When James Hetfield isn’t melting faces with Metallica riffs, he’s crafting one-of-a-kind rides that are every bit as intense and expressive as his music. Over the years, Hetfield has quietly built one of the most stunning custom car collections around—each vehicle telling a story, loaded with old-school attitude and jaw-dropping craftsmanship. These aren’t just cars; they’re rolling sculptures—part hot rod, part rock ‘n’ roll soul. From scratch-built coupes to Art Deco cruisers, Hetfield’s garage is filled with metal in more ways than one. We know he is a true car guy because he names his cars. Here is a look at a few of his killer rides.

“Black Pearl” Custom Coupe

This one’s a total original—literally. The Black Pearl isn’t based on any particular car but was built completely from scratch by James Hetfield and Rick Dore. With its sweeping teardrop design inspired by pre-war luxury cars and mounted on modified 1948 Jaguar frame rails, it looks like it drove straight out of a 1930s dream.

Finished in a deep PPG black paint, it’s a showstopper that’s taken home awards like Goodguys Custom of the Year and Custom d’Élegance. Much like its pirate ship namesake, this Black Pearl stands alone.

1936 Auburn Roadster “Slow Burn”

The Slow Burn is Hetfield’s way of blending elegance with raw power. Based on a Glen Pray Auburn Speedster replica and rocking a 351 Windsor V8, it’s got the go to match the show. That deep Root Beer Brown paint and Carson-style top give it serious vintage flair.

Built by Rick Dore Kustoms, this car isn’t just pretty—it’s proof that Hetfield knows how to breathe new life into timeless classics. Every curve and detail gets better the longer you look.

1953 Buick Skylark “Skyscraper”

This custom ’53 Skylark ditches the drop-top for a slick hardtop profile, all wrapped in a deep, glossy purple paint job. The low stance and smoothed-out body lines give it a modern edge without losing its vintage charm.

Hetfield added some personal flair too—white upholstery paired with purple accents on the dash and console, plus guitar-inspired interior touches like pearloid gauges and a bass drum gas pedal. A rolling tribute to both classic design and rock style.

1934 Packard “Aquarius”

Aquarius looks like a luxury cruiser from another planet. Inspired by both classic Packards and French Art Deco coachbuilding, this stunner was crafted by Rick Dore with Hetfield’s vision leading the way. Think 1930s class with a sci-fi twist.

From its DuVall-style windshield to the sculpted fenders and that flowing, finned tail, it’s a masterclass in coachbuilt design. Add a sleek blue finish, and you’ve got a car that turns heads before it even starts.

1936 Ford Custom “Iron Fist”

Built by Blue Collar Customs, the Iron Fist is all about raw metal and muscle. This ’36 Ford features a chopped top, reshaped trunk, and a clear-coated bare-metal body that proudly shows off every weld and curve.

Inspired by Hetfield’s custom “Invisible Kid” guitars, this build is stripped-down, tough, and unapologetically loud—just like his music. From the hand-formed metalwork to the slammed stance, this one’s a full-force throwback to traditional hot rodding.

1937 Lincoln Zephyr “Voodoo Priest”

The Voodoo Priest looks like it rolled out of an old black-and-white gangster flick—if that flick had a killer soundtrack. This customized Zephyr has been stretched, smoothed, and slammed to perfection by Rick Dore Kustoms.

Its chopped roof, slick red paint, and flowing smooth lines give it a sinister elegance. That original 4.4-liter flathead V12 engine and low stance seal the deal—it’s a piece of moving sculpture with plenty of attitude.

1932 Ford Roadster “The Beast”

This stripped-down ’32 Roadster was nicknamed “The Beast” for good reason. Built by Blue Collar Customs, it’s got old-school hot rod vibes with modern touches. The low profile, custom grille, and shaved body give it a sleek, aggressive look.

Underneath the classic sheet metal is a custom chassis and a thumping V8 engine that backs up its name. It’s raw, it’s loud, and it’s exactly what you want from a ’32 Ford built for fun.

1956 Ford F-100 Pickup

Hetfield’s Str8 Edge is proof he can appreciate workhorse trucks just as much as high-end customs. This chopped and stretched ’56 F-100 pickup blends vintage design with custom fabrication by Blue Collar Customs.

Dressed in a deep purple finish, it features handmade details like a custom roof, flatbed, and nickel-plated interior components. It’s not flashy—it’s sharp, refined, and has just enough attitude to stand out in a crowd of chrome and flames.

1937 Ford Coupe “Crimson Ghost”

Named after a metal icon, the Crimson Ghost is all about presence. This blood-red ’37 Ford Coupe was customized by Rick Dore and features a slammed stance, chopped roof, and sharply defined grille that give it a sinister edge.

It’s got an old-school gangster look with modern polish—think smooth curves with sharp detail. The color, the stance, the craftsmanship—it all comes together to create one of the coolest rides in Hetfield’s garage.

1932 Ford “Black Jack”

The Black Jack might be the most understated car in Hetfield’s lineup, but don’t let that fool you—it’s all about the details. Built by Josh from Marietta, it’s a period-correct tribute to postwar hot rods, complete with era-accurate Stromberg carbs and Edelbrock hardware.

Its deep black paint has a subtle brown tone that gives it warmth under the light, and the stripped-back look is all part of the charm. This car is about authenticity and craftsmanship—exactly what you’d expect from a guy who knows the roots of rock and hot rods.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been car-fully, I mean carefully, reviewed by our editors. Rock on.