This 1993 Chevy truck is a rare piece of history that is finally seeing the light of day again.
Back in 1993, Eddie Van Halen asked Boyd Coddington to build a very special Chevy truck that would reflect his personality and strengthen his world-famous brand. The truck was christened “Boyd’s Hauler,” and was penned by Chip Foose. The running gear was comprised of the best Detroit had to offer at the time: the LT1 engine, trans, and fully independent suspension from a new Corvette. It was a show stopper, and was featured in many magazines at the time. The car was so popular, Testors even produced a model kit of Van Halen’s famous hauler in 1998.
As is often the case with stars and their cars, a burgeoning career and numerous projects can push things to the side, and that’s what eventually happened to Boyd’s Hauler. One of the photos shows a truck that has fallen into disrepair, and except for the odd paint job and custom wheels, might get mistaken for something ready for the crusher under the Cash For Clunkers program. With the recent death of Boyd Coddington, every one of his finite number of creations are being scrutinized in a new light, including the Boyd’s Hauler. That’s when Eddie Van Halen and the American Hotrods shop in Anaheim, CA got together to revitalize the Boyd’s Hauler—now rechristen the Van Hauler. Car builders Duane Mayer and Bernt Karlsson have been commissioned to revive the Hauler, giving it a cosmetic boost with new wheels, and an updated paint scheme.
The paint scheme will incorporate elements of Van Halen’s recently released Wofgang guitar line that’s being built and distributed by Fender. Once completed, the Van Hauler will make its way to San Diego Classic & Muscle Cars in Escondido, CA, where it will be displayed for anybody to see. If you’re interested in seeing this unique piece of automotive history that represents the juncture of two artistic greats from different fields, now’s the time. The Van Hauler will only be on display at San Diego Classic & Muscle Cars from late September through December. It will then go across the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale in January of 2010.
San Diego Classic & Muscle Cars
www.sandiegoclassicandmusclecars.com