The Whatthehaye

Owners: Scotty and Nancy Gray

The Whatthehaye has lines from the French-built 1936 Delahaye, considered one of the most beautiful car designs in automotive history. After the Whatthehaye's design was finalized, Boyd's crew began working on the chassis using Art Morrison frame rails, with an independent front suspension and a Boyd Coddington's Pro Ride independent rear suspension. Also bolted on were Boyd Coddington disc brakes and coil-over shocks. Once completed the chassis was sent to Marcel's to hand-fabricate the body using sheets of steel; the removable hard top and deck lid were shaped using aluminum. Once Marcel finished shaping the body it was delivered back to Boyd Coddington's Garage where it was pre-assembled, readying it for a DuPont silver-and-black paint scheme. Power is supplied by a Viper V-10 backed by a six-speed gearbox. A set of 18-inch one-off Boyd Coddington billet wheels were designed for the car using Goodyear tires.

After final assembly the Whatthehaye was shipped to Gabe's for upholstery. The theme of simple elegance was carried throughout the car's interior, with black leather on the seats and door panels and black carpet for the floor. To keep an eye on the V-10, Boyd Coddington gauges were installed in the steel dash. Another unusual aspect of this Coddington creation is the lack of any polished billet on the interior. Any billet, such as the Boyd Coddington steering wheel, shifter handle and foot pedals, were anodized black, making for a very clean yet striking interior.

The Whatthehaye made its debut at the 2004 Barrett-Jackson Auction Gala in Scottsdale, Ariz., and took the crowd by surprise. Pictures cannot do this automobile justice; it requires viewing in person to fully appreciate its beauty.