James Hetfield’s Coach Built “Black Pearl” Earns Custom Of The Year

blackpearl3For those who do not know, James Hetfield is the frontman for famed American metal band Metallica. Rock and roll and classic cars have been paired together like fine cheese and craft beers for decades. Despite the evolution of both cultures they have withstood the test of time and are seemingly inseparable!

Perhaps the biggest news from last weekend’s 32nd Goodguys Get-Together was Hetfield’s Black Pearl being presented the prestigious title of the Goodguys 2014 Mother’s Custom of the Year. The Goodguys event was held in Pleasanton, California, the Goodguys city of operation, at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds.

Other finalists who contended for the prestigious honor were John Fleming with his 1939 Lincoln Zephyr, Brandon Penserini with his 1955 Cadillac, Mike and Rita Gardner with their 1956 Packard, and Mark and Kelly Skipper with their 1951 Ford Victoria. What heavy hitting make, model, and year did Hetfield bring to the 2014 Get-Together that could possibly shut out that pantheon of luxurious icons? A scratch built and master crafted custom–learn more below.

blackpearl4

Photos Courtesy Of: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association

According to the Goodguys release, “Southern California’s Marcel and Luc De Lay, two of the top coach builders in the world, handled the chores of forming, shaping, and building the body.” Hetfield was quoted in the release praising the coach builders, “They’re one of only a handful of metal shapers capable of taking on the task of building a one off custom car like the ‘Pearl. As an artist myself, I see the passion, dedication, and perfectionism it takes to be good at your craft. I am humbled by their gift of metal shaping. The fact that they started with a 8×10 drawing and ended up with a complete car is a testament to the ability of the human mind and hands. It still blows people’s minds when they ask what body we started with and we say ‘steel sheets.’”

Black Pearl sports a mesmerizing deep PPG black that was laid by Darryl Hollenbeck of Vintage Color Studio. The classy brushed bronze hardware and trim details contrast the deep black offering an air of subdued elegance and opulence without a single degree of gaudiness.

The cabin is upholstered with a luscious white, black dash to match the body, and consistent use of brushed brass trim and accents. Moving back to the exterior, Wheelsmith Fabrications fashioned the artillery style wheels featuring trim matching brushed brass caps and beauty rings.blackpearl1

The engine bay houses an impressive 375 hp 302ci Ford V8 but according to the Goodguys release, “this car isn’t about power–it’s about style. It’s also about expanding horizons and breaking new ground.” Rod Authority couldn’t agree more, but a power bonus is certainly something that we’re sure no one would cry home about.

“In addition to the Goodguys 2014 Mother’s Custom of the Year, [Black Pearl] won the Sam Barris award as well as the Custom d’Elegance at the Sacramento AutoRama,” says Goodguys. Hetfield isn’t just a rockstar with an idle interest-boredom inspired need to drop money on extravagant cars because, “it’s what rock stars do,” he has been a heavy hitter in the show circuit previously earning the 2010 Goodguys West Coast Custom of the Year award with this 1936 Auburn boat tail speedster named “Slowburn.”

A true classic car lover and a talented musician, Hetfield and his passions are keeping a classic pairing of cultures alive and well! Rod Authority can’t wait to see what Hetfield comes up with next, but let’s not stray away from the sheer slickness of Black Pearl. Excuse us while we stare some more.blackpearl5

About the author

Andrew Almazan

Andrew Almazan is a graduate of CSULB with a degree in English and a passion for traditional kustoms and hot rods. His first exposure to out of this world vehicles was through the prevalent low rider, baja bug, and kustom culture of LA county.
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