Images: Bob McCoy’s Official Website

When the hot rod industry loses a legend, everyone mourns. Unfortunately, we’ve lost quite a few legends in the hot rod community recently, and it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of yet another legend–famed hot rod artist and enthusiast, Bob McCoy.

Having started off his automotive career in the drivers seat of jalopies in his teen years, McCoy quickly grew into an avid Midget and Sprint Car racer. In the late 1960s, he was even signed to race at the Indianapolis 500, but was injured prior to the race, causing him to have to drop out before taking the wheel of the Joe Hunt Magneto car.

Though McCoy started out as a racer and later went on to be a wild animal trainer and broc rider, McCoy is most famous for his unique hot rod artwork, ranging from original oil paintings and sculpted scale model cars, to caricature wall hangings and cartoon drawings. McCoy’s work has been published in countless hot rod magazines and books, and all forms of his artwork can still be found through retailers, at car shows, and in the collections of hot rod enthusiasts.

McCoy was also well known for his 1940 Ford Tudor, which became one of the most well-known hot rods in the industry, with McCoy purchasing the car in 1953 and maintaining it since. Some sources state that McCoy’s Tudor may even be one of the most photographed hot rods to date.

According to Culver City Stadium Facebook Group member Randy Chenowth, McCoy passed away on September 30^th. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.