Lil' John Buttera Passed away this morning

Damn..this just sucks.. Lil John was a great guy.. The front suspension on Winfields '32 salt car was designed by Lil John.. Rolling art..

Respect to john.......... Prayers to the family..

 

This truly has been a devastating week. Its like losing a piece of
ones self when a close friend leaves us. Its hard to put into words
exactly how I feel. John was a good friend and my good thoughts
are to Chris & Leigh, Ronnie, Max and Katie. John was an important
part of the Racing and Hot Rod Industry and made a big footprint
in many lives. He will be long remembered and I will treasure all
the memories I have of him.
RIP Lil John
Bear (Rodfather)

 

To the family, my prayers.

 

Something we ALL should keep in mind.
R.I.P. John.

 

Maybe Hot Rod will rerun the articles that John wrote.
They are just as relevant today.

 

What a sad day this is.
Lil John was a true craftsman,superior engineer one of my fathers great influences and wonderful family friend
Almost two weeks ago Lil John called up my father to tell him to keep doing what he's doing.
I'll never forget the great converation we had in Pomona and the times I answered the phone at the shop and he was on the line.
Lil John you are sadly missed thanks for being an influence, great friend, and a great contributor to the racing and the hot rodding industry.
R.I.P Lil John

Ashley and Dan Webb
Webb Automotive Art

 

RIP

JOHN

thanks for the inspiration

 

RIP John.

 

Well, in this time of loss, I feel kinda guilty, selfish, really. I can't help but think of how fortunate we are to not only lived at the same time as these guys, but to have the technology available to see the stuff that these guys were involved with.(Print, internet, and ability to travel distance in a reasonable amount of time). I did not (as some of you) know any of them personally, but I saw the work they did, was inspired by their craftsmanship, and awed at the determination and work ethic to get things done. Take comfort in what you believe, take pride in what you do, and take advantage of the "tools" available to you

tc

 

sad news. he will be missed.

 

VERY sorry for read this..
Rest in peace Lil' John...

 

He was a hell of a craftsman I first meet John back in the early 70's when he built Mickey Thompson Maverick Funny Car. His work move on with the Snake, Mongoose FC and others. Had the opportunity to own a Vega FC that he built ( never raced it ) . He will be missed my all Drag Racers & Rodders .... RIP John. One Cool Guy..






http://www.liljohnsplace.com/

 

Hate to jump on the bandwagon, but this guy was the first hot rod builder's name I knew by heart. From 1972 in LA when I got my "Snake vs Mongoose" Hot Wheels set, I've been influenced by his style.

RIP

 

rip Lil John Buttera................ugghhh

 

Godspeed "LIL"...........

 

Sorry to here this news. As the legends fall others are created but non can take the original's place. God bless John's family and all whose lives he touched.

 

I'd been praying for his recovery..... Damn, RIP John

 

That's not good. I really liked his work. He'll be missed.
Condolences to his family

 

RIP, Lil John.
I am in the "Funny Car" business today because of this exact car.
Its funny how one little thing can shape your whole life...
Life is too short, Go hard till the end.

 

Sad day indeed....sad week. My condolences to his family and friends. RIP

 

RIP.......lil'John

 

Johns work will allways stand out like something beyond real .. ( wanted to ad smillies , but it seemed like ... Well , you know.. )
In loss of good english : TAKK !! ... .
I learned about Johns work by reading stuff that "Dad" Baskerville posted in R&C & "Hot-Rod" magazine ..... The Subtle, but still :WILD High-tech T-Tudor ... , the insanely NICE `29 roadster , The `32 3winder .. , The WILD stuff he created ... ... The stuff he previously did to make Dragsters go fast .... Slim strong chassies ..!!
Make a billet alu -bar look like a mirror by removing everything that does not look like a mirror .... MAN ...
What can I say ... this is too sad ..
Klaz

 

I had the honor to meet John a couple of times, the latest was at Del Mar last year where I spent a few hours with him talking about the Indy stuff in particular and how he made it there despite all of the better financed players (my words not his). He was relentless in everything that he did.

I am just grateful that I had the chance to listen to some of his awesome stories and experiences. My prayers and thoughts with his family and friends.

Godspeed, Lil' John.

 

Don't you know Buttera, Boyd, & Baskerville are having a time right now.

RIP John.

JH

 

Damn. What a tragic loss to the rodding community and his family.

I still have the copy of the picture of his '26 T sedan I had taped on my wall back in the mid 70's when I was a 12 year old kid. That car really turned my crank back then, and still does.

 

Michaelangelo would have admired John's approach, esp in describing how to make a rear view mirror. Thanks for the guidance Lil' John.

 

So sad. What an icon. A true hero to the hot rod world. He will be sorely missed. Deepenst condolences to his family and friends. May the March Meet this weekend be a celebration of his life.

RIP

 

My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

 

Hopefully Parks,Hart and Nancy are with them too .....

 

RIP......his work will stand forever....as a statement to his vision & craftsmanship. An insperation to people all over the world.