The ZZ Top Eliminator — The Story Behind the Band’s Iconic Hot Rod Car
Among all the wild custom cars of automotive history, few stand out like Billy Gibbons’ 1933 Ford Eliminator. Chopped, channeled, and vividly adorned, this iconic hot rod famously appeared on the cover of ZZ Top’s 1983 album Eliminator. The coupe instantly became engrained as an essential part of the band’s mythos. This article will explore the origins and customization of this singular Ford, its rise to fame, later history, and lasting legacy as a cornerstone custom.
Overview of the Iconic 1933 Ford Eliminator
Built as a stylized 1933 Ford coupe, the Eliminator boasts a radical chopped top, channeled body, and loud custom paint scheme. Extensive modifications carried out by Billy Gibbons sought to create the ultimate hot rod.
This personalized coupe first reached the limelight appearing on the cover artwork of ZZ Top’s hit 1983 album Eliminator. The car grew inseparable from the band’s bluesy rock vibes and Texas roots.
Let’s examine the customization and backstory behind this machine that left an indelible mark on hot rodding culture.
Customization by ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons
Long before his music career, Billy Gibbons expressed his creative instincts through custom cars. The Eliminator coupe represented his vision for the ultimate hot rod.
Extensive Body Modifications
To achieve a rakish profile, Gibbons applied:
- 3-inch chop reducing roof height
- 5-inch drop in total vehicle height
- Smoothed body panels
- Frenched headlights and taillights
- Shaved door handles and emblems
These touches gave the Ford a coiled, ready-to-pounce stance.
Wild Custom Paint Scheme
Vibrant paint added to the aggressiveness:
- Deep metallic blue base coat
- Silver flames on hood, roof, trunk
- Silver side spears flanking windows
- Silver lower body accent stripe
The loud paint echoed hot rod culture.
Powerful Chevrolet Engine Swap
Giving the Eliminator forceful performance:
- ZZ383 crate V8 engine from Chevy
- 383 cubic inches (6.3 liters)
- Up to 415 horsepower
- 4-barrel carburetor
This modernized the powertrain for brutal acceleration.
Gibbons invested huge effort perfecting his ideal hot rod vision.
Rise to Fame as ZZ Top’s Eliminator Car
With customs completed by 1982, the Eliminator soon gained fame as part of ZZ Top’s music.
Featured on Eliminator Album Cover
The car debuted globally on the cover of:
- 1983 album Eliminator
- ZZ Top’s commercial breakthrough
- Multi-platinum success
This put the hot rod in front of millions of fans.
Starred in Music Videos
Furthering its image, the Eliminator coupe appeared in:
- “Gimme All Your Lovin’” music video
- “Sharp Dressed Man” video
- “Legs” music video
It became forever linked to ZZ Top’s signature songs.
Instantly Recognizable Hot Rod
Through the album artwork and music videos, the radically modified Eliminator coupe:
- Symbolized ZZ Top’s Texas roots
- Epitomized no-limits hot rodding
- Distilled the band’s style into one car
It was now an iconic custom completing ZZ Top’s outlaw mystique.
Later History of the Famed Eliminator
In 1986, the beloved Eliminator coupe was donated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, recognizable to millions of visitors.
It remained on display until August 2020, when Gibbons recovered the car to add to his collection of special vehicles. While the Eliminator had massive cultural impact, Gibbons could not permanently part with his seminal customized coupe.
Nearly 40 years since its modification, this singular Ford remains a cornerstone car that transcends hot rodding into pop culture celebrity.
Other Custom Cars Built by Billy Gibbons
While the Eliminator stands supreme, Billy Gibbons maintained his lifelong passion for radical customs:
CadZZilla — 1948 Cadillac Coupe
Built with hot rod legend Boyd Coddington, based on a Series 62 Cadillac shortened 3 feet. Powered by a 550 hp Cadillac V8. Decked in vivid blue metal flake paint. Won the Ridler Award in 1989 as the most outstanding custom.
1950 Ford Business Coupe “Kopperhed”
Gibbons’ personalized coupe with psychedelic red paint, flames, and comic art by Bay Area graffiti artist Dave “Dizzle” Kemnitzer. Powered by a Ford 351 Windsor V8.
Exploration ’59 Gibson
A bright pink custom 1959 Gibson Explorer guitar-shaped hot rod based on a Lincoln Mark VII chassis. Built for Gibbons by Garage Company customs.
Gibbons never relented expressing his creative vision through wild customs like the game-changing Eliminator.
Legacy of the Eliminator Coupe
The 1933 Ford Eliminator secured its place in hot rod history through:
Quintessential Hot Rod
Representing the excess and self-expression epitomized by radical customs. The audacious chopped body, flame paint job and powerful V8 perfectly captured this spirit.
ZZ Top’s Automotive Image
Becoming the vehicle visually associated with ZZ Top as much as the band’s beards and sunglasses. The coupe distilled their larger-than-life Texas rock vibes.
Inspiring Future Customizers
Joining a select group of customs like the Hirohata Merc that influenced generations of hot rodders to build boldly and defy conformity.
Like the music it accompanied, the Eliminator coupe made an artistic statement about outrageous style and passion that still resonates today. This singular hot rod remains a crown jewel of Billy Gibbons’ extensive automotive legacy. More than just transportation, the Eliminator exemplifies imagination brought to life on four wheels.
FAQs
What year and model was the original ZZ Top car?
The original ZZ Top car was a 1933 Ford Coupe, which was customized by Billy Gibbons and his team in the early 1980s.
Where is the Eliminator coupe now?
The original ZZ Top Ford Coupe, also known as the Eliminator coupe, is now housed at the Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
How many custom cars does Billy Gibbons own?
Billy Gibbons, the lead singer of ZZ Top, is known for his extensive collection of custom cars. While the exact number is not clear, he is estimated to own dozens of hot rods and custom vehicles.
What ZZ Top songs featured the Eliminator car?
The Eliminator car was featured prominently in several ZZ Top music videos, including “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs.”
Why did Billy Gibbons have the coupe customized?
Billy Gibbons had the coupe customized to reflect his personal style and love of hot rods. The car became a symbol of ZZ Top’s music and image, and helped to popularize hot rods and custom cars in the mainstream.
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