. However, he was readmitted just days later due to severe health complications. Doctors performed surgery to address a perforated colon, but he developed sepsis and kidney failure, leading to his passing on February 27, 2008. His publicist later revealed that diabetes complications also played a role in his declining health.

Boyd Coddington Net Worth

Boyd Coddington net worth was $12.5 when he died.