SEMA News - May 2010 

The Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus

	United States Senator Jon Tester takes a ride in a classic Cobra. Senator Tester is an avid auto enthusiast who enjoys restoring cars with his son when not in Washington.

For the past 14 years, a coalition of lawmakers who support the specialty-equipment aftermarket and recognize our industry’s positive economic impact has been growing on Capitol Hill.

The Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus is now nearing 100 members and pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

The caucus also helps SEMA develop lasting working relationships with U.S. representatives and senators who share a love for the automobile and are working to promote the growth and advancement of the auto hobby. SEMA began working with some caucus members when they served as state legislators, before their election to national office. In Washington, SEMA works in partnership with caucus members to amplify the message among national policymakers that the automotive performance industry is a vital engine in today’s economy, employing more than a million Americans and generating $32 billion in sales annually.

The legislators listed below have publicly shown their appreciation for our industry by joining the caucus. If you recognize your representative or senator, please consider taking a moment to thank them for their participation in the caucus. If you do not see your representatives on the list, consider contacting their offices to encourage them to join. Visit www.SEMA.org for information on how to contact your officials.

 

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Members

 

SENATORS Sam Brownback (R-KS) Richard Burr (R-NC) Michael Crapo (R-ID) Jim DeMint (R-SC) John Ensign (R-NV) Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) John Kerry (D-MA) Jon Kyl (R-AZ) Mary Landrieu (D-LA) Carl Levin (D-MI) Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) Jon Tester (D-MT) HOUSE MEMBERS Brian Baird (D-WA) Joe Barton (R-TX) Shelley Berkley (D-NV) Sanford Bishop (D-GA) Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) John Boozman (R-AR) Leonard Boswell (D-IA) Rick Boucher (D-VA) Allen Boyd (D-FL) Kevin Brady (R-TX) Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) Michael Burgess (R-TX) Dan Burton (R-IN) Ken Calvert (R-CA) John Campbell (R-CA) André Carson (D-IN) Howard Coble (R-NC) Jim Cooper (D-TN) Jerry Costello (D-IL) Lincoln Davis (D-TN) Mike Doyle (D-PA) John J. Duncan (R-TN) Bob Etheridge (D-NC) Randy Forbes (R-VA) Trent Franks (R-AZ) Elton Gallegly (R-CA) Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)  Bart Gordon (D-TN) Gene Green (D-TX) Ralph Hall (R-TX) Doc Hastings (R-WA) Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)

HOUSE MEMBERS (cont.) Bob Inglis (R-SC) Darrell Issa (R-CA) Walter Jones (R-NC) Paul Kanjorski (D-PA) Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) Steve LaTourette (R-OH) Sander M. Levin (D-MI) John Linder (R-GA) Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) Donald Manzullo (R-IL) Patrick McHenry (R-NC) Mike McIntyre (D-NC) Howard McKeon (R-CA) Gary Miller (R-CA) Jeff Miller (R-FL) Dennis Moore (D-KS) Sue Myrick (R-NC) Tom Petri (R-WI) Bill Posey (R-FL) Adam Putnam (R-FL) George Radanovich (R-CA) Nick Rahall (D-WV) Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) Mike Rogers (R-MI) Steven R. Rothman (D-NJ) Edward Royce (R-CA) Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) Adam Schiff (D-CA) Jean Schmidt (R-OH) Pete Sessions (R-TX) Joe Sestak (D-PA) Brad Sherman (D-CA) Adam Smith (D-WA) Vic Snyder (D-AR) Mark Souder (R-IN) John Spratt (D-SC) Cliff Stearns (R-FL) Bart Stupak (D-MI) Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) Patrick J. Tiberi (R-OH) Michael Turner (R-OH) Fred Upton (R- MI) Zach Wamp (R-TN) Joe Wilson (R-SC)

 

 

SEMA News - May 2010 

Now More Than Ever, SEMA PAC Needs Your Investment

As the mid-term election year heats up, it is critical that SEMA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) be well-equipped to help elect lawmakers who understand the economic importance of our industry. SEMA PAC pools the financial resources provided by the members to ensure that their concerns are recognized on Capitol Hill. With the involvement of our members, SEMA PAC is better equipped to protect the industry and small businesses from unfair regulations and legislation. 

SEMA PAC Chairman Doug Evans recently said, “In today’s political environment, the threats to our industry are undeniable. You, our members, face an ongoing battle against harmful policies that threaten your livelihood. SEMA PAC protects your future but is driven by your contributions. I challenge all SEMA members to become involved with the SEMA PAC to ensure that we maintain our voice and protect our future. This is your industry. Protect it.”

Trade associations such as SEMA are prohibited from using their funds to make political contributions. SEMA is, however, allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC. Simply put, 100% of the contributions you make to SEMA PAC are used to help elect industry-friendly legislators.

		This year, Keystone’s senior management team contributed more than $8,000 to SEMA PAC, including six individuals who became new President’s Club members ($1,000 contributions)! On behalf of the industry, the PAC board and the SEMA staff, we send a huge thanks to Ed Orzetti, Pat Judge and the Keystone team for demonstrating a commitment to the SEMA PAC. Pictured above are: (first row, from left) Tony Fordiani, Rich Paradise, Ed Orzetti, Pat Judge; (second row, from left) Ralph Ruzzi, Mick O’Donovan, Deborah Branden, Kevin Canavan, MK Sathya; (third row, from left) Joe Santangelo, Chris Patti, Chris Koshinski, Gerard Guiler and Rudy Esteves.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting drew a line in the sand when he said, “The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.”

As Congress debates issues of vital importance to small businesses, such as health care reform, tax credits and access to capital, SEMA PAC must take the lead to ensure that our voice is heard. Given the contentious political environment in Washington, it is more important than ever that elected officials who understand the role of small business to America’s economic future remain in office. Without developing relationships with these lawmakers, the very future of our industry, and small business at large, is in jeopardy.

As with all trade associations, SEMA must receive written permission from the executives of each of our member companies before we can provide them with information regarding our efforts on Capitol Hill and the PAC. The prior-approval form can be found on the SEMA PAC website, and allows SEMA to send you information about the PAC. No contribution is required to sign up.  

 

 

SEMA News - May 2010 

Now More Than Ever, SEMA PAC Needs Your Investment

As the mid-term election year heats up, it is critical that SEMA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) be well-equipped to help elect lawmakers who understand the economic importance of our industry. SEMA PAC pools the financial resources provided by the members to ensure that their concerns are recognized on Capitol Hill. With the involvement of our members, SEMA PAC is better equipped to protect the industry and small businesses from unfair regulations and legislation. 

SEMA PAC Chairman Doug Evans recently said, “In today’s political environment, the threats to our industry are undeniable. You, our members, face an ongoing battle against harmful policies that threaten your livelihood. SEMA PAC protects your future but is driven by your contributions. I challenge all SEMA members to become involved with the SEMA PAC to ensure that we maintain our voice and protect our future. This is your industry. Protect it.”

Trade associations such as SEMA are prohibited from using their funds to make political contributions. SEMA is, however, allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC. Simply put, 100% of the contributions you make to SEMA PAC are used to help elect industry-friendly legislators.

		This year, Keystone’s senior management team contributed more than $8,000 to SEMA PAC, including six individuals who became new President’s Club members ($1,000 contributions)! On behalf of the industry, the PAC board and the SEMA staff, we send a huge thanks to Ed Orzetti, Pat Judge and the Keystone team for demonstrating a commitment to the SEMA PAC. Pictured above are: (first row, from left) Tony Fordiani, Rich Paradise, Ed Orzetti, Pat Judge; (second row, from left) Ralph Ruzzi, Mick O’Donovan, Deborah Branden, Kevin Canavan, MK Sathya; (third row, from left) Joe Santangelo, Chris Patti, Chris Koshinski, Gerard Guiler and Rudy Esteves.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting drew a line in the sand when he said, “The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.”

As Congress debates issues of vital importance to small businesses, such as health care reform, tax credits and access to capital, SEMA PAC must take the lead to ensure that our voice is heard. Given the contentious political environment in Washington, it is more important than ever that elected officials who understand the role of small business to America’s economic future remain in office. Without developing relationships with these lawmakers, the very future of our industry, and small business at large, is in jeopardy.

As with all trade associations, SEMA must receive written permission from the executives of each of our member companies before we can provide them with information regarding our efforts on Capitol Hill and the PAC. The prior-approval form can be found on the SEMA PAC website, and allows SEMA to send you information about the PAC. No contribution is required to sign up.  

 

 

SEMA News - May 2010 

Now More Than Ever, SEMA PAC Needs Your Investment

As the mid-term election year heats up, it is critical that SEMA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) be well-equipped to help elect lawmakers who understand the economic importance of our industry. SEMA PAC pools the financial resources provided by the members to ensure that their concerns are recognized on Capitol Hill. With the involvement of our members, SEMA PAC is better equipped to protect the industry and small businesses from unfair regulations and legislation. 

SEMA PAC Chairman Doug Evans recently said, “In today’s political environment, the threats to our industry are undeniable. You, our members, face an ongoing battle against harmful policies that threaten your livelihood. SEMA PAC protects your future but is driven by your contributions. I challenge all SEMA members to become involved with the SEMA PAC to ensure that we maintain our voice and protect our future. This is your industry. Protect it.”

Trade associations such as SEMA are prohibited from using their funds to make political contributions. SEMA is, however, allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC. Simply put, 100% of the contributions you make to SEMA PAC are used to help elect industry-friendly legislators.

		This year, Keystone’s senior management team contributed more than $8,000 to SEMA PAC, including six individuals who became new President’s Club members ($1,000 contributions)! On behalf of the industry, the PAC board and the SEMA staff, we send a huge thanks to Ed Orzetti, Pat Judge and the Keystone team for demonstrating a commitment to the SEMA PAC. Pictured above are: (first row, from left) Tony Fordiani, Rich Paradise, Ed Orzetti, Pat Judge; (second row, from left) Ralph Ruzzi, Mick O’Donovan, Deborah Branden, Kevin Canavan, MK Sathya; (third row, from left) Joe Santangelo, Chris Patti, Chris Koshinski, Gerard Guiler and Rudy Esteves.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting drew a line in the sand when he said, “The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.”

As Congress debates issues of vital importance to small businesses, such as health care reform, tax credits and access to capital, SEMA PAC must take the lead to ensure that our voice is heard. Given the contentious political environment in Washington, it is more important than ever that elected officials who understand the role of small business to America’s economic future remain in office. Without developing relationships with these lawmakers, the very future of our industry, and small business at large, is in jeopardy.

As with all trade associations, SEMA must receive written permission from the executives of each of our member companies before we can provide them with information regarding our efforts on Capitol Hill and the PAC. The prior-approval form can be found on the SEMA PAC website, and allows SEMA to send you information about the PAC. No contribution is required to sign up.  

 

 

SEMA News - May 2010 

Now More Than Ever, SEMA PAC Needs Your Investment

As the mid-term election year heats up, it is critical that SEMA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) be well-equipped to help elect lawmakers who understand the economic importance of our industry. SEMA PAC pools the financial resources provided by the members to ensure that their concerns are recognized on Capitol Hill. With the involvement of our members, SEMA PAC is better equipped to protect the industry and small businesses from unfair regulations and legislation. 

SEMA PAC Chairman Doug Evans recently said, “In today’s political environment, the threats to our industry are undeniable. You, our members, face an ongoing battle against harmful policies that threaten your livelihood. SEMA PAC protects your future but is driven by your contributions. I challenge all SEMA members to become involved with the SEMA PAC to ensure that we maintain our voice and protect our future. This is your industry. Protect it.”

Trade associations such as SEMA are prohibited from using their funds to make political contributions. SEMA is, however, allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC. Simply put, 100% of the contributions you make to SEMA PAC are used to help elect industry-friendly legislators.

		This year, Keystone’s senior management team contributed more than $8,000 to SEMA PAC, including six individuals who became new President’s Club members ($1,000 contributions)! On behalf of the industry, the PAC board and the SEMA staff, we send a huge thanks to Ed Orzetti, Pat Judge and the Keystone team for demonstrating a commitment to the SEMA PAC. Pictured above are: (first row, from left) Tony Fordiani, Rich Paradise, Ed Orzetti, Pat Judge; (second row, from left) Ralph Ruzzi, Mick O’Donovan, Deborah Branden, Kevin Canavan, MK Sathya; (third row, from left) Joe Santangelo, Chris Patti, Chris Koshinski, Gerard Guiler and Rudy Esteves.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting drew a line in the sand when he said, “The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.”

As Congress debates issues of vital importance to small businesses, such as health care reform, tax credits and access to capital, SEMA PAC must take the lead to ensure that our voice is heard. Given the contentious political environment in Washington, it is more important than ever that elected officials who understand the role of small business to America’s economic future remain in office. Without developing relationships with these lawmakers, the very future of our industry, and small business at large, is in jeopardy.

As with all trade associations, SEMA must receive written permission from the executives of each of our member companies before we can provide them with information regarding our efforts on Capitol Hill and the PAC. The prior-approval form can be found on the SEMA PAC website, and allows SEMA to send you information about the PAC. No contribution is required to sign up.  

 

 

SEMA News - May 2010 

Now More Than Ever, SEMA PAC Needs Your Investment

As the mid-term election year heats up, it is critical that SEMA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) be well-equipped to help elect lawmakers who understand the economic importance of our industry. SEMA PAC pools the financial resources provided by the members to ensure that their concerns are recognized on Capitol Hill. With the involvement of our members, SEMA PAC is better equipped to protect the industry and small businesses from unfair regulations and legislation. 

SEMA PAC Chairman Doug Evans recently said, “In today’s political environment, the threats to our industry are undeniable. You, our members, face an ongoing battle against harmful policies that threaten your livelihood. SEMA PAC protects your future but is driven by your contributions. I challenge all SEMA members to become involved with the SEMA PAC to ensure that we maintain our voice and protect our future. This is your industry. Protect it.”

Trade associations such as SEMA are prohibited from using their funds to make political contributions. SEMA is, however, allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC. Simply put, 100% of the contributions you make to SEMA PAC are used to help elect industry-friendly legislators.

		This year, Keystone’s senior management team contributed more than $8,000 to SEMA PAC, including six individuals who became new President’s Club members ($1,000 contributions)! On behalf of the industry, the PAC board and the SEMA staff, we send a huge thanks to Ed Orzetti, Pat Judge and the Keystone team for demonstrating a commitment to the SEMA PAC. Pictured above are: (first row, from left) Tony Fordiani, Rich Paradise, Ed Orzetti, Pat Judge; (second row, from left) Ralph Ruzzi, Mick O’Donovan, Deborah Branden, Kevin Canavan, MK Sathya; (third row, from left) Joe Santangelo, Chris Patti, Chris Koshinski, Gerard Guiler and Rudy Esteves.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting drew a line in the sand when he said, “The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.”

As Congress debates issues of vital importance to small businesses, such as health care reform, tax credits and access to capital, SEMA PAC must take the lead to ensure that our voice is heard. Given the contentious political environment in Washington, it is more important than ever that elected officials who understand the role of small business to America’s economic future remain in office. Without developing relationships with these lawmakers, the very future of our industry, and small business at large, is in jeopardy.

As with all trade associations, SEMA must receive written permission from the executives of each of our member companies before we can provide them with information regarding our efforts on Capitol Hill and the PAC. The prior-approval form can be found on the SEMA PAC website, and allows SEMA to send you information about the PAC. No contribution is required to sign up.  

 

 

SEMA News - May 2010 

Now More Than Ever, SEMA PAC Needs Your Investment

As the mid-term election year heats up, it is critical that SEMA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) be well-equipped to help elect lawmakers who understand the economic importance of our industry. SEMA PAC pools the financial resources provided by the members to ensure that their concerns are recognized on Capitol Hill. With the involvement of our members, SEMA PAC is better equipped to protect the industry and small businesses from unfair regulations and legislation. 

SEMA PAC Chairman Doug Evans recently said, “In today’s political environment, the threats to our industry are undeniable. You, our members, face an ongoing battle against harmful policies that threaten your livelihood. SEMA PAC protects your future but is driven by your contributions. I challenge all SEMA members to become involved with the SEMA PAC to ensure that we maintain our voice and protect our future. This is your industry. Protect it.”

Trade associations such as SEMA are prohibited from using their funds to make political contributions. SEMA is, however, allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC. Simply put, 100% of the contributions you make to SEMA PAC are used to help elect industry-friendly legislators.

		This year, Keystone’s senior management team contributed more than $8,000 to SEMA PAC, including six individuals who became new President’s Club members ($1,000 contributions)! On behalf of the industry, the PAC board and the SEMA staff, we send a huge thanks to Ed Orzetti, Pat Judge and the Keystone team for demonstrating a commitment to the SEMA PAC. Pictured above are: (first row, from left) Tony Fordiani, Rich Paradise, Ed Orzetti, Pat Judge; (second row, from left) Ralph Ruzzi, Mick O’Donovan, Deborah Branden, Kevin Canavan, MK Sathya; (third row, from left) Joe Santangelo, Chris Patti, Chris Koshinski, Gerard Guiler and Rudy Esteves.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting drew a line in the sand when he said, “The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.”

As Congress debates issues of vital importance to small businesses, such as health care reform, tax credits and access to capital, SEMA PAC must take the lead to ensure that our voice is heard. Given the contentious political environment in Washington, it is more important than ever that elected officials who understand the role of small business to America’s economic future remain in office. Without developing relationships with these lawmakers, the very future of our industry, and small business at large, is in jeopardy.

As with all trade associations, SEMA must receive written permission from the executives of each of our member companies before we can provide them with information regarding our efforts on Capitol Hill and the PAC. The prior-approval form can be found on the SEMA PAC website, and allows SEMA to send you information about the PAC. No contribution is required to sign up.  

 

 

SEMA News - May 2010 

Now More Than Ever, SEMA PAC Needs Your Investment

As the mid-term election year heats up, it is critical that SEMA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) be well-equipped to help elect lawmakers who understand the economic importance of our industry. SEMA PAC pools the financial resources provided by the members to ensure that their concerns are recognized on Capitol Hill. With the involvement of our members, SEMA PAC is better equipped to protect the industry and small businesses from unfair regulations and legislation. 

SEMA PAC Chairman Doug Evans recently said, “In today’s political environment, the threats to our industry are undeniable. You, our members, face an ongoing battle against harmful policies that threaten your livelihood. SEMA PAC protects your future but is driven by your contributions. I challenge all SEMA members to become involved with the SEMA PAC to ensure that we maintain our voice and protect our future. This is your industry. Protect it.”

Trade associations such as SEMA are prohibited from using their funds to make political contributions. SEMA is, however, allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC. Simply put, 100% of the contributions you make to SEMA PAC are used to help elect industry-friendly legislators.

		This year, Keystone’s senior management team contributed more than $8,000 to SEMA PAC, including six individuals who became new President’s Club members ($1,000 contributions)! On behalf of the industry, the PAC board and the SEMA staff, we send a huge thanks to Ed Orzetti, Pat Judge and the Keystone team for demonstrating a commitment to the SEMA PAC. Pictured above are: (first row, from left) Tony Fordiani, Rich Paradise, Ed Orzetti, Pat Judge; (second row, from left) Ralph Ruzzi, Mick O’Donovan, Deborah Branden, Kevin Canavan, MK Sathya; (third row, from left) Joe Santangelo, Chris Patti, Chris Koshinski, Gerard Guiler and Rudy Esteves.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting drew a line in the sand when he said, “The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.”

As Congress debates issues of vital importance to small businesses, such as health care reform, tax credits and access to capital, SEMA PAC must take the lead to ensure that our voice is heard. Given the contentious political environment in Washington, it is more important than ever that elected officials who understand the role of small business to America’s economic future remain in office. Without developing relationships with these lawmakers, the very future of our industry, and small business at large, is in jeopardy.

As with all trade associations, SEMA must receive written permission from the executives of each of our member companies before we can provide them with information regarding our efforts on Capitol Hill and the PAC. The prior-approval form can be found on the SEMA PAC website, and allows SEMA to send you information about the PAC. No contribution is required to sign up.  

 

 

SEMA News - May 2010 

By Drew Hardin

Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

The cool dude in the hat and shades driving Jamie Musselman’s ’33 roadster is Boyd Coddington. Rolling alongside is Lee Kelley, then editor of Hot Rod magazine, in a Contemporary Classics Cobra replica. This photo was taken for the magazine’s July 1982 cover, the first of many to feature Boyd and his custom creations.

Boyd moved to Southern California in the ’60s to follow his dream of being a hot-rod builder, and for years he worked on car projects in his garage while holding down a job as a machinist at Disneyland. He opened Hot Rods by Boyd in the late ’70s, received national recognition for the ’33 coupe he built for Verne Luce in 1981 and earned his first of seven America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophies for Musselman’s roadster in 1982.

By then he was refining the smooth, detail-rich styling that would become a hallmark of a hot rod by Boyd, aided by fellow craftsman Lil John Buttera, designer Thom Taylor and others. The Musselman car also wore four handcrafted wheels with centers milled from aluminum billet, another Boyd trademark that would become not just a major styling trend, but its own niche in the automotive aftermarket.

Writing about “The Roadster” for the July ’82 issue, Gray Baskerville said, “To call Musselman’s roadster a hot rod isn’t quite fair. It probably belongs in the Louvre—not on the move. Still, who wouldn’t like to cruise Burger Lane or stroke the main in this epitome of slickness.”  

SEMA News - May 2010 

By Drew Hardin

Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

The cool dude in the hat and shades driving Jamie Musselman’s ’33 roadster is Boyd Coddington. Rolling alongside is Lee Kelley, then editor of Hot Rod magazine, in a Contemporary Classics Cobra replica. This photo was taken for the magazine’s July 1982 cover, the first of many to feature Boyd and his custom creations.

Boyd moved to Southern California in the ’60s to follow his dream of being a hot-rod builder, and for years he worked on car projects in his garage while holding down a job as a machinist at Disneyland. He opened Hot Rods by Boyd in the late ’70s, received national recognition for the ’33 coupe he built for Verne Luce in 1981 and earned his first of seven America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophies for Musselman’s roadster in 1982.

By then he was refining the smooth, detail-rich styling that would become a hallmark of a hot rod by Boyd, aided by fellow craftsman Lil John Buttera, designer Thom Taylor and others. The Musselman car also wore four handcrafted wheels with centers milled from aluminum billet, another Boyd trademark that would become not just a major styling trend, but its own niche in the automotive aftermarket.

Writing about “The Roadster” for the July ’82 issue, Gray Baskerville said, “To call Musselman’s roadster a hot rod isn’t quite fair. It probably belongs in the Louvre—not on the move. Still, who wouldn’t like to cruise Burger Lane or stroke the main in this epitome of slickness.”