The ZZ Top Eliminator — The Story Behind the Band’s Iconic Hot Rod Car

With its snarling engine, gleaming chrome, and iconic spins, the 1933 Ford Coupe customized by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top is one of the most famous hot rods ever built. Known as the “Eliminator”, this car graced many of ZZ Top’s album covers and music videos in the 1980s, captivating fans worldwide.

In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Eliminator, its customization details, current whereabouts, and why this hot rod remains so legendary among car enthusiasts decades later. Whether you’re a ZZ Top devotee or just love modified vintage cars, the story behind this machine is fascinating.

The Origins of the Eliminator ZZ Top Car

In the early 1980s, ZZ Top was reaching new heights of commercial success with their blend of rock, blues, and boogie. Their 1983 album titled Eliminator went on to sell over 10 million copies.

Guitarist Billy Gibbons had a vision of featuring hot rods on their album covers and videos to match the bluesy, southern-fried style of their music. Gibbons had been a car aficionado since the late 1950s and turned to George Barris — legendary car customizer to the stars — to make his idea a reality.

Barris started with a 1933 Ford 3-window coupe he discovered rusting away in a Texas field. After Billy picked it, Barris and his team got to work stripping it down and turning it into a badass hot rod now forever linked to ZZ Top.

ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons with his customized 1933 Ford Coupe

This Ford may have started out forgotten in a field, but it was about to become one of the most famous hot rods of all time.

Customization Details of the Eliminator Car

Turning the rusted old Ford into the growling Eliminator machine took extensive modifications. Here are some of the key features Barris and his shop added:

• 350 horsepower Chevy 350 ZZ4 V8 engine
• Custom metal flake candy apple red paint with flames
• Chopped steel top lowered substantially for sleek profile
• Curved and chrome-plated windshield
• Smaller 15" wire wheels with wide tires for attitude
• Eliminator logo painted on rear fenders
• Chrome engine upgrades like valve covers and air cleaner
• High-rise intake manifold with 4-barrel carburetor

These machine shop upgrades along with interior tweaks like a Hurst shifter, velour seats, and custom steering wheel came together to create the bad-to-the-bone style Gibbons requested.

Of course, the car wouldn’t be complete without those famous spinning rims. Barris installed a custom hydraulic system that allowed the rear wheels to spin freely at the flip of a switch while the car was stationary.

This eye-catching feature created the legendary Eliminator spins seen in so many ZZ Top videos and concerts driven by Gibbons himself.

The Eliminator in ZZ Top’s Music Videos and Albums

After Barris completed work on the Eliminator Ford Coupe, it gained worldwide fame through its appearances in ZZ Top’s media:

• Featured on the album cover of Eliminator in Gibbons’ hands
• Starred in music videos like “Legs”, “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’”
• TV appearances on MTV, Solid Gold, and The Midnight Special performing eliminator spins synchronized to the music
• Live concerts spinning on stage to climactic solos as a highlight prop
• Worldwide tours from 1983–1984 showcasing the hot rod in its ZZ Top glory

Millions of viewers saw those mesmerizing Eliminator spins synced to ZZ Top tracks. The car helped rocket the band to their greatest commercial success.

The Eliminator famously appeared on the ZZ Top album cover

Where is the Original Eliminator Now?

So where is this legendary hot rod today after being the face of so many ZZ Top projects in the 1980s?

After the Eliminator fame, Gibbons kept ownership of the vehicle in its original condition rather than modifying or selling it. It remains under his care in a private collection.

The iconic Ford Coupe makes special appearances on occasion at car shows and concerts, but is mostly kept out of the public eye now as a cherished memento. Some individuals have created replica Eliminator clones, but the original is safely preserved.

In 2014, the Eliminator was shipped to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland to be displayed as part of a featured ZZ Top exhibit. It drew many admiring car enthusiasts during this temporary public showing.

Why the ZZ Top Eliminator Remains So Legendary

There are several key reasons why this souped up 1933 Ford Coupe remains ingrained in pop culture history decades later:

• Quintessential 80s style: The flame-adorned paint and curvy proportions captured an era.
• Star vehicle: Its fame was launched through ZZ Top’s wildly successful Eliminator album and videos.
• Custom spins: The hydraulics that enabled those mesmerizing tire spins were revolutionary.
• Bluesy personality: The entire vibe matched ZZ Top’s musical style perfectly.
• Worldwide exposure: Millions saw it on TV, tours, and in magazines.
• Billy Gibbons’ vision: It represented his passion for hot rods meshed with rock and roll.

From backwoods discovery to worldwide stardom, the ZZ Top Eliminator just had the perfect combination of factors to become an automotive icon. Its legend will live on thanks to its impact on car culture and music history.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Eliminator

What was the total cost of building the Eliminator?

Estimates put the total customization cost between $80,000 — $100,000 in 1983 dollars. That’s approximately $250k — $300k today!

Did ZZ Top commission more hot rods from George Barris?

Yes, Barris built a ’34 Ford and ’36 Chrysler for ZZ Top later in the 1980s following the Eliminator’s success.

Are those real ZZ Top beards on the Eliminator album cover?

No, those are fake beards attached to the front of the car! The band’s iconic beards weren’t actually that long yet in 1983.

Where are the wheel spinning hydraulics located?

The Eliminator uses hydraulic cylinders connected to the rear axle to enable the spinning. They are mounted underneath and operated via remote control.

Has the Eliminator engine been modified over the years?

It’s believed the original Chevy ZZ4 350 V8 remains in the car. The Eliminator has undergone no major mechanical changes.

Cranking Up Hot Rod History

From forgotten origins to the spotlight of 1980s rockstardom, the story of Billy Gibbons’ customized 1933 Ford Coupe known as the Eliminator proves why it remains a legend in the automotive world. Its chopped steel body, thundering ZZ4 engine, and one-of-a-kind eliminator wheel spins make it a quintessential example of how hot rods fused with pop culture.

So for both car aficionados and ZZ Top fans, the Eliminator will always be an iconic piece of machinery. We can thank Billy Gibbons’ vision along with George Barris’ custom chops for creating this hot rod that so boldly captured an era now forever preserved in music history.

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