James Hetfield, the lead singer of Metallica, isn’t just known for his music. He’s also a big name in the car world. Hetfield has a notable collection of custom cars that reflect his creative vision. Recently, six cars from his private collection were put on display at the American Automobile Experience in Kearney, Nebraska. This was made possible through a deal involving Blueprint Engines, local donors from Kearney, and the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. These cars will be on display for a year.
Pete Stout on Hetfield’s Car Collection Loan and The Unique Vehicles Involved
Pete Stout, the director of business at Blueprint Engines, spoke about Hetfield’s decision to loan his cars. He said, “He is a huge car guy and he wanted to be able to share some of his private collection with the world. Here at the American Automobile Experience here in Kearney, we’re excited to have this fabulous display of vehicles here for a year.”
The cars on loan include some impressive and unique vehicles. There’s the 1932 Ford Roadster known as ‘Blackjack,’ the 1936 Auburn 852 Speedster called ‘Slow Burn,’ the 1936 Ford Coupe named ‘Iron Fist,’ the 1937 Ford Coupe dubbed ‘Crimson Ghost,’ the 1937 Lincoln Zephyr known as ‘Voodoo Priest,’ and lastly, the 1956 Ford F-100, which he calls ‘Str8 Edge.’
Hetfield explained why he decided to share his cars with the public. Although he’s more famous for his role in Metallica, he’s also passionate about cars. For him, cars are another way to express himself, much like his music. Instead of just buying cars, he builds them from scratch and turns them into pieces of art.
Hetfield said, “I had a vision of not having to take care of these cars anymore because at some point… when I have these cars, at some point they have me. It takes a lot of time and effort to keep these things up and running, and in good condition. They were going to be either auctioned or donated or something. Then that did actually happen.”
The cars are a mix of vintage models taken to the next level through customization. Each car has its own name and unique design, which showcases Hetfield’s creativity.
Highlighting Hetfield’s Unique Car Collection and Its Journey to Kearney
The 1932 Ford Roadster, known as ‘Blackjack,’ is a sleek and fierce ride that captures attention wherever it goes. The ‘Slow Burn,’ a 1936 Auburn 852 Speedster, has a deep connection with Hetfield as it reflects a more laid-back yet powerful aura. The ‘Iron Fist’ is a 1936 Ford Coupe; its strong and bold design perfectly fits its name. The ‘Crimson Ghost,’ a 1937 Ford Coupe, stands out with its striking red color and elegant build. The 1937 Lincoln Zephyr, called ‘Voodoo Priest,’ brings a mysterious vibe with its dark gothic design. Finally, the ‘Str8 Edge,’ a 1956 Ford F-100, adds a classic touch with a modern twist.
Hetfield sees his cars as an extension of himself. They are not just vehicles to him but significant projects where he pours his creativity and hard work. Building and maintaining these cars require immense dedication, but it’s something he truly enjoys. Making the decision to loan them was not easy, but Hetfield felt it was time for others to appreciate these works of art.
Pete Stout from Blueprint Engines expressed his excitement about having these cars in Kearney. He emphasized how significant it is for car enthusiasts to get an up-close look at Hetfield’s collection. Stout said, “He is a huge car guy and he wanted to be able to share some of his private collection with the world. Here at the American Automobile Experience here in Kearney, we’re excited to have this fabulous display of vehicles here for a year.”
The process of moving these cars from Los Angeles to Nebraska involved careful planning and coordination. Thanks to the efforts of local donors in Kearney and the Peterson Automotive Museum, the cars reached their new temporary home safely. The cars will be displayed for a year, giving fans and car lovers plenty of time to visit and appreciate them.