Anybody who's hip to the hot-rod collector car scene knows Boyd Coddington's legendary creations. For example, he created the Aluma Coupe featured on Tim Allen's "Home Improvement" TV show. Coddington also crafted the Cadzilla for rock band ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, and a 1934 Ford Coupe for Van Halen's Michael Anthony.

And here's his latest creation. Called The Boydster III, this quintessential hot rod was unveiled for the first time at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association's 6th PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, in July. At the official debut it was also announced that the Boydster III had been selected as the Goodguys' 2004 "Giveaway Car," to be awarded to a lucky Goodguys member at next year's event. This marks the second consecutive year that a Boyd Coddington design has been chosen by the hot-rod community for this honor.

Conceived in 2001 and built throughout 2002 and half of 2003 by hand at Coddington's shop in La Habra, Calif., the Boydster III is designed around 1933 and '34 Fords. It has its roots in a long line of significant '33-based hot rods, including Vern Luce's '33 coupe, Jamie Musselman's Roadster and Larry Murray's Phantom Phaeton.

The Boydster III is a full-fender version of a classic rod with swept front fenders and a Coddington-designed stainless steel grille that echoes many of his signature designs. It all sits atop a Pro-Ride Boyd Coddington chassis.

Power comes from a 351 Ford crate motor, with TPI transmission, Edelbrock carburetor, Flowmaster exhaust, and Street & Performance accessories. The Boydster III also sports a Gas Fabrication radiator, Carrera shocks, Boyd Coddington disc brakes, FK bearing ends, a Flaming River steering column and rack, K&N air filter with a custom box, and Lokar shifter, pedals and cables. Goodyear tires on 17-in. rear and 15-in. front Boyd Coddington Magneato wheels complete the package.

The interior appointments, designed by Eric Brockmeyer, feature blue and yellow accents to match the exterior. Of course, there are classic Boyd Coddington instruments on the dash. Ultimately, The Boydster III will be available to rodders in affordable body/chassis components. Yes, you can buy this car.

"In the Boydster III, we've reinvented the 21st century hot rod," says Coddington. "We've married modern technology, design techniques and state-of-the-art materials with the unmistakably elegant lines, raucous sounds and dynamic flair of the great classic rods."

Coddington was also the focus of "American Hot Rod," a Discovery Channel special that showcased The Boydster III on August 31. Viewers got an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at the building of this remarkable one-off. Filming for the Discovery Channel special concluded with the official public unveiling of the Boydster III at the Columbus Goodguys event.