The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson changed California car culture for the better through his songs

Brian Wilson – the recently deceased leader of The Beach Boys – changed California car culture for the better through his songs.

The band was formed in the 60s and had a heavy car influence in their songs.

From a Corvette to a Stingray, the musicians loved a Chevrolet vehicle.

Some of the band’s tunes inspired gearheads far and wide.

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Many top celebrities have a love of all things fast and furious.

From huge cars to luxurious boats and private jets.

For example, Will Smith owned a custom two-story motorhome costing $2.5 million that was better than most houses.

Plus, Grease and Pulp Fiction actor John Travolta spends a lot of time in the skies thanks to his private jet fleet.

But, one singer actually changed the car sphere for the better, all through music.

Wilson, the star of The Beach Boys, changed California car culture for the better through his songs.

The band was formed way back in 1961, with Brian Wilson sadly passing away yesterday (June 11).

However, he has left behind a lasting legacy through his music.

The band had many iconic songs that were released, but not many would realise that they are actually about cars.

For example, the song 409 is actually about a Chevy 409, a car that was powered by a V8 engine, which according to Engine Facts, ‘was introduced in December of 1960 as the engine of choice for the all new 1961 Impala Super Sport.’

The site continues: “It was put into production by GM because of the performance ground that had been lost due to the new, highly successful Ford 390 that had been gaining respect at the local race tracks the same year.”

Another song that was formed around an auto was ‘Shut Down’, which is supposedly about a Corvette Stingray, another Chevrolet model.

But this time, the car in the song is actually taking part in a drag race.

Another catchy verse is part of a tune labelled ‘Little Deuce Coupe’, which, you guessed it, is based on a coupe.

According to American Songwriter, the song ‘Little Deuce Coupe’ was based on a Ford Model 18. A ‘deuce coupe’ was from 1932.

Murry Wilson, The Beach Boys’ manager and the Wilson boys’ father, heard Buffalo DJ Roger Christian talking about ‘409,’ leading to a collaboration.

So there you have it – that’s just a few picks from Supercar Blondie’s favorite Beach Boy car ballads.

There are a whole host more that refer to cars, such as ‘Cherry, Cherry Coupe’ and ‘Crazy Car Cutie.’

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