Voodoo Spider: Elden Titus's Masterpiece in Custom Cars

Custom Brilliance - The world of custom car building is a realm where artistry meets engineering, and few names resonate as profoundly as Elden Titus. For decades, this visionary designer redefined the possibilities of automotive craftsmanship, creating vehicles that merged functionality with an unmistakable aesthetic. One of his crowning achievements is the legendary Voodoo Spider, a hand-built masterpiece that continues to capture the imagination of car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The legendary Voodoo Spider, a hand-built masterpiece of Elden Titus that continues to capture the imagination of car enthusiasts and collectors alike. (Picture from: ModelCarsMag)

The story of the Voodoo Spider begins with a deep passion for pushing the boundaries of design. Elden Titus, often working alongside his brother Jerry, devoted his life to crafting extraordinary automobiles that transcended the conventional. The Voodoo Spider, built upon the foundation of a Jaguar XJS, is a testament to this dedication. Elden meticulously transformed every inch of the vehicle’s body, replacing the original design with hand-formed metalwork that is as elegant as it is groundbreaking. 

The Voodoo Spider, finished in Candy Apple Red with black pearl accents laid down by Ryan James and Elden Titus, elevates the car's dramatic contours, with a silver base providing luminous depth, making it a vehicle designed to turn heads and evoke wonder.. (Picture from: CoffinCorner.Proboard)

The Candy Apple Red paint was laid down by Ryan James and Elden Titus, highlighted with black pearl accents, elevates the car’s dramatic contours, while the silver base provides a luminous depth. This was a vehicle designed to turn heads and evoke wonder.

The Voodoo Spider, with an interior designed to resemble an aircraft cockpit, is a symphony of precision and creativity, featuring custom steering, instrument housings, and an electric drop-down license plate box, all reflecting Elden’s commitment to perfection. (Picture from: CoffinCorner.Proboard)

The interior of the Voodoo Spider is as striking as its exterior. Designed to resemble the cockpit of an aircraft, it is a symphony of precision and creativity. From the custom steering wheel and instrument housings to the electric drop-down license plate box, every detail showcases Elden’s commitment to perfection. The chrome-plated art spiders and machined valve covers serve as unique adornments, blending artistry with function in a way that few could achieve.

The Voodoo Spider, currently residing at Darryl Starbird's Rod & Custom Hall of Fame in Oklahoma, showcases Elden’s mastery in blending innovation with spectacle. (Picture from: CNET)

Under the hood, the Voodoo Spider boasts a 327 Chevy engine paired with a turbo transmission. The Jaguar XJS disk brake differential, adorned with custom chrome artwork, highlights the technical prowess that went into its creation. Even the electric hood opening mechanism reflects Elden’s ability to blend innovation with spectacle. This is not just a car; it’s a narrative of craftsmanship that tells a story every time the engine roars to life.

The Voodoo Spider has starred in numerous car shows, from the Culver City California Car Show to the Super Nationals in Albuquerque. (Picture from: CNET)

The Voodoo Spider’s reputation extends far beyond its technical achievements. This custom creation has been a star at numerous car shows, from the Culver City California Car Show to The Super Nationals in Albuquerque. It has graced the halls of Darryl Starbird’s Rod & Custom Hall of Fame in Oklahoma and claimed over ten top awards at prestigious competitions. Its ability to captivate audiences is a tribute to the vision and skill that Elden Titus poured into every detail.

The Vampyre, one of Elden Titus' monumental works, remains on display at Darryl Starbird's Rod & Custom Hall of Fame in Oklahoma. (Picture from: CNET)

Elden’s journey into the world of custom car building began long before the Voodoo Spider. As a child, he built intricate scale models that hinted at the designer he would become. His partnership with Darryl Starbird in the late 1960s marked the start of a career that would leave an indelible mark on the automotive world. Alongside his brother Jerry, Elden helped revive the custom car movement during the 1970s. The Merc/Deuce Reunion and the creation of the Kustom Kemps of America club were pivotal in rekindling the passion for custom car culture, culminating in the Leadsled Spectacular event in Wichita, Kansas.

The Vibrasonic, exhibited at Darryl Starbird's Rod & Custom Hall of Fame in Oklahoma, is known as Elden Titus' final work before his passing in 2008. (Picture from: CNET)

Despite his many accomplishments, Elden never lost his drive for innovation. In the years leading up to his untimely passing, he continued to push boundaries with projects like the Vampyre and the wedge-shaped Vibrasonic. The Voodoo Spider, however, remains his magnum opus—a symbol of his ability to dream boldly and execute flawlessly. | N7HcLzeV2G0 |

As we reflect on the legacy of Elden Titus, the Voodoo Spider stands as a shining example of his talent, dedication, and vision. It is more than a car; it is a work of art that continues to inspire generations of car builders and enthusiasts. Through this extraordinary creation, Elden’s spirit lives on, reminding us that the pursuit of excellence can result in timeless beauty. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HOTROD | COFFINCORNER.PROBOARD | MODELCARSMAG | JALOPYJOURNAL | STARBIRDCARSHOW ON FACEBOOK | STRAYKAT.KUSTOM ON FACEBOOK | MARKETPLACE ON FACEBOOK | CNET ]

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