ZZ Top's Famous Ford
ZZ Top charmed the world with its “Eliminator” videos. What’s the story of the red Ford that is seen throughout?
Written by Alex Reale
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
The ‘80s were heady times for musicians. The introduction of MTV in 1981 meant that artists had to find ways to connect with their listeners visually or risk being cast as irrelevant. One group figured out the exact right recipe for a magnificent run on MTV.
Here’s how ZZ Top won over audiences with an unforgettable trilogy of music videos, with a famous 1933
Ford
playing a starring role.Rocker seeking hot rod
By the time the early ‘80s rolled around, ZZ Top was already enjoying commercial success from songs like “Tush” and “La Grange.” The three musicians were ready to be a bit playful.
Frontman Billy Gibbons, who had fallen in love with a hot rod he saw in 1974 movie California Kid, decided to invest in an inactive 1933 Ford. He customized the body, window panels, license plate, and lights, reports
HowStuffWorks
, until the elegant hot rod had been restored to its former glory. The most famous flourishes are the bright red paint and the stylized “ZZ” that adorns the length of the body. He christened the car “Eliminator,” and ZZ Top released an album of the same name in 1983. The world would soon be introduced to an icon.
MORE: Ford’s CEO Confirmed the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
A true video star
With the release of “Eliminator,” the three members of ZZ Top were ready to try their hand at music videos.
They recorded three videos for the songs “Legs,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” and “Sharp Dressed Man.” ZZ Top was an old school rock band, and their two guitar heroes sported Fedora-esque hats, inexpensive sunglasses, and waist-length beards. ZZ Top did not, on paper, look like a good candidate for MTV stardom.
And yet, they made three masterpieces. In each of the videos, a derided teen is rescued from his or her unfortunate situation by the arrival of the Eliminator, which glimmers in the sunlight. Out of the Ford climb three women, guardian angels who help the protagonist win the day, whether by way of a fun shopping trip or a well-timed red carpet appearance.
The three members of ZZ Top fade in and out of the scenes, giving everyone a unanimous thumbs up, tossing shimmering lightning-shaped keys, or ushering the Eliminator along the road in unison. It’s pure joy.
Rolling Stone
comments approvingly on the surprisingly feminist aura of ZZ Top’s creations, way back in the early ‘80s, as well as their sense of fun and playfulness. The videos don’t take themselves too seriously, and as you watch Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill shredding white furry guitars, you can’t help but smile.A hall of famer
MORE: This Ford is the Most Popular New and Used Car in the U.S.
In a recent episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage,” Leno and Billy Gibbons take a ride in a car that Gibbons characterizes as the Eliminator’s “bad little sister.”
As they drive on a desert road, they talk music and cars, and Gibbons reveals that he lent the Eliminator to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the time being. So if you want to see the legend in person, you’ll have to head to Cleveland, and as a warmup you can watch the ZZ Top Eliminator trilogy on loop.
Looking for insurance for your restored 1933 Ford? The savings keep coming even after
Jerry
finds you great insurance at the lowest price. Before every policy renewal period, you’ll be presented with new competitive quotes, which means you’ll always have the best coverage at the best price. If you want to switch policies, that’s fine! Jerry can help cancel your old policy.Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
