Latest News
2026 Honda Ridgeline ReviewJames Hetfield’s Insane Car Collection
James Hetfield loves metal, and not just the musical kind. His collection of classics features some of the most stunning restomods ever created.Restomod Done Right
James Hetfield, guitarist and singer for Metallica, isn’t just a heavy metal legend, he’s also a car guy of the highest order. Growing up in Southern California influenced Hetfield’s taste in cars which trends toward hotrods and 1930s and 1940s Art Deco designs. You might imagine, given the jagged-edged aesthetic of heavy metal, Hetfield’s car collection would be full of rat-rod T-bucket Fords straight off the set of Mad Max. Instead, Hetfield’s cars are among the most elegant restomods you’re likely to see.
Restomods, that is classic cars restored with modification, can frequently stray into absurdity, ending up bloated, garish, bordering on sacrilegious. The best, however, seamlessly incorporate the new while honoring the original design. Hetfield’s collaborations with Rick Dore of Rick Dore Kustoms, Marcel De Ley, and Blue-Collar Customs do just that. At their best, these cars illuminate what’s possible when reinterpreting classic car designs.
Hetfield enjoyed both the building and driving of these rolling works of art. So much so that, rather than leave them entombed in a private garage, he donated those impressive builds to LA Peterson Automotive Museum. The resulting exhibit, “Reclaimed Rust,” showcases ten of the most spectacular restomod cars in the world.
“Black Pearl” – 1948 Jaguar Mk. IV
Based off a ’48 Jaguar Mark IV, “Black Pearl” is an Art Deco-inspired collaboration between Hetfield and Rick Dore, with hand-hammered aluminum bodywork by Marcel De Lay. The “Black Pearl” features massive pontoon fenders and swooping contours. Note the deleted door handles and the deleted B-pillar (recurring themes for these cars). The “Black Pearl” makes a spectacular introduction to the Reclaimed Rust exhibit.
“Slow Burn” – 1936 Auburn Speedster
This ’36 Auburn reimagines the classic boat tail speedster design with a unique spin. This car too has a removeable hardtop, as well as hydraulics and modern running gear. The body work is done in fiberglass and the interior finished in Egyptian leather.
“VooDoo Priest” – 1937 Lincoln Zephyr
“VooDoo Priest” give the Lincoln Zephyr the hotrod treatment while preserving and even embellishing its classic Art Deco design. Of special note is the long sloping rear deck accentuated by 1938 rear quarter panels. Under the hood is the Zephyr’s rebuilt 4.4L flathead V12. The “VooDoo Priest” is one a few cars in Hetfield’s collection that was bought as a dilapidated project and given a complete overhaul.
“Crimson Ghost” – 1937 Ford Coupe
Another ’37, the “Crimson Ghost” give the Ford coupe a more classic, yet restrained hotrod treatment. Another of Rick Dore’s creations, there are familiar hotrod modifications like the chopped roof and deleted pillar. Unique elements include the teardrop shaped taillights and the very metal skull shifter knob.
“Iron Fist” – 1936 Ford Coupe
Another hotrod Ford coupe, “Iron Fist” is bare metal under its clear coat. This is one of a few cars in the collection that James did welding work on. The car has all the hallmarks of a hotrod with its lowered stance, chopped top, and beefy 350 Chevy V8 under the hood. It even comes paired with a matching metal-and-clear-coat guitar Hetfield used while on tour.
“Dead Kennedy” – 1961 Lincoln Continental
The grimly titled “Dead Kennedy” is a subtly modded and impeccably restored ’61 Lincoln Continental. Work on the car was done by Hetfield and Blue Collar Customs and includes a lowered suspension, a new grille design, shaved door handles, and eerie green marker lights. “Dead Kennedy” is powered by a 430 V8.
“Str8 Edge” – 1956 Ford F-100
Not all of Hetfield’s creations hew to the 1930s and ‘40s Art Deco, his “Str8 Edge” 1956 Ford F-100 recapitulates classic 1950s designs throughout. The step-side bed is adorned with very ‘50s style fins atop the rear fenders. The truck also has stacked exhaust pipes, tuck and roll upholstery, white wall tires, and a lowered stance.
“Blackjack” – 1932 Ford Roadster
The 32 Ford Deuce Coupe is the hotrod canvas de jure. Though they can often toe the line of caricature, Hetfield’s good taste keeps this restoration restrained. That doesn’t mean it isn’t jaw-dropping, because it is. Part of the project, Hetfield and Dore made a point of only using period parts and components, like drum brakes, making the “Blackjack” a truly vintage 1940s style hotrod.
“Skyscraper” – 1953 Buick Skylark
As you might guess from first glance, the “Skyscraper” is, primarily, about that light purple paint job. Hetfield says he had the color in mind long before he knew what car he’d put it on. We’d agree that the ’53 Skylark is a fitting choice. In addition to the obvious Art Deco cues, Hetfield outfitted the “Skyscraper” with musical details like a kick drum petal throttle and Fender guitar pick gauges. Like the “Iron Fist” this car comes with its own matching guitar and amp.
Note to author: He is the band’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. Not lead guitarist.
Thanks for noticing that! We updated the article.