Jeff Beck, A Rock ’N Roll Legend And Closet Hot Rod Guy

Those of us middle-aged folks that have loved baby boomer pop culture think of Jeff Beck as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Surprisingly, younger folks see Jeff Beck as a Hollywood hot rod collector. The rock and roller has never tried to hide either of these loves. He is both.

Anyone can buy those. These you make. – Jeff Beck

Best known for his work in the Yardbirds, a group that was fortunate enough to have three of the greatest rock guitarists ever: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Despite leading the popular rock band, along with his own band, the Jeff Beck Group, he also appeared on other artist’s albums looking for his special blend of blues rock and hard rock.

He has appeared on albums by Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, Morrissey, Jon Bon Jovi, Kate Bush, Roger Waters, Donovan, Stevie Wonder, Les Paul, Cyndi Lauper, Stanley Clarke, and ZZ Top, among others.

Beck tells a story of driving to Eric Clapton’s house in a hot rod. Clapton showed Beck a couple of his Ferraris. Beck says he told Clapton: “Anyone can buy those. These you make.”

Beck’s collection includes a replica of the 1932 Ford Deuce coupe featured in 1973’s American Graffiti, and his 1959 Corvette restomod, which combines a vintage body with modern running gear. The staple of his collection, which continuously grows larger, are the 1932 Ford Roadsters and ’32 Deuce coupes.

When the Yardbirds were at their prime, with Beck on lead guitar, he bought a 1963 split window Corvette Stingray. The axeman still owns this vehicle today.

Beck strives to keep his hot rod collection in excellent shape. It is not just about collecting these vehicles, but Beck also enjoys wrenching on them too. This is a guy that really gets what it is to be a hot rodder.