cadZZila

To my fellow countrymen: "Whenever traveling abroad, try to visit as many motor racing events, motoring museums, or even car swaps as possible". These are all things we have so very few of on this beautiful island we call Curacao.

Billy having fun

Last year I happen to pass through L.A., California, and made it a point to visit NHRA Motorsports Museum. And oh boy was it worth it. You see up close and personal so many cars, engines, and memorabilia, I assure you the impression will stay with you for as long as you live.

For example, I knew about the Cadzilla from magazines and TV programs, but had never seen it in person. It was everything I had expected and then some. Magazines and TV programs cannot possible capture those curves and shapes. Here follows some details about the famous and gorgeous car.

This amazing and yet classic car is based on a 1948 Cadillac Series 62 Sedanette and was built or built for rocker Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ Top.

The name actually consists of the words: Cadillac, ZZ Top, and Godzilla. Even the licence plate is tied into this idea, for it reads "I8TOKYO" ["I ate Tokyo" - a refference to a famous Godzilla movie].

As with the Billy picture,
a model adorns Cadzilla -
NHRA's Motorsports Museum

It is said that this customization by Hot Rods by Boyd, cost in 1989 some $ 900k. It was designed by then-GM designer Larry Erickson and is arguably the ultimate custom car. Gibbons wanted a slippery Bonneville-style closed car, which was refined for use in music videos and car shows. The fuel tank in the grille and the forged wheel covers give a competition flavor, while the rest of the styling has the massive look of a '50's custom. A specially made windshield allowed Erickson to design the chopped top to blend into the lowered rear quarter panels and deck lid. The front Fenders and hood are welded together to form a one-piece panel that tilts forward to expose the engine, a 500 ci Cadillac engine by Art Chrisman, like an early gasser. The paint is House of Kolor Eggplant Purple by Greg Morrell over metal work by Craig Naff.

Source: amcar guide, own files