Who owns the original ZZ Top Eliminator car?
Billy F. Gibbons owns the original ZZ Top Eliminator car. The iconic red 1933 Ford three-window coupe, immortalized on ZZ Top’s 1983 Eliminator album cover and in the band’s blockbuster 1980s music videos, is part of Gibbons’ personal collection and has been occasionally loaned for museum exhibitions and special appearances.
What is the Eliminator?
The Eliminator is a custom 1933 Ford hot rod that became a pop-culture fixture in the early MTV era, featured prominently in ZZ Top videos like Gimme All Your Lovin’, Sharp Dressed Man, and Legs. Commissioned by guitarist and frontman Billy F. Gibbons, the car helped define the band’s visual identity—candy red paint, yellow-orange graphics, and a low, sleek stance—and it remains one of the most recognizable hot rods in music history.
Ownership and custody
The title and control of the original Eliminator reside with Billy F. Gibbons. While the car has spent stretches on public display—most notably at institutions such as the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland—it has been exhibited on loan. These museum appearances sometimes lead to confusion about ownership, but the vehicle has consistently been described by the band and curators as Gibbons’ property.
Public displays and appearances
To clarify where the Eliminator has been seen, here are some of the most visible settings where the car has appeared over the years.
- Museum exhibitions, including the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, often as part of curated shows on rock-and-roll cars and custom hot rods.
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame displays in Cleveland, where the car has been showcased in exhibits highlighting ZZ Top’s cultural impact.
- Media and promotional events, from magazine features to select public showings tied to band milestones or automotive culture gatherings.
Together, these appearances have kept the Eliminator in the public eye while reaffirming that its exhibition status typically reflects a loan from Gibbons’ collection.
Why confusion persists
Decades of touring, promotion, and the band’s deep connections to hot rodding have created a few understandable mix-ups about the Eliminator’s identity and custody.
- Multiple lookalikes: Additional cars styled to resemble the Eliminator have been used for logistics or promotional needs, leading some fans to assume there are several “originals.”
- Separate ZZ Top customs: Other celebrated Gibbons projects—such as CadZZilla—are sometimes conflated with the Eliminator despite being entirely different builds.
- Museum loans: Extended exhibits at major institutions can create the impression that a museum owns the car rather than hosting it.
These factors fuel persistent myths, but documentation and statements from the band and curators point back to Gibbons as the owner of the original car.
Current status
As of 2025, the original ZZ Top Eliminator remains in Billy F. Gibbons’ private collection. The car is maintained to a high standard, and while it is not constantly on public view, it periodically reappears through special exhibits, media features, and select cultural events.
Summary
The original ZZ Top Eliminator—a custom 1933 Ford three-window coupe synonymous with the band’s 1980s heyday—is owned by Billy F. Gibbons. Though frequently loaned to museums and occasionally joined by lookalike vehicles for promotional purposes, the authentic Eliminator remains part of Gibbons’ personal stable.
Was the ZZ Top car custom built?
Conceived in 1989, CadZZilla is a customized Cadillac, built for Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. The car’s appearance was designed by Jack Chisenhall and Larry Erickson. It is acclaimed as one of the great expressions of automotive customization.
What engine was in the ZZ Top Eliminator?
Chevy V8
The body was chopped and channeled for a sleeker, more aggressive look, then finished in a vibrant, candy red paint with signature yellow-orange graphics—a now-iconic livery. Under the hood, the Eliminator packed a **ZZ4 350- cubic-inch small-block Chevy V8**, giving it plenty of muscle to back up its bold looks.
What happened to the ZZ Top Eliminator car?
Gibbons keeps the vehicle on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, but reportedly still takes it out for a spin whenever he is in the area.
Who owns the ZZ Top Eliminator car?
ZZ Top’s iconic “Eliminator” car is owned by the band’s guitarist, Billy Gibbons. The 1933 Ford coupe, which was built by Dan Thelan’s Buffalo Motor Cars, is a highly recognizable custom hot rod that was featured on album covers and in music videos, making it a legendary symbol of both ZZ Top and the hot rod culture. While Gibbons still owns it, the “Eliminator” is often on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Key Details about the “Eliminator” Car
- Owner: Billy Gibbons, the guitarist for ZZ Top.
- Vehicle: A customized 1933 Ford coupe.
- Creator: Built by Dan Thelan’s Buffalo Motor Cars.
- Significance: The car achieved fame as the cover art for the band’s 1984 album, Eliminator, and was featured prominently in the band’s popular music videos.
- Location: While Gibbons owns the car, it is often on public display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
