Whole Lotta ‘Rust’: ‘Slow Burn’: a Modern Interpretation of Auburn Boattail
One of history’s most beautiful cars gets a heavy dose of James Hetfield’s personal style and masterfully mixes new and old.
We’ve never ceased to be amazed by the ever-rotating series of exhibits featured at the Petersen Automotive Museum, which recently headed online. From historic relics of the past to glimpses at the future and everything in between, the Petersen is always keen to present us with the very best the automotive world has to offer. The latest of which is Metallica frontman James Hetfield‘s personal car collection, which joins a series of other memorabilia from the legendary rocker in a new exhibit dubbed “Reclaimed Rust.” But we were most interested in the ten amazing rides Hetfield donated for the exhibit, particularly this incredible Auburn Boattail recreation.
Dubbed “Slow Burn,” this custom build began life as an official Glen Pray fiberglass-bodied recreation of a 1936 Auburn 852 Boattail Speedster. Presumably because, well, an original is just too rare, expensive, and historically noteworthy to chop up. Regardless, fiberglass isn’t exactly an easy material to manipulate. Thus, Hetfield and the car’s builder, Rick Dore Kustoms, decided to take a different route on exterior design.
Dore and Hetfield landed on using a Carson-style, sloped convertible top in lieu of a standard piece. This new rag top perfectly accentuates the Auburn Boattail’s curvaceous body lines. And looks like it truly belonged there to begin with.
Cars from this era often used two-tone paint jobs to visually separate their fat fenders from the remaining bodywork. Thus, Dore and Hetfield took an “if it ain’t broke” approach here. The Root Beer Brown secondary hue is also a nod to the early days of hot rodding. And certainly not something you see much today. But it perfectly complements the car’s lines and the dark primary body color.
Many of the remaining details are more a nod to Hetfield’s own personal style. The grille, which features a geometric pattern, is a perfect example of that. Hetfield also had a major influence on the unique taillight trim design. As well as the one-off wheels that look more like a set of old school hub caps.
While a white interior would have been an obvious choice, Hetfield and Dore chose to add some more contrast. Thus, they teamed up with Bob Devine to cover the car’s innards in a fine tan-hued Egyptian leather. Personally, we find it perfectly befitting of this luxurious classic.
Capped off with a set of wide whitewall tires that complement the curvy soft top, this Auburn Boattail replica represents a masterful mix of old and new. And like the other 10 cars present at Hetfield’s Petersen display, they’re all oozing with the crooner’s own personal style.
“Reclaimed Rust: The James Hetfield Collection” is scheduled to run through November 1, and once the world gets back to its usual pace, we highly recommend it. For now, check out the Petersen online.
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