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Momentoes including a rose, guitar picks and a cigarette are left on the handprints at the Guitar Center in Hollywood, California of rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen on October 6, 2020. - Van Halen placed his hands in the cement and was inducted into the Hollywood, California RockWalk on November 13, 1985. Eddie Van Halen, the guitar virtuoso whose group is considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time, died on October 6, 2020 following a long battle with cancer, his son announced. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

A Look Back on Eddie Van Halen’s Coolest Cars

This year we find ourselves remembering a legend, Eddie Van Halen. For many of us, Van Halen was a big part of our playlists, and whether you were a die-hard fan or not, chances are your blood starts pumping when a Van Halen song comes on. There was more to this American icon than just …

This year we find ourselves remembering a legend, Eddie Van Halen. For many of us, Van Halen was a big part of our playlists, and whether you were a die-hard fan or not, chances are your blood starts pumping when a Van Halen song comes on. There was more to this American icon than just his music career and charming smile, he was also an avid car collector. As we celebrate the life of Eddie Van Halen, we can take a little comfort in reminiscing over some of the cool cars that he collected and loved dearly.

Shredding some tires

The guitar wasn’t the only thing that Eddie Van Halen loved to shred. He didn’t just collect hot rods and other cool cars, he actually drove them. That’s probably why Hot Rods by Boyd were so eager to help him create a custom pickup truck. Painted to resemble one of his customized guitars, there is nothing quite like Van Halen as the Chevy C1500.

Even more interestingly, there were actually two versions of the Van Hauler that were created. The original was designed to be given away as a prize by a magazine, and the winner was a GM mechanic who was an avid Van Halen fan. The second version of the pickup was designed for Eddie Van Halen himself and featured a few additional modifications.

HOLLYWOOD, CA – OCTOBER 06: Musician Eddie Van Halen’s Frankenstrat guitar and a bandanna autographed by the musician on the Hollywood Rock | AaronP/Bauer-Griffin

A hot rod love affair

Hot rod lovers and muscle car enthusiasts will love the next car the Eddie Van Halen held near and dear: his completely custom 1970 Chevrolet Nova. There is just something so nostalgic about the Chevy Nova, and we completely understand why it made its way in the Van Halen lineup.

One glance over the collection and it’s clear that Eddie Van Halen had a love affair with Chevy. Next to his old Nova, you might spot his 1956 Chevy Nomad or even his 1955 Chevy 210. Clearly a fan of classics, he wasn’t shy to modern supercars either, and you might be surprised to see his Audi R8s sitting in his garage amongst all of his classics.

A true car enthusiast

As any other true car enthusiast knows, the collection of Eddie Van Halen is seemingly endless. There are so many interesting hot rods, classic cars, and customized vehicles that have made their way in and out of the Van Halen garage over the years. Like the rest of the band members, if there is anything Eddie Van Halen loved as much as he loved his rock music, it might have just been his cars.

For generations to come, Eddie Van Halen will forever be known as a true icon in the music world. Whether you were his biggest fan or a casual listener, we can celebrate the life of not only a rock legend, but a fellow car enthusiast and collector.

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